Cause n Consequence
Livestreaming Of book reading of Preparing for the Day After - A Photojournalistic Treatise on Disaster Mitigation
Livestreaming Of book reading of Preparing for the Day After - A Photojournalistic Treatise on Disaster Mitigation
The you tube book reading sessions below have age restriction because there are some disturbing visuals not suitable for children's' viewing. If you are above 18 you can click on the link and watch on You Tube.
The you tube book reading sessions below have age restriction because there are some disturbing visuals not suitable for children's' viewing. If you are above 18 you can click on the link and watch on You Tube.
World Tsunami Awareness Day November 5th 2018
World Tsunami Awareness Day November 5th 2018
Tsunamis account for $280 billion in economic losses over last twenty years
Tsunamis account for $280 billion in economic losses over last twenty years
GENEVA, 2 November 2018 – The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) today called attention to the significant loss of life and economic losses associated with tsunamis, notably for countries bordering the Indian and Pacific Oceans, over the last twenty years.
GENEVA, 2 November 2018 – The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) today called attention to the significant loss of life and economic losses associated with tsunamis, notably for countries bordering the Indian and Pacific Oceans, over the last twenty years.
A review of available data from tsunami events puts these losses at 251,770 deaths and US$280 billion out of recorded economic losses for earthquakes and tsunamis of US$661.5 billion (1998-2017).
A review of available data from tsunami events puts these losses at 251,770 deaths and US$280 billion out of recorded economic losses for earthquakes and tsunamis of US$661.5 billion (1998-2017).
This compares with 998 deaths and US$2.7 billion in recorded losses from tsunamis over the previous twenty years when total recorded economic losses for earthquakes and tsunamis was US$410.9 billion (1978-1997).
This compares with 998 deaths and US$2.7 billion in recorded losses from tsunamis over the previous twenty years when total recorded economic losses for earthquakes and tsunamis was US$410.9 billion (1978-1997).
The figures come from the emergency events database maintained by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, based at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. One event, the great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011 accounts for over 19,000 deaths and economic losses of US$228 billion.
The figures come from the emergency events database maintained by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, based at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. One event, the great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011 accounts for over 19,000 deaths and economic losses of US$228 billion.
The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mami Mizutori, said: “November 5 is World Tsunami Awareness Day and it is an occasion to promote greater understanding of tsunami risk to avoid future loss of life. This year we also want to bring attention to the economic losses tsunamis can inflict as a result of damage to critical infrastructure located along vulnerable, densely populated coastlines.
The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mami Mizutori, said: “November 5 is World Tsunami Awareness Day and it is an occasion to promote greater understanding of tsunami risk to avoid future loss of life. This year we also want to bring attention to the economic losses tsunamis can inflict as a result of damage to critical infrastructure located along vulnerable, densely populated coastlines.
“Central Sulawesi in Indonesia is still in the early stages of recovery from an earthquake and tsunami which struck on September 28 and is a vivid demonstration of why it is that earthquakes and tsunamis claim more lives than any other natural hazard and cause huge economic losses which make it more challenging to eradicate poverty in many parts of the world. We need to support Indonesia in their efforts to build back better.”
“Central Sulawesi in Indonesia is still in the early stages of recovery from an earthquake and tsunami which struck on September 28 and is a vivid demonstration of why it is that earthquakes and tsunamis claim more lives than any other natural hazard and cause huge economic losses which make it more challenging to eradicate poverty in many parts of the world. We need to support Indonesia in their efforts to build back better.”
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EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS IN KODAGU
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Sourced from Social Media
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
Cause n Consequence
Cause n Consequence
Digital Discourse Foundation
While the Asian Tsunami / Boxing Day Tsunami of 26th December 2004 was quite literally the watershed in firming the resolve of the international community to render resilient -vulnerable populations to recurrent natural calamities, - many countries have legislated laws on disaster management and issued policy guidelines to institutionalise best practices to reduce the risk of disasters to vulnerable populations in calamity prone areas. It is prudent to distinguish between disasters and calamities. While natural calamities are inevitable in the future too, it is upto human civilisation to reduce the impact of the calamities on the human landscape – the disaster. Reducing disaster risk thus implies making the identified vulnerable populations resilient to the impact of disasters.
While the Asian Tsunami / Boxing Day Tsunami of 26th December 2004 was quite literally the watershed in firming the resolve of the international community to render resilient -vulnerable populations to recurrent natural calamities, - many countries have legislated laws on disaster management and issued policy guidelines to institutionalise best practices to reduce the risk of disasters to vulnerable populations in calamity prone areas. It is prudent to distinguish between disasters and calamities. While natural calamities are inevitable in the future too, it is upto human civilisation to reduce the impact of the calamities on the human landscape – the disaster. Reducing disaster risk thus implies making the identified vulnerable populations resilient to the impact of disasters.
Man-made disasters on the other hand - can be reasonably agreed upon - that it is not naturally induced, but a plain fault in the complex societies that have incurred deleterious events to hamper human functioning. That said, there is hardly any country / region / territory or state that is spared any or more of the following calamities.
Man-made disasters on the other hand - can be reasonably agreed upon - that it is not naturally induced, but a plain fault in the complex societies that have incurred deleterious events to hamper human functioning. That said, there is hardly any country / region / territory or state that is spared any or more of the following calamities.
Among the man-made disasters that humanity has suffered from, mention may be made of:
Among the man-made disasters that humanity has suffered from, mention may be made of:
Aviation disasters, Building collapses, Communal strife, Dam bursts, Ethnic Cleansing, Hijackings, Industrial disasters, Multi vehicle road and other highway Accidents, Pogroms, Shipping disasters, Terrorism, Train accidents and Urban infernos, Urban Floods, War induced migration and Mining disasters.
Aviation disasters, Building collapses, Communal strife, Dam bursts, Ethnic Cleansing, Hijackings, Industrial disasters, Multi vehicle road and other highway Accidents, Pogroms, Shipping disasters, Terrorism, Train accidents and Urban infernos, Urban Floods, War induced migration and Mining disasters.
Among the natural calamities disaster managers count Avalanches, Blizzards, Cloudbursts, Coastal Incursion, Cyclones, Droughts, Desertification, (differential impact of) El Niño Southern Oscillation, Epidemics, earthquakes, Floods, Flash Floods, Famine, Forest Fires, Fog, Hailstorm Landslides, Mudslides, sand storm, Sea surge, Storms, squalls, thunderstorms, Tsunamis, Volcanoes.
Among the natural calamities disaster managers count Avalanches, Blizzards, Cloudbursts, Coastal Incursion, Cyclones, Droughts, Desertification, (differential impact of) El Niño Southern Oscillation, Epidemics, earthquakes, Floods, Flash Floods, Famine, Forest Fires, Fog, Hailstorm Landslides, Mudslides, sand storm, Sea surge, Storms, squalls, thunderstorms, Tsunamis, Volcanoes.
How to reduce the risk of disasters or impact of calamities is a question that has engaged disaster managers – administrators - who have gathered the intellectual capital of scientists, activists, anthropologists, writers / Media, bureaucrats, political leaders, and researchers to draw up administrative best practices to reduce loss of lives, livelihoods, landscape and livestock.
How to reduce the risk of disasters or impact of calamities is a question that has engaged disaster managers – administrators - who have gathered the intellectual capital of scientists, activists, anthropologists, writers / Media, bureaucrats, political leaders, and researchers to draw up administrative best practices to reduce loss of lives, livelihoods, landscape and livestock.
Serious consultation and documentation of best practices have led to incorporating the development quotient into policy guidelines to reduce the impact of inevitable natural calamities on vulnerable populace. These have manifested as installations of early warning infrastructure for execution of standard operating procedures to effect preventive evacuations; like in seismically active areas where ‘inevitable’ earthquakes often trigger Tsunamis, soil testing before construction of multi storied buildings; financial compliance to earthquake safe architecture, etc. Thus preventive evacuations makes the difference between life and death a welcome development; taking up intensive re-greening initiatives to prevent landslides mudslides and flash floods and floods in areas prone to such calamities where the weak and vulnerable often live cheek by jowl with the might of unpredictable Mother Nature makes it a prescient legislation back green guideline. …
Serious consultation and documentation of best practices have led to incorporating the development quotient into policy guidelines to reduce the impact of inevitable natural calamities on vulnerable populace. These have manifested as installations of early warning infrastructure for execution of standard operating procedures to effect preventive evacuations; like in seismically active areas where ‘inevitable’ earthquakes often trigger Tsunamis, soil testing before construction of multi storied buildings; financial compliance to earthquake safe architecture, etc. Thus preventive evacuations makes the difference between life and death a welcome development; taking up intensive re-greening initiatives to prevent landslides mudslides and flash floods and floods in areas prone to such calamities where the weak and vulnerable often live cheek by jowl with the might of unpredictable Mother Nature makes it a prescient legislation back green guideline. …
The Philippines has undertaken massive re-greening of the hills for example where landslides are triggered as much by seismic activities as the fearsome hydrometeorological calamities that visit the Philippines ever so angrier and oftener in the day and age of climate change. Brazil has a lot to learn on this score – the need for a sustainable or (a plus green) economy is sorely felt in rapidly rising Brazilian economy. Disaster Risk Reduction – or DRR calls for established protocols.
The Philippines has undertaken massive re-greening of the hills for example where landslides are triggered as much by seismic activities as the fearsome hydrometeorological calamities that visit the Philippines ever so angrier and oftener in the day and age of climate change. Brazil has a lot to learn on this score – the need for a sustainable or (a plus green) economy is sorely felt in rapidly rising Brazilian economy. Disaster Risk Reduction – or DRR calls for established protocols.
However seismically active Indonesia – say experts - needs robust DRR protocols. The Tsunami shelters built in the aftermath of the 2004 Asian Tsunami lack effective water and sanitation – a recipe for secondary disasters like water borne diseases amongst the survivors of a future calamity. Earthquake safe housing is also not coded in Indonesia with greater emphasis being given to financial sustainability.
However seismically active Indonesia – say experts - needs robust DRR protocols. The Tsunami shelters built in the aftermath of the 2004 Asian Tsunami lack effective water and sanitation – a recipe for secondary disasters like water borne diseases amongst the survivors of a future calamity. Earthquake safe housing is also not coded in Indonesia with greater emphasis being given to financial sustainability.
The earthquake shelters in Banda Aceh Indonesia are sited on higher ground keeping view the very real threat of tsunami. These shelters lack infrastructure like water and sanitation, approach roads, broadcasting mechanisms for effective early warning (indeed most sirens in Banda Aceh are reportedly dysfunctional). But Indonesia is vulnerable to multiple hazards like cyclones, floods, droughts, mudslides, volcanoes etc. Disaster risk reduction in Indonesia like much of its planning is a big challenge. © Dr. Sampurnananda Mahapatra / Digital Discourse
The earthquake shelters in Banda Aceh Indonesia are sited on higher ground keeping view the very real threat of tsunami. These shelters lack infrastructure like water and sanitation, approach roads, broadcasting mechanisms for effective early warning (indeed most sirens in Banda Aceh are reportedly dysfunctional). But Indonesia is vulnerable to multiple hazards like cyclones, floods, droughts, mudslides, volcanoes etc. Disaster risk reduction in Indonesia like much of its planning is a big challenge. © Dr. Sampurnananda Mahapatra / Digital Discourse
Haiti too has a long way to go in terms of DRR infrastructure. Chronic cholera has taken the toll of as many people as 9200 people while the earthquake killed 230000 – as many as who died in the Asian Tsunami of 2004. A New York Times Report in March 2016 < https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/19/world/americas/cholera-deaths-in-haiti-could-far-exceed-official-count.html?_r=0> spoke of 9200 deaths from cholera from the congested water stressed earthquake shelters for the survivors of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. It is one of the most powerful stories of corruption taking a human toll.
Haiti too has a long way to go in terms of DRR infrastructure. Chronic cholera has taken the toll of as many people as 9200 people while the earthquake killed 230000 – as many as who died in the Asian Tsunami of 2004. A New York Times Report in March 2016 < https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/19/world/americas/cholera-deaths-in-haiti-could-far-exceed-official-count.html?_r=0> spoke of 9200 deaths from cholera from the congested water stressed earthquake shelters for the survivors of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. It is one of the most powerful stories of corruption taking a human toll.
Lack of clean potable water in earthquake shelters for the survivors of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti has triggered chronic cholera.
Lack of clean potable water in earthquake shelters for the survivors of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti has triggered chronic cholera.
However India has a few success stories to boast of in DRR. India’s Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (www.incois.gov.in) an ocean research institute based in Hyderabad in South India has honed its skills of tsunami forecasting and issues accurate early warning of tsunamis in the aftermath of earthquakes in the Indian Ocean region. The early warning is followed up by state administrations affected by the tsunami forecast with the administrators coordinating standard operating procedure. They then report prevention of loss of life and livestock. Similarly the Indian Meteorological Department successfully forecast the path of a very severe cyclonic storm in the first week of October 2013 and the National Disaster Management Authority (www.ndma.gov.in) made all out efforts to switch off power supply, evacuate people in the path of the cyclone in Odisha, prepared cyclone shelters with food, medicines and blankets. However just a few months earlier the Uttarakhand flash floods could not be forecast and the flash floods took a heavy toll of human lives in the peak of the pilgrimage season. Although some attributed it to lack of political will to evacuate pilgrims even after heavy rains and landslides were forecast, the fact remains that the then Chairman of the NDMA admitted to the Media that they had insufficient time to coordinate standard operations procedure because flash floods could not be forecast. The final death count in Uttarakhand – due to the flash floods - could not be quantified at all; such was nature’s carnage.
However India has a few success stories to boast of in DRR. India’s Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (www.incois.gov.in) an ocean research institute based in Hyderabad in South India has honed its skills of tsunami forecasting and issues accurate early warning of tsunamis in the aftermath of earthquakes in the Indian Ocean region. The early warning is followed up by state administrations affected by the tsunami forecast with the administrators coordinating standard operating procedure. They then report prevention of loss of life and livestock. Similarly the Indian Meteorological Department successfully forecast the path of a very severe cyclonic storm in the first week of October 2013 and the National Disaster Management Authority (www.ndma.gov.in) made all out efforts to switch off power supply, evacuate people in the path of the cyclone in Odisha, prepared cyclone shelters with food, medicines and blankets. However just a few months earlier the Uttarakhand flash floods could not be forecast and the flash floods took a heavy toll of human lives in the peak of the pilgrimage season. Although some attributed it to lack of political will to evacuate pilgrims even after heavy rains and landslides were forecast, the fact remains that the then Chairman of the NDMA admitted to the Media that they had insufficient time to coordinate standard operations procedure because flash floods could not be forecast. The final death count in Uttarakhand – due to the flash floods - could not be quantified at all; such was nature’s carnage.
Nevertheless corruption stalks Indian efforts at DRR too. A planned conversion of a ship into a floating hospital for disaster prone Andaman Nicobar Islands disappeared off the radars of media and Island Administration; transparency activists were fobbed off and Media pushed aside in the near totalitarian, federally administered volcanic Islands as this writer discovered while writing her book Preparing for the Day After https://play.google.com/books/reader?printsec=frontcover&output=reader&id=QoMgAwAAAEAJ&pg=GBS.PA53 in 2014. Tsunami is not the only disaster that will strike Andaman Nicobar Islands. As a consequence of the Mega Earthquake of 26th December 2004 sinkholes are appearing everywhere in ANI. Water spouts from the sea have escaped the attention and documentation of the Administration. No studies have been conducted nor have financial / scientific measures been taken to refurbish earthquake safe construction. Indeed the number of shelters built after the Asian Tsunami lack earthquake safe certification in Nicobar Islands! Mock drills are rare. Media in the Islands is not trained to scrutinise DRR initiatives of the Island Administration. The water stress in a region of heavy rains is ironically the recipe for an imminent water crisis. Drought and flash floods, cyclones are only some of the hydrometeorological disasters that regularly visit the Andaman Nicobar Islands.
Nevertheless corruption stalks Indian efforts at DRR too. A planned conversion of a ship into a floating hospital for disaster prone Andaman Nicobar Islands disappeared off the radars of media and Island Administration; transparency activists were fobbed off and Media pushed aside in the near totalitarian, federally administered volcanic Islands as this writer discovered while writing her book Preparing for the Day After https://play.google.com/books/reader?printsec=frontcover&output=reader&id=QoMgAwAAAEAJ&pg=GBS.PA53 in 2014. Tsunami is not the only disaster that will strike Andaman Nicobar Islands. As a consequence of the Mega Earthquake of 26th December 2004 sinkholes are appearing everywhere in ANI. Water spouts from the sea have escaped the attention and documentation of the Administration. No studies have been conducted nor have financial / scientific measures been taken to refurbish earthquake safe construction. Indeed the number of shelters built after the Asian Tsunami lack earthquake safe certification in Nicobar Islands! Mock drills are rare. Media in the Islands is not trained to scrutinise DRR initiatives of the Island Administration. The water stress in a region of heavy rains is ironically the recipe for an imminent water crisis. Drought and flash floods, cyclones are only some of the hydrometeorological disasters that regularly visit the Andaman Nicobar Islands.
In its favour however the Island administration has constructed roads and established evacuation infrastructure for the seismically volatile Islands. Communication infrastructure in the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami is commendable.
In its favour however the Island administration has constructed roads and established evacuation infrastructure for the seismically volatile Islands. Communication infrastructure in the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami is commendable.
Where democratic functioning is transparent – disaster managers agree - that protocols for disaster risk reduction can be effectively implemented. DRR calls for committed scientists, high level of development, good economic infrastructure, indeed a thriving but sustainable economy and development, transparent governance, informed populace, robust civil society, and last but not the least a powerful well informed and active Media.
Where democratic functioning is transparent – disaster managers agree - that protocols for disaster risk reduction can be effectively implemented. DRR calls for committed scientists, high level of development, good economic infrastructure, indeed a thriving but sustainable economy and development, transparent governance, informed populace, robust civil society, and last but not the least a powerful well informed and active Media.
The most challenging of all disasters to prepare for is the unseen Climate Change, imminent and powerful it has the potential to alter life as we know it across time and space. Forecasters are increasingly challenged by the ferocity and untimely climate change events straddling societies across the globe. Cyclone Pam, Cyclone Nargis, Cyclone Debbie, Cyclone Cook, (New Zealand’s meteorologists are gender neutral thank god!) are the ones from recent years that come to mind. Climate change and disaster risk reduction are closely linked. “More extreme weather events in future are likely to increase the number and scale of disasters, while at the same time, the existing methods and tools of disaster risk reduction provide powerful capacities for adaptation to climate change” says a UNISDR release.
The most challenging of all disasters to prepare for is the unseen Climate Change, imminent and powerful it has the potential to alter life as we know it across time and space. Forecasters are increasingly challenged by the ferocity and untimely climate change events straddling societies across the globe. Cyclone Pam, Cyclone Nargis, Cyclone Debbie, Cyclone Cook, (New Zealand’s meteorologists are gender neutral thank god!) are the ones from recent years that come to mind. Climate change and disaster risk reduction are closely linked. “More extreme weather events in future are likely to increase the number and scale of disasters, while at the same time, the existing methods and tools of disaster risk reduction provide powerful capacities for adaptation to climate change” says a UNISDR release.
“Experts from around the world are set to launch a drive to improve warnings for an interlocking range of hazards and step up what is known as impact-based forecasting. Both are key aims of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, a 15-year agreement adopted by the international community in 2015. They will do so at the two-day Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference, which feeds into the 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, also taking place in Cancun, Mexico from 22 to 26 May” says another UNISDR <release> (http://www.unisdr.org/archive/52972).
“Experts from around the world are set to launch a drive to improve warnings for an interlocking range of hazards and step up what is known as impact-based forecasting. Both are key aims of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, a 15-year agreement adopted by the international community in 2015. They will do so at the two-day Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference, which feeds into the 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, also taking place in Cancun, Mexico from 22 to 26 May” says another UNISDR <release> (http://www.unisdr.org/archive/52972).
While the standards of post disaster logistics in the United States of America is the highest, the administration of relief efforts post Katrina – according to some media reports - left much to be desired.
While the standards of post disaster logistics in the United States of America is the highest, the administration of relief efforts post Katrina – according to some media reports - left much to be desired.
All the same, the United States has – again - set high standards in preventing another terrorist attack on US soil after the 9/11 attacks, thanks to its effective intelligence gathering, standard operating procedures and related disaster mitigation efforts. There are lessons to be shared here with the whole world in this one successful segment of the war on terror.
All the same, the United States has – again - set high standards in preventing another terrorist attack on US soil after the 9/11 attacks, thanks to its effective intelligence gathering, standard operating procedures and related disaster mitigation efforts. There are lessons to be shared here with the whole world in this one successful segment of the war on terror.
Introduction to disaster risk reduction
Introduction to disaster risk reduction
By Malini Shankar,
Digital Discourse Foundation
Disaster is by definition the impact of a calamity – natural or man-made - on the human landscape. Disaster risk reduction – it follows is the attempt to reduce the impact of the calamity on human society – including lives, livelihood, landscape, livestock, so that human beings and their dependents can recover better from the next inevitable calamity. To increase resilience, we need to build back better after every calamity.
Disaster is by definition the impact of a calamity – natural or man-made - on the human landscape. Disaster risk reduction – it follows is the attempt to reduce the impact of the calamity on human society – including lives, livelihood, landscape, livestock, so that human beings and their dependents can recover better from the next inevitable calamity. To increase resilience, we need to build back better after every calamity.
Man-made disasters include Aviation disasters, Building collapses, Communal strife, Dam bursts, Ethnic conflict, Hijackings, Industrial disasters, Multi vehicle road and other highway accidents, Migration, Pogroms, Shipping disasters, Terrorism, Train accidents, Urban infernos.
Man-made disasters include Aviation disasters, Building collapses, Communal strife, Dam bursts, Ethnic conflict, Hijackings, Industrial disasters, Multi vehicle road and other highway accidents, Migration, Pogroms, Shipping disasters, Terrorism, Train accidents, Urban infernos.
The terrorist attacks of 11th September 2001 in New York and Washington DC are unparalled in human history. The wanton destruction and manslaughter of thousands of human souls and dent on the economy created a paradigm shift in policy, defence strategies, indeed geo politics, and paved the way for strategizing on terrorism preparedness.
The terrorist attacks of 11th September 2001 in New York and Washington DC are unparalled in human history. The wanton destruction and manslaughter of thousands of human souls and dent on the economy created a paradigm shift in policy, defence strategies, indeed geo politics, and paved the way for strategizing on terrorism preparedness.
Disaster Risk Reduction is not an attempt to prevent the next natural calamity! That is possible however in preventing the next manmade disaster. Natural calamities belong to the realm of inevitable geological processes. DRR aims at reducing the impact of calamities on the human landscape – by increasing the resilience of vulnerable people and people living in hazard prone areas.
Disaster Risk Reduction is not an attempt to prevent the next natural calamity! That is possible however in preventing the next manmade disaster. Natural calamities belong to the realm of inevitable geological processes. DRR aims at reducing the impact of calamities on the human landscape – by increasing the resilience of vulnerable people and people living in hazard prone areas.
Natural calamities are variously subsumed as under:
Natural calamities are variously subsumed as under:
Geological calamities that include earthquakes, volcanoes, Tsunamis; the rarer phenomena include asteroid strikes, meteor hits, solar flares, Geomagnetic storms, El Nino Southern Oscillation, and the very rare reversal of poles.
Geological calamities that include earthquakes, volcanoes, Tsunamis; the rarer phenomena include asteroid strikes, meteor hits, solar flares, Geomagnetic storms, El Nino Southern Oscillation, and the very rare reversal of poles.
Hydrometeorological disasters include: Avalanches, Blizzards, Cloudbursts, Coastal Incursion, Cyclones, Droughts, Desertification, (differential impact of) El Niño Southern Oscillation, Epidemics, Floods, Flash Floods, Famine, Forest Fires, Fog, Hailstorm, Hurricanes, Landslides, Mudslides, Sand storm, Sea surge, Storms, squalls, Thunderstorms, Tsunamis (although tsunamis are usually related to seismic triggers they can be caused by iceberg melts), Typhoons.
Hydrometeorological disasters include: Avalanches, Blizzards, Cloudbursts, Coastal Incursion, Cyclones, Droughts, Desertification, (differential impact of) El Niño Southern Oscillation, Epidemics, Floods, Flash Floods, Famine, Forest Fires, Fog, Hailstorm, Hurricanes, Landslides, Mudslides, Sand storm, Sea surge, Storms, squalls, Thunderstorms, Tsunamis (although tsunamis are usually related to seismic triggers they can be caused by iceberg melts), Typhoons.
Planning is the quintessence of disaster risk reduction © Satyawan Narinedhat Unspash.com
Planning is the quintessence of disaster risk reduction © Satyawan Narinedhat Unspash.com
The jury is still out there if climate change is part of an inevitable geological cycle, nevertheless there is irrefutable evidence that anthropogenic factors are exacerbating the frequency of the current cycle of climate change events.
The jury is still out there if climate change is part of an inevitable geological cycle, nevertheless there is irrefutable evidence that anthropogenic factors are exacerbating the frequency of the current cycle of climate change events.
The impact of these extreme weather events can weaken the vulnerable sections of society in all sovereign states, regions, territories and areas. There is hardly any sovereign state, region, territory or area that is not at risk of any one or more of the natural and man-made disasters. Vulnerable sections of society include fishers, indigenous people, differently abled people, ethnic and religious minorities, unemployed people, frail and infirm, nursing mothers, infants, people living with mental health issues etc.
The impact of these extreme weather events can weaken the vulnerable sections of society in all sovereign states, regions, territories and areas. There is hardly any sovereign state, region, territory or area that is not at risk of any one or more of the natural and man-made disasters. Vulnerable sections of society include fishers, indigenous people, differently abled people, ethnic and religious minorities, unemployed people, frail and infirm, nursing mothers, infants, people living with mental health issues etc.
Building resilience calls for instituting risk reduction strategies like early warning, standard operating procedures, aware public that knows the Dos and Don’ts, robust infrastructure preparedness, inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction strategies aimed at reducing disaster impact on differently abled people, geriatric population, and people living with mental health issues; transparent governance, trained first responder communities, regular mock drills in all administrative units, and broadcast / webcast / dissemination of mock drills in all hazard prone areas are quintessential to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
Building resilience calls for instituting risk reduction strategies like early warning, standard operating procedures, aware public that knows the Dos and Don’ts, robust infrastructure preparedness, inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction strategies aimed at reducing disaster impact on differently abled people, geriatric population, and people living with mental health issues; transparent governance, trained first responder communities, regular mock drills in all administrative units, and broadcast / webcast / dissemination of mock drills in all hazard prone areas are quintessential to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
Links:
1. http://nidm.gov.in/PDF/Disaster_geo.pdf
2. http://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/environment/geological-hazards.php
3. https://www.livescience.com/33316-top-10-deadliest-natural-disasters.html
4. https://www.slideshare.net/purohitn13/geological-disasters
5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/natural_disasters/
6. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171017114344.htm
UNISDR: MASS EVACUATIONS SAVE LIVES IN EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
UNISDR: MASS EVACUATIONS SAVE LIVES IN EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS
GENEVA, 18 September 2018 – This year will probably go down as one of the hottest years on record and is turning out to be another remarkable year for extreme weather events.
GENEVA, 18 September 2018 – This year will probably go down as one of the hottest years on record and is turning out to be another remarkable year for extreme weather events.
Record temperatures, heat waves, storms, floods, drought and heavy rainfall have been evident across the globe.
Record temperatures, heat waves, storms, floods, drought and heavy rainfall have been evident across the globe.
Following earlier catastrophes this year, notably wildfires in north America and Europe, widespread flooding in India, flooding and landslides in Japan, we are now experiencing floods and storms which are disrupting the lives of millions across the Americas, Africa and Asia.
Following earlier catastrophes this year, notably wildfires in north America and Europe, widespread flooding in India, flooding and landslides in Japan, we are now experiencing floods and storms which are disrupting the lives of millions across the Americas, Africa and Asia.
This confirms the long term trend of the last forty years which has seen a doubling in the number of recorded extreme weather events which now regularly account for 90% of disasters caused by natural hazards notably floods, storms, landslides and wildfires.
This confirms the long term trend of the last forty years which has seen a doubling in the number of recorded extreme weather events which now regularly account for 90% of disasters caused by natural hazards notably floods, storms, landslides and wildfires.
Despite the extensive threat posed by events such as Typhoon Mangkhut in the Philippines and China, there has been relatively low mortality because of the success of weather forecasting, early warning systems and better public understanding of disaster risk.
Despite the extensive threat posed by events such as Typhoon Mangkhut in the Philippines and China, there has been relatively low mortality because of the success of weather forecasting, early warning systems and better public understanding of disaster risk.
The most visible sign of this is the record numbers of people who have been evacuated out of harm’s way over the last ten days, notably in the US, China and the Philippines.
The most visible sign of this is the record numbers of people who have been evacuated out of harm’s way over the last ten days, notably in the US, China and the Philippines.
However, the economic losses are likely to be considerable and the impact on the poor will be hardest. This underlines the importance of strategies to reduce disaster risk which include better adaptation to climate change.
However, the economic losses are likely to be considerable and the impact on the poor will be hardest. This underlines the importance of strategies to reduce disaster risk which include better adaptation to climate change.
UNISDR would like to draw attention to the growing risk posed by landslides worldwide due often to a combination of human activities and heavy rainfall.
UNISDR would like to draw attention to the growing risk posed by landslides worldwide due often to a combination of human activities and heavy rainfall.
One example of this was highlighted by the tragic loss of life in the Philippines from the landslide which struck the mining site of Itogon in Benguet province at the weekend. 33 miners have been confirmed dead and the death toll is likely to rise further as search and rescue efforts continue.
One example of this was highlighted by the tragic loss of life in the Philippines from the landslide which struck the mining site of Itogon in Benguet province at the weekend. 33 miners have been confirmed dead and the death toll is likely to rise further as search and rescue efforts continue.
This underlines the findings in a new study which examines nearly 5,000 landslides which took place place since 2004 and which were responsible for almost 56,000 deaths. Nearly 700 of these landslides were linked to human activities like construction, illegal mining, and hill cutting. More than 75% occurred in Asia.
This underlines the findings in a new study which examines nearly 5,000 landslides which took place place since 2004 and which were responsible for almost 56,000 deaths. Nearly 700 of these landslides were linked to human activities like construction, illegal mining, and hill cutting. More than 75% occurred in Asia.
Survey on mitigating hydrometeorological calamities
Survey on mitigating hydrometeorological calamities
Glimpses of Disasters (in the human landscape)
Glimpses of Disasters (in the human landscape)
New Media Documentaries
New Media Documentaries
Disaster Portraiture: https://photoserviceswwmc.culturalspot.org/home
Disaster Portraiture: https://photoserviceswwmc.culturalspot.org/home
Picture E Book: "Preparing for the Day After": https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Malini_Shankar_Preparing_for_the_Day_After?id=EbzkBQAAQBAJ
Picture E Book: "Preparing for the Day After": https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Malini_Shankar_Preparing_for_the_Day_After?id=EbzkBQAAQBAJ
UNISDR Articles
UNISDR Articles
Disaster Management articles by Malini Shankar:
Disaster Management articles by Malini Shankar:
Press Releases and research Material
Press Releases and research Material
2017_no13.pdf2017_no11.FR.pdf2017_no11.pdfYemen_epi_d_update_20170720.pdf2017_no12.pdf20170719_WHO_cholera_SitRep_4_v2.pdf2017_no17.pdfIndia_AndhraPradesh_PR_Final.docx2017_no19.pdfIndia_AndhraPradesh_PR_Final.pdf2017_no14.pdfPress_Release_Sri_Lanka_floods_2017_05.06.pdf
2018_no3.pdf2018_no2.FR.pdf2018_no2 (1).pdfItaly's PM: DRR 'fundamental for all governments'
Italy's PM: DRR 'fundamental for all governments'
By Denis McClean
ROME, 22 November, 2018 – The Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, today declared that “disaster risk reduction is fundamental for all governments” as he gave his keynote address at the opening of the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction.
ROME, 22 November, 2018 – The Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, today declared that “disaster risk reduction is fundamental for all governments” as he gave his keynote address at the opening of the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Over 800 representatives from 55 countries have registered for the two-day event which includes the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus for the first time.
Over 800 representatives from 55 countries have registered for the two-day event which includes the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus for the first time.
“Italy has always believed in the strategy of the Sendai Framework. My presence here today proves that we believe in it. We must achieve a collaboration at national and European level to achieve its objectives,” he said in reference to the global plan for reducing disaster losses, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
“Italy has always believed in the strategy of the Sendai Framework. My presence here today proves that we believe in it. We must achieve a collaboration at national and European level to achieve its objectives,” he said in reference to the global plan for reducing disaster losses, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
Mr. Conte outlined Italy’s disaster risk profile in graphic detail referring to Italy as the European country with the highest number of volcanoes and highlighting the threat posed by seismic activity to the country’s cultural heritage.
Mr. Conte outlined Italy’s disaster risk profile in graphic detail referring to Italy as the European country with the highest number of volcanoes and highlighting the threat posed by seismic activity to the country’s cultural heritage.
He also spoke of ecological risk and the high incidence of floods and landslides across the country which resulted in the loss of 33 lives in recent weeks and impacted eleven regions. Drought conditions combined with sometimes criminal behavior was leading to forest fires.
He also spoke of ecological risk and the high incidence of floods and landslides across the country which resulted in the loss of 33 lives in recent weeks and impacted eleven regions. Drought conditions combined with sometimes criminal behavior was leading to forest fires.
He also identified new risks created by building materials used in the past which rendered critical infrastructure and the country’s cultural heritage vulnerable to disasters. The country is spending heavily on response to disasters such as the recent Genoa bridge collapse which resulted in 43 deaths. He praised the work of the country’s National Civil Protection Agency and emphasized that “prevention more than ever must be the key word in our policies.”
He also identified new risks created by building materials used in the past which rendered critical infrastructure and the country’s cultural heritage vulnerable to disasters. The country is spending heavily on response to disasters such as the recent Genoa bridge collapse which resulted in 43 deaths. He praised the work of the country’s National Civil Protection Agency and emphasized that “prevention more than ever must be the key word in our policies.”
The Prime Minister also stressed that it was important to raise public awareness and this would be a key element in the implementation of a new national plan, particularly in outreach to schools through the Department of Education.
The Prime Minister also stressed that it was important to raise public awareness and this would be a key element in the implementation of a new national plan, particularly in outreach to schools through the Department of Education.
The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mami Mizutori, extended her condolences to the people and government of Italy for the tragic loss of life in recent extreme weather which resulted in floods and landslides causing large-scale damage and loss.
The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mami Mizutori, extended her condolences to the people and government of Italy for the tragic loss of life in recent extreme weather which resulted in floods and landslides causing large-scale damage and loss.
“Alongside the devastating loss of loved ones, communities across the country are now struggling to build back better in the wake of large economic losses and damage to the environment and critical infrastructure,” Ms. Mizutori said.
“Alongside the devastating loss of loved ones, communities across the country are now struggling to build back better in the wake of large economic losses and damage to the environment and critical infrastructure,” Ms. Mizutori said.
“A critical element in getting these strategies right is understanding how data can help to refine a country’s risk profile and inform disaster risk management policy. Disaster loss data bases now exist in 60% of countries in Europe and 32 countries have enacted legislation on disaster risk reduction in the context of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism,” she said.
“A critical element in getting these strategies right is understanding how data can help to refine a country’s risk profile and inform disaster risk management policy. Disaster loss data bases now exist in 60% of countries in Europe and 32 countries have enacted legislation on disaster risk reduction in the context of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism,” she said.
Ms. Mizutori observed that this was the first European Forum to take place since the launch of the Sendai Framework Monitor in March.
Ms. Mizutori observed that this was the first European Forum to take place since the launch of the Sendai Framework Monitor in March.
“I hope that the next two days will encourage even greater use of the Monitor among countries represented here so that we ensure it reaches its full potential as a global resource for guiding policy and measuring progress in achieving the Sendai targets and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
“I hope that the next two days will encourage even greater use of the Monitor among countries represented here so that we ensure it reaches its full potential as a global resource for guiding policy and measuring progress in achieving the Sendai targets and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Following the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Conte and Special Representative Mizutori took part in a 6.3 earthquake simulation exercise organised by Italy’s Civil Protection Agency as part of its education programme for the general public.
Following the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Conte and Special Representative Mizutori took part in a 6.3 earthquake simulation exercise organised by Italy’s Civil Protection Agency as part of its education programme for the general public.
UNISDR Communications
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)
Geneva, Switzerland
Thought for the Day!
Thought for the Day!
Need to gazette SOPs to prevent disastrous fallout of calamities like Ockhi in Lakshadweep. 5.12.2017
Need to gazette SOPs to prevent disastrous fallout of calamities like Ockhi in Lakshadweep. 5.12.2017
Blogs:
Blogs:
By Malini Shankar
By Malini Shankar
How inclusive development works for disaster risk reduction
How inclusive development works for disaster risk reduction
Digital Discourse Foundation
Digital Discourse Foundation
When I was researching for my picture E Book – Preparing for the Day After (https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=EbzkBQAAQBAJ) an NGO activist in Nagapattinam in Tamilnadu, India (which was battered by the Asian Tsunami and claimed 6065 souls in a fifteen minutes) told me that she was a bit perplexed and challenged how to prepare for Disaster Risk Reduction for differently abled and more importantly – for people with mental health issues. It remains a question begging for an answer from the authorities and Disaster Risk Reduction specialists.
When I was researching for my picture E Book – Preparing for the Day After (https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=EbzkBQAAQBAJ) an NGO activist in Nagapattinam in Tamilnadu, India (which was battered by the Asian Tsunami and claimed 6065 souls in a fifteen minutes) told me that she was a bit perplexed and challenged how to prepare for Disaster Risk Reduction for differently abled and more importantly – for people with mental health issues. It remains a question begging for an answer from the authorities and Disaster Risk Reduction specialists.
The concept of Disaster Risk Reduction entails that the impact of a calamity in a given human landscape is reduced by making the populace in calamity prone areas resilient.
The concept of Disaster Risk Reduction entails that the impact of a calamity in a given human landscape is reduced by making the populace in calamity prone areas resilient.
I am myself a physically challenged person. Although I have largely recovered from a childhood head injury induced-paralysis, there are things I cannot do easily… like run down a flight of stairs if the building is on fire, or run to safety if a bomb explodes behind me on the street. I often muse … that in case I have to face a landslide or a flood or a tsunami, there is no way I can run to safety. I have to just give myself up to Father Fate! But atleast as a journalist I can articulate this for a wider audience and make it count in the corridors of power.
I am myself a physically challenged person. Although I have largely recovered from a childhood head injury induced-paralysis, there are things I cannot do easily… like run down a flight of stairs if the building is on fire, or run to safety if a bomb explodes behind me on the street. I often muse … that in case I have to face a landslide or a flood or a tsunami, there is no way I can run to safety. I have to just give myself up to Father Fate! But atleast as a journalist I can articulate this for a wider audience and make it count in the corridors of power.
If there is either a diabetic amputee or a person with neurological disease like say spasticism on a wheelchair stuck on say the 22nd floor of an urban concrete jungle during a fire tragedy how can caregivers escort him / her to safety? Hence inclusive DRR calls for infrastructure ramps and big service elevators to accommodate stretchers and wheelchairs. Ramps have to be a part of the fire exit in every multi storeyed building. Compromise on this reflects on transparent governance or – more to the point – lack thereof.
If there is either a diabetic amputee or a person with neurological disease like say spasticism on a wheelchair stuck on say the 22nd floor of an urban concrete jungle during a fire tragedy how can caregivers escort him / her to safety? Hence inclusive DRR calls for infrastructure ramps and big service elevators to accommodate stretchers and wheelchairs. Ramps have to be a part of the fire exit in every multi storeyed building. Compromise on this reflects on transparent governance or – more to the point – lack thereof.
Things become a little more complicated when you think of the hearing impaired villager in a tsunamigenic coast off India or Indonesia. If an early warning is ‘sounded’ on the public address system … it will be beyond the grasp of the hearing impaired persons and given that hearing impaired persons usually suffer from speech impairment too, he or she cannot even ask what hit them and why is everyone running. It is likely, that usually hearing impaired persons suffer from speech impairment, their talk may be affected leaving them incomprehensible to the lay person on the street. The answer to this lies in lip synced bulletins and mock drills being broadcast. Lip synced early warning messages need to be complemented by multilingual text scrolls on broadcast media for inclusive disaster risk reduction strategies. Lip synced mock drills in every village in every district in every country or state makes hearing impaired people resilient to inevitable natural calamities and man-made disasters.
Things become a little more complicated when you think of the hearing impaired villager in a tsunamigenic coast off India or Indonesia. If an early warning is ‘sounded’ on the public address system … it will be beyond the grasp of the hearing impaired persons and given that hearing impaired persons usually suffer from speech impairment too, he or she cannot even ask what hit them and why is everyone running. It is likely, that usually hearing impaired persons suffer from speech impairment, their talk may be affected leaving them incomprehensible to the lay person on the street. The answer to this lies in lip synced bulletins and mock drills being broadcast. Lip synced early warning messages need to be complemented by multilingual text scrolls on broadcast media for inclusive disaster risk reduction strategies. Lip synced mock drills in every village in every district in every country or state makes hearing impaired people resilient to inevitable natural calamities and man-made disasters.
Next think of the mental health patient. Many people living with invisible mental health issues in the Orient live with it undiagnosed. Thus a person suffering from acute Bipolar disorder may not even know that s(h)e is suffering from it. Thus the question of educating the bipolar patient on natural and man-made calamities or early warning and standard operating procedure will be almost an insurmountable task.
Next think of the mental health patient. Many people living with invisible mental health issues in the Orient live with it undiagnosed. Thus a person suffering from acute Bipolar disorder may not even know that s(h)e is suffering from it. Thus the question of educating the bipolar patient on natural and man-made calamities or early warning and standard operating procedure will be almost an insurmountable task.
Caregivers for people suffering from mental health issues thus need to be trained in early warning and standard operating procedures for safe evacuation of people suffering from mental health issues.
Caregivers for people suffering from mental health issues thus need to be trained in early warning and standard operating procedures for safe evacuation of people suffering from mental health issues.
Statutory compliance for caregivers of people suffering from mental health issues needs a relook. Travel concessions and tax regimen need to be factored in for caregivers. Cabin crews in the aviation industry need to be trained in dealing with passengers with mental health issues – for subsidising caregivers’ travel will obviously be financially unviable.
Statutory compliance for caregivers of people suffering from mental health issues needs a relook. Travel concessions and tax regimen need to be factored in for caregivers. Cabin crews in the aviation industry need to be trained in dealing with passengers with mental health issues – for subsidising caregivers’ travel will obviously be financially unviable.
During emergencies or calamities caregivers are best equipped to gauge the panic reaction of people suffering from mental health issues. Dr. K. Sekhar, registrar at India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (http://www.nimhans.ac.in/) in Bangalore, spoke exclusively to Digital Discourse “It is well established that anyone and everyone who witnesses or experiences disaster do undergo panic, numbness, freezing, withdrawn reactions. These reactions are common for an uncommon situation. Yet, it needs to be realised that the first responders are always within the family, community and the society. It becomes important that they need to respond to themselves first as well be informed, taught and trained with simple information and practical skills to take care their family members who might have mental health issues. These persons may not be able to understand or react to the gravity of the impending issue during or immediate impact of human made or natural disasters. Such simple information and practices would go a long way in empowering the individual, family and the community at large.” “Humanitarian crises have a major impact on mental health, worsening pre-existing conditions and creating new ones” says a policy brief from CBM International.
During emergencies or calamities caregivers are best equipped to gauge the panic reaction of people suffering from mental health issues. Dr. K. Sekhar, registrar at India’s National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (http://www.nimhans.ac.in/) in Bangalore, spoke exclusively to Digital Discourse “It is well established that anyone and everyone who witnesses or experiences disaster do undergo panic, numbness, freezing, withdrawn reactions. These reactions are common for an uncommon situation. Yet, it needs to be realised that the first responders are always within the family, community and the society. It becomes important that they need to respond to themselves first as well be informed, taught and trained with simple information and practical skills to take care their family members who might have mental health issues. These persons may not be able to understand or react to the gravity of the impending issue during or immediate impact of human made or natural disasters. Such simple information and practices would go a long way in empowering the individual, family and the community at large.” “Humanitarian crises have a major impact on mental health, worsening pre-existing conditions and creating new ones” says a policy brief from CBM International.
Including the needs of children in disaster risk reduction not just builds resilience in future generations but protects the needs of one of the most vulnerable sections of society.
Including the needs of children in disaster risk reduction not just builds resilience in future generations but protects the needs of one of the most vulnerable sections of society.
Mock drills Dos and Don’ts need to address the comprehension and receivability of instructions for children of all diverse backgrounds. In 2009 a local Tsunami followed an earthquake near Tonga but all the adults, expecting a tsunami ran to higher grounds because they had the training; all the mortalities were of children because the children had not been included in training and mock drills. I cite from an article I wrote for the Inter Press News Service (www.ipsnews.net/) - http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50530 back in 2010.
Mock drills Dos and Don’ts need to address the comprehension and receivability of instructions for children of all diverse backgrounds. In 2009 a local Tsunami followed an earthquake near Tonga but all the adults, expecting a tsunami ran to higher grounds because they had the training; all the mortalities were of children because the children had not been included in training and mock drills. I cite from an article I wrote for the Inter Press News Service (www.ipsnews.net/) - http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50530 back in 2010.
Aloysius Laukai of New Dawn FM, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea said Community Radio can help a great deal in Disaster prone areas like Papua New Guinea. Referring to the utility of Community Radio in Disaster Risk Reduction he said “In January 2010 there was an earthquake followed by a Tsunami but the children perished in the Tsunami, no adult died… because adults knew that when the Sea withdraws it portends the arrival of a Tsunami and all the adults fled to higher ground. All the unfortunate casualties were children”.
Aloysius Laukai of New Dawn FM, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea said Community Radio can help a great deal in Disaster prone areas like Papua New Guinea. Referring to the utility of Community Radio in Disaster Risk Reduction he said “In January 2010 there was an earthquake followed by a Tsunami but the children perished in the Tsunami, no adult died… because adults knew that when the Sea withdraws it portends the arrival of a Tsunami and all the adults fled to higher ground. All the unfortunate casualties were children”.
Tsunami shelters on hills near Banda Aceh in Sumatra, Indonesia. While they are located on higher ground, these fragile pillared shelters ae not really resilient to seismic forces or conform to construction code. © Dr. Sampurnananda Mahapatra
Tsunami shelters on hills near Banda Aceh in Sumatra, Indonesia. While they are located on higher ground, these fragile pillared shelters ae not really resilient to seismic forces or conform to construction code. © Dr. Sampurnananda Mahapatra
Inclusion of the needs of people living with mental health issues for disaster preparedness gives high scores for the development quotient. © Pamela Machado Creative Commons.
Inclusion of the needs of people living with mental health issues for disaster preparedness gives high scores for the development quotient. © Pamela Machado Creative Commons.
There are studies available today that prescribe standard operating procedure for inclusive preparedness. Some sample studies maybe found on http://www.mhinnovation.net/sites/default/files/downloads/innovation/reports/CBM_PolicyBrief_Final.pdf and http://www.cbm.org/Hurricane-Matthew-One-year-later-531985.php
There are studies available today that prescribe standard operating procedure for inclusive preparedness. Some sample studies maybe found on http://www.mhinnovation.net/sites/default/files/downloads/innovation/reports/CBM_PolicyBrief_Final.pdf and http://www.cbm.org/Hurricane-Matthew-One-year-later-531985.php
There is also increasing awareness on the need for mental health care in humanitarian crises. Think of the agony and stress faced by displaced people in the civil war in Syria, fratricide in Afghanistan, the ‘war on terror’ in the Middle East, the Rohingya crisis, war in Yemen, the refugees who walked across Europe in 2015 … the people living under constant threat of war I the demilitarised zones between North and South Korea and you can imagine the impact of trauma on fragile human emotions and their mental health.
There is also increasing awareness on the need for mental health care in humanitarian crises. Think of the agony and stress faced by displaced people in the civil war in Syria, fratricide in Afghanistan, the ‘war on terror’ in the Middle East, the Rohingya crisis, war in Yemen, the refugees who walked across Europe in 2015 … the people living under constant threat of war I the demilitarised zones between North and South Korea and you can imagine the impact of trauma on fragile human emotions and their mental health.
Mental Health issues are rooted in manifold disasters:
Mental Health issues are rooted in manifold disasters:
· People persecuted will suffer from a sense of haunting for the rest of their lives. – A significant mental health issue.
· People persecuted will suffer from a sense of haunting for the rest of their lives. – A significant mental health issue.
· Refugees and migrants lack of sense of stability and acceptance… a significant mental health issue.
· Refugees and migrants lack of sense of stability and acceptance… a significant mental health issue.
· People who have survived war or terrorist attacks with permanent handicap will pay a very significant emotional price triggering mental health issues.
· People who have survived war or terrorist attacks with permanent handicap will pay a very significant emotional price triggering mental health issues.
· The survivors of the Asian Tsunami found themselves so dumbstruck that many had lost their voices for months on end. Human relationships amongst the survivors became even more fragile than the fragile human life spans … in the aftermath of the Mega Earthquake that triggered the Asian Tsunami.
· The survivors of the Asian Tsunami found themselves so dumbstruck that many had lost their voices for months on end. Human relationships amongst the survivors became even more fragile than the fragile human life spans … in the aftermath of the Mega Earthquake that triggered the Asian Tsunami.
· With the reign of terror of the Islamic State coming to an end, those foreign fighters who have survived but are distraught to go back to their homelands will need counselling to reintegrate into a peaceful society.
· With the reign of terror of the Islamic State coming to an end, those foreign fighters who have survived but are distraught to go back to their homelands will need counselling to reintegrate into a peaceful society.
The need for mental health care, especially in humanitarian crises cannot be overemphasised. For, bottling up emotions is a recipe for more disasters in the future.
The need for mental health care, especially in humanitarian crises cannot be overemphasised. For, bottling up emotions is a recipe for more disasters in the future.
Links:
Links:
http://wcsindia.org/home/2018/08/22/kerala-floods-kfd-plays-major-role-in-rescue-and-relief/
http://wcsindia.org/home/2018/08/22/kerala-floods-kfd-plays-major-role-in-rescue-and-relief/
To Do List for Disaster Preparedness
To Do List for Disaster Preparedness
By Malini Shankar
By Malini Shankar
Digital Discourse Foundation
Digital Discourse Foundation
Much remains to be done in the realm of disaster preparedness in South and South East Asia the disaster capital of the world.
Much remains to be done in the realm of disaster preparedness in South and South East Asia the disaster capital of the world.
Urban planning has to be synchronised with smart city governance; Planning for water security of the weak, vulnerable and including a “polluter pays” component in water security is the need of the hour. In many places in the Emerging economies, ground water depletion implies the fire brigade cannot count on street corner fire extinguishers… a prospect endangering the lives of millions.
Urban planning has to be synchronised with smart city governance; Planning for water security of the weak, vulnerable and including a “polluter pays” component in water security is the need of the hour. In many places in the Emerging economies, ground water depletion implies the fire brigade cannot count on street corner fire extinguishers… a prospect endangering the lives of millions.
Similarly solid waste management is practised more in the breach in urban areas the world over. India has been making a determined progress under the aegis of the Swatch Bharath Mission or Clean India Mission. But enforcement and compliance to waste segregation and sustainable reuse of separated waste needs equal attention. Despite installation of infrastructure for waste separation, segregation by the common citizen is missing under- utilising the installed capacity. What is urgently required is installation of monitoring cameras… it will be a game changer in solid waste management in India. For, if neglected further, danger of polluting the ground water table from toxic landfills makes it a disaster waiting to happen.
Similarly solid waste management is practised more in the breach in urban areas the world over. India has been making a determined progress under the aegis of the Swatch Bharath Mission or Clean India Mission. But enforcement and compliance to waste segregation and sustainable reuse of separated waste needs equal attention. Despite installation of infrastructure for waste separation, segregation by the common citizen is missing under- utilising the installed capacity. What is urgently required is installation of monitoring cameras… it will be a game changer in solid waste management in India. For, if neglected further, danger of polluting the ground water table from toxic landfills makes it a disaster waiting to happen.
Mock drills have to be part of governance and should be held on a monthly basis in every administrative unit of governance world over because no region, state, territory or country is spared any or all disasters. Media has to be proactive and responsible in broadcasting and reporting the mock drills; reporting early warnings for calamities / disasters - if necessary by interrupting routine programming - as is the protocol in New Zealand needs to be replicated globally. Media must refrain from reporting doomsday prophesies lest the significance of the forecast events may be watered down especially those that pertain to leaking intelligence inputs.
Mock drills have to be part of governance and should be held on a monthly basis in every administrative unit of governance world over because no region, state, territory or country is spared any or all disasters. Media has to be proactive and responsible in broadcasting and reporting the mock drills; reporting early warnings for calamities / disasters - if necessary by interrupting routine programming - as is the protocol in New Zealand needs to be replicated globally. Media must refrain from reporting doomsday prophesies lest the significance of the forecast events may be watered down especially those that pertain to leaking intelligence inputs.
Sustainable scalable and replicable green technologies, be they in utilising mangroves and bioshields for creating saline resistant varieties of rice – for food security, or alternate livelihood options by and for stakeholders in Protected Areas are the best guarantor of livelihood security.
Sustainable scalable and replicable green technologies, be they in utilising mangroves and bioshields for creating saline resistant varieties of rice – for food security, or alternate livelihood options by and for stakeholders in Protected Areas are the best guarantor of livelihood security.
Dams reservoirs and coastal levies need to be desilted regularly before monsoons bzw. rainy season to prevent flash flooding. Catchment area conservation is by far the time tested means to prevent flash flooding.
Dams reservoirs and coastal levies need to be desilted regularly before monsoons bzw. rainy season to prevent flash flooding. Catchment area conservation is by far the time tested means to prevent flash flooding.
Climate Change Adaptation calls for drought mitigation measures on a war footing. Watershed management, agro forestry, home-grown woodlots and plantations, and planned economic growth are the need of the hour. Agro forestry and watershed management can also mitigate the impact of flash floods … another hydrometeorological disaster. Land use planning and policy needs legislative compliance for effective climate change adaptation. Effective land use policy / planning will go a very long way in water security which should automatically augment climate change adaptation and mitigate hydrometeorological disasters.
Climate Change Adaptation calls for drought mitigation measures on a war footing. Watershed management, agro forestry, home-grown woodlots and plantations, and planned economic growth are the need of the hour. Agro forestry and watershed management can also mitigate the impact of flash floods … another hydrometeorological disaster. Land use planning and policy needs legislative compliance for effective climate change adaptation. Effective land use policy / planning will go a very long way in water security which should automatically augment climate change adaptation and mitigate hydrometeorological disasters.
India has 7500 kilometres of coastline which are vulnerable to all kinds of hydrometeorological and hydrogeological disasters.
India has 7500 kilometres of coastline which are vulnerable to all kinds of hydrometeorological and hydrogeological disasters.
Indonesia has 17408 Islands challenging the Government of the Republic of Indonesia manifold: security, hydrometeorological and hydrogeological calamities, volcanic eruptions inter island shipping disasters, flight and train disasters, highway accidents, human wildlife conflict, terrorism, trafficking, smuggling and poaching, international crime, … however the solutions for Indonesia’s ailments lies in socio economic development: transparent governance, employment generation, livelihood food and water security, human rights, water and sanitation for all.
Indonesia has 17408 Islands challenging the Government of the Republic of Indonesia manifold: security, hydrometeorological and hydrogeological calamities, volcanic eruptions inter island shipping disasters, flight and train disasters, highway accidents, human wildlife conflict, terrorism, trafficking, smuggling and poaching, international crime, … however the solutions for Indonesia’s ailments lies in socio economic development: transparent governance, employment generation, livelihood food and water security, human rights, water and sanitation for all.
Transparent governance facilitates early warning, employment generation and livelihood security guarantees security against crime syndicates as well as terrorism, universal water and sanitation offers resilience to disaster refugees, human rights guarantee attracts foreign investment and instils faith in the government adding to its credibility and national power… vindicating the theory that the development quotient in emerging economies guarantees disaster risk reduction.
Transparent governance facilitates early warning, employment generation and livelihood security guarantees security against crime syndicates as well as terrorism, universal water and sanitation offers resilience to disaster refugees, human rights guarantee attracts foreign investment and instils faith in the government adding to its credibility and national power… vindicating the theory that the development quotient in emerging economies guarantees disaster risk reduction.
Sustainable water security needs legislative compliance for usage of herbal detergents for sanitation; and reuse of recycled water for secondary purposes of water consumption augments fresh water conservation.
Sustainable water security needs legislative compliance for usage of herbal detergents for sanitation; and reuse of recycled water for secondary purposes of water consumption augments fresh water conservation.
Construction code needs legislative backing and financial compliance. Soil testing also needs legislative compliance for grant of license to build multi storeyed structures… across South and South East Asia.
Construction code needs legislative backing and financial compliance. Soil testing also needs legislative compliance for grant of license to build multi storeyed structures… across South and South East Asia.
Miles to go before we sleep!
Miles to go before we sleep!
Articles
Articles
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