Are man made disasters like plane crashes and nuclear accidents treated differently from natural disasters?
The phases of relief are similar, regardless of whether the disaster is natural, accidental or intentional. Firefighters, police officers and paramedics are usually the first to arrive and assist during a disaster. Funding and resources for more extensive responses may vary, depending on insurance coverage and other factors. If, for example, a privately-owned structure collapses, the owner is usually held responsible for damages, whether covered by insurance or not. Furthermore, legal suits from disaster survivors or their families often take years to settle. In the case of plane crashes or other transportation malfunctions, the cause is not always quickly determined. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) – an independent government agency – and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) investigate and determine the causes of transportation accidents. If a disaster is caused by a crime or act of terrorism, the DHS will take over the proceedings. Insurance companies generally
