10.4 Information sources

Make use of as many available information sources as possible. By seeking information from many different sources, the assessment team can cross-reference different responses to determine the best single estimate or conclusion and avoid bias. This is called ‘triangulation’ of data.

Key sources of information include:

• disaster-affected communities

• Leaders, vulnerable groups, women, health workers, school teachers, institutions, community based organisations, youth, etc.

• local government representatives and offices
• local and international NGOs and coordinating bodies
• UN agencies
• Humanitarian Information Centres
• donor agencies
• local and international news media
• suppliers and commercial organisations