The need for a holistic theoretical approach: an examination from the El Niño disasters in Peru

Is a holistic approach to the disaster problem required? Seeks to answer this question by examining the 1997‐1998 El Niño disasters in Peru. Explores the key factors that contributed to the disaster and highlights the subsequent effects and response operations. Discusses the need for a theory of disaster management that takes into account all types of hazards, numerous variables from the physical and social environments, as well as each phase of emergency management.