Civil-Military Cooperation in Disaster Relief Operations: A Case Study of the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman Earthquake Disaster Relief Operation in Thailand

Abstract

Abstract

The 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake in the Indian Ocean was one of the deadliest natural disasters in the world recorded history which caused massive impacts on 14 countries including 6 provinces in the southern part of Thailand. The relief operation for this disaster was the biggest multilateral disaster relief operation of all time. Approximately, 35 countries provided more than 30,000 military personnel and munitions for emergency assistances. Moreover, 14 UN specialized agencies, 38 local organizations, and 195 international humanitarian organizations also joined the operation over the 3-month period.

            In Thailand, both military and civilian authorities played very important role in the relief mission. The article aims to illustrate the civil-military cooperation at the operational level including the related arguments dealing with civil-military cooperation in disaster relief operation.

            The findings of the study reveal the cooperation between military personnel and civilian occurred on the basis of case by case. The chains of command between military and civilian sectorswere separated.The relationship between two sectors was quite informal and depended much on personnel connection. Even though no Civil-Military Operation Center (CMOC) was set up,good relationship between themwas found. Mutual trust occurred throughout civil-military coordination. Different chains of command between civilian and military units were satisfactory when there were good and adequate points of contact. Besides, personal connection as well as official relations, either separately or coordinately, provided strength in many aspects of the operation such as trust and respect, good teamwork, compatibility, unity of effort, quick response, and happiness among aid providers.

Keywords: Disaster relief operation, Civil-military cooperation, 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake in the Indian Ocean