please answer my IV question 20-25 pages
Answers
Introduction
Much of this paper is based on a 1993 study of disaster management models from seven disaster
prone countries (Bangladesh, Colombia, Jamaica, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey and
Zimbabwe). That study distilled lessons learned and identified key issues to be considered when
establishing or revising a national disaster management system. The structure of this paper
follows the key issues identified in this study. The study is elaborated upon by the findings from
the IGAD-FAO project on disaster preparedness, concluded in 1998, as well as material from
other resources listed at the end of this paper. (IGAD countries are Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.)
Disaster Management Models
The “Model” as discussed in this paper includes the institutional structure and institutional
linkages which comprises a formal system of disaster management, as well as the support for the
operation of the system including the national preparedness plan or strategy, and supporting
legislation. The key components to be considered in the design of a model are:
1. Focal Point - The focal point is the key agency that has the authority and resources to
coordinate all related bodies for disaster management such as ministries, international donor
agencies, NGOs and the private sector. The focal point agency needs a core of well-trained
staff and adequate resources and should be supported by appropriate legislation and authority
for decision making and implementation.
2. Links between Policy and Operations - The system must ensure a very close working
relationship between the policy formulating body, often in the hands of a national disaster
committee, and the operational agency that must implement the decisions. For this reason,
there are significant advantages in placing the focal point in the Prime ministers’ office rather
than in a line ministry.
3. Links from the Center to Local Government - Links are critical between national,
regional, district and community levels to facilitate implementation and ensure effective
vertical communication with, for example, information flowing up and resources flowing
down.
4. Coordination of Relief and Mitigation Programs - Close working linkages are needed
between bodies responsible for relief and mitigation programs to ensure that risk reduction
measures are introduced in the immediate post-disaster situation and to enhance future
preparedness.
5. Political Consensus - Consensus must be reached among all political parties to ensure
implementation of national plans and legislation.
6. NGOs - The model must fully integrate NGOs in order to improve NGO/government
cooperation and establish a comprehensive, integrated pattern of response.
While it seems to be logical that the Prime Minister’s Office can provide the overarching support
needed for disaster management, there is a danger that the Office may become overloaded with
the increased number of functions. Due to other demands on the Office, disaster management
may receive insufficient attention and may even be moved back to a line ministry with even
more negative consequences.
Recommendations for Location of the National Disaster Management Office:
A. Location in the Prime Minister’s or President’s Office may ensure more adequate
connections and authority rather than location in a line ministry.
B. Before a NDMO is relocated to the Prime Minister’s Office, it is necessary to assess whether
or not the Office has the long-term capacity to take over responsibility for disaster
management. The Office also needs to have professional credibility among the line
ministries to be effective at coordinating their inputs.
3. Levels of Government
The operation of disaster management structures is often problemaitigation.