The 1944 eruption of Vesuvius occurred at the height of the Second World War. A successful emergency relief operation was launched by the Allied Control Commission and was led by an American officer, Lt. Col. (James) Leslie Kincaid. In this paper we both describe the operation and evaluate its effectiveness pointing out, inter alia: the importance of well-trained and experienced personnel; the need for expertise across a wide range of specialisms; the ability to both empathise with victims, but at the same time lead and strongly direct a successful military operation and work harmoniously and effectively with allies.
PurposeThis research aims to examine the extent to which eruptions and earthquakes are explained using religious terms of reference within Islamic countries, and those where Muslims constitute a significant minority. Is the notion that disasters represent divine punishment so pervasive that the only reaction for the devout believer is passive acceptance of suffering or, alternatively, is the innovation of policies of disaster reduction acceptable theologically?Design/methodology/approachInformation is derived from: bibliographic sources; archives; questionnaires; and interviews.FindingsThere is a distinctive theological perception of natural disasters within Islamic thought. Although the inhabitants of Islamic countries may explain earthquake and eruption losses in religious terms, there is little evidence to suggest that this inhibits the introduction of programmes of planned loss reduction. Relief is a generally acceptable response for both aid donors and recipients.Research limitations/implicationsThe impact of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes is not as well researched as those occurring in countries with a Christian ethos. Generalizations have had to be made from a more limited set of examples. More detailed research is required both within the countries affected and in the languages used in hazard‐exposed Islamic states (e.g. Arabic, Urdu and Farsi).Practical implicationsIntroduction of programmes of hazard reduction is generally possible in Islamic countries, but requires theological justification.Originality/valueIn comparison with the study of earthquake and eruption impacts in countries with a Christian ethos, little has been published on disasters and Islam.
