Disaster preparedness

Pol Lugo

SURIGAO City––Now I’m back after I have had that hibernation for a couple of years from print media.

Since I have that romance with the print media, I have to come back to continue my romantic episode with it. Here is my first column: Disaster Preparedness.

Planet Earth is boiling with up-coming disasters. This can be either natural or man-made disaster. Actually natural or man-made disaster does not kill, it is due to negligence or unpreparedness against the disaster that kills.

Thus, there is the need for a road map on how we can be protected against disaster. Can you survive if a disaster happen? If yes. Be prepared. If no. It will be RIP for you. If, Don’t know. It will be either hospital or cemetery for you.

The preparation for emergency preparedness and response for any natural or man-made disaster is the responsibility of the LGU through its Risk, Reduction and Management Council. It will identify and develop its specific details, like disaster proneness, previous history of disaster, geographic and topographic maps, disaster between the city/town to the disaster areas, its disaster response and management capacity, security, early warning and alarm system, existence of relief and medical agencies and their capacity and other information about the common and possible hazards and problems all of which are incorporated in a Disaster Preparedness Master Plan with an Executive Budget.

The Disaster Preparedness Master plan must have a long-term Vision and Mission with a clear understanding on how important to be prepared for any eventual disaster. Reconstruction and Rehabilitation must be incorporated in the Master Plan which must be implemented equitably, efficiently and with a sense of urgency.

The natural disasters are classified into;

1. Floods and landslides caused by heavy torrential rains;
2. Drought and Heat Waves due to El Nino Phenomenon;
3. Typhoon and Storm Surges and Tornadoes caused by Global warming, Climate change and Weather disturbances;
4. Earthquakes caused by Volcanic Eruptions or of Tectonic origin and tsunamis due to the movement of Tectonics Plates and fault lines; and
5. Disease out-breaks like Dengue Fever, MERS, Cholera El Tor and other infectious diseases.

Man-made Disasters are due to:

1. Mass poisoning caused by expired or laced candies or foodstuff due to filthy preparations;
2. Conflagration due to arson, faulty wiring or gross negligence;
3. Maritime Disaster caused by human error or negligence; and
4. Armed conflict between the government forces and the rebels or IS.

The different natural and man-made disasters must be thoroughly and clearly explained in the Master Plan as to the preparations in terms of before the occurrence of the disaster, during and after the disaster, the post disaster needs and assessment and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the disaster area. There shall also be organized teams of first disaster responders. And, in the Master Plan, it shall also include the anticipated post disaster problems.

The Master Plan is subject to the scrutiny of the members of the Sanggunian of the LGU prior to its implementation. An ordinance and/or resolution must be in order subject to the approval of the local Chief Executive.

And that a Sangguniang Resolution shall also be passed and approved encouraging all the constituents of the local government unit to join and participate in the activities done in the Disaster Consciousness Month in July of every year and that the lead agency is the Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council.