3.3
Risk reduction
3.3.1
Prevention, mitigation and preparedness
3.3.2
Examples of local preparedness strategies and activities by hazard type
3.4
Emergency assistance and rehabilitation
3.5
Disaster management: a continuous effort
4.
Local NGO’s working on risk management
5.
Generating funding for disaster management
6.2
Literature
6.3
Some international development agendas
6.4
International agencies, research institutes and networks
6.5
Websites
1. Introduction
Throughout
the world lots of people are directly or indirectly affected by disasters.
During the decade between 1993 and 2002, about 2.5 million people were
reportedly affected by disasters (World Disaster Report 2003). Disasters can
wipe out years of work in a matter of hours, destroying farmland, animals and
houses, taking away people’s resources to sustain their livelihoods, and
exposing them to famine and diseases. In
particular, weather related disasters are increasing. Climate change is already
taking place and not likely to be easily stopped[2].
It will have a variety of impacts, such as a rise in sea level, more droughts,
floods, heat waves, and water shortages. However, the impacts will be
unpredictable: one year a region may be hit by drought and the next by floods.
The consequences of climate change imply that risk reduction needs to be
integrated into all development strategies. Disasters
have a large economic impact in terms of both houses and other infrastructure
that is destroyed and in terms of direct damage to the economy: i.e. affecting
the flow of goods and services, and causing losses in productivity. In the
long-term the overall economic performance of a region is reduced, impacting
government budgets, and leading to increased indebtedness, changes in income
distribution, and in the scale and incidence of poverty. Tragically,
disasters continue to affect the world’s poorest and least developed. While
countries with a low human development index reported the fewest natural
disasters during the last decade (compared to countries with a high human
development index), the number of deaths for each disaster is by far the
highest. An average of 555 people died per disaster in countries with a low
human development index, compared to 133 where there is a medium human
development index, and 18 in countries with a high human development index. Apparently
then, there is a relationship between poverty and the probability of being
affected by disasters. Though natural forces play an important role in the
initiation of natural disasters, they can not be considered to be the main cause
of disasters. A series of other fundamental causes play a role in disasters in
countries with a low human development index, such as a high probability of
being affected caused by poverty and inequality (e.g. poor people having a badly
constructed house on a volcanic slope), environmental degradation caused by land
abuse, and fast demographic growth especially among poor people. A lot of
things can be done in order to be better prepared for disasters and in this way
reduce their impact. However, conventional development programmes are often
“disaster blind”, and may even exacerbate disasters by degrading the natural
environment or by moving people from quakeproof shanties to quake-vulnerable
high-rise apartments. Increasingly it is being realised that in disaster prone
areas disaster management needs to be an integral part of sustainable
development. In
disaster management, the community itself has to take a leading role. Awareness
raising and capacity building enables communities to reduce the impact of
disasters on their livelihoods. In the design of disaster responses it is
important that differences such as class, gender and age are taken into account. In
the following section, some of the definitions used in natural disaster
management are explained. Thereafter, we will be dealing with disaster
management techniques. We will explain how to carry out a risk assessment and
what tools can be used, what preparedness means in practical terms, what kind of
activities can be undertaken, and what can be done during and after a disaster.
A list with local Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working on disaster
management is provided, and in the final section, other information sources are
given, including guides and handbooks on disaster management. [1]
Non-natural disasters are disasters resulting from accidents at industries
(like chemical spill, explosions, fire, leak, poisoning, radiation), accidents
in a domestic (non-industrial) sphere (like a collapse of structures,
explosions, fire) or from transport accidents (air, rail, road and water-borne
accidents). [2]
Het Nederlandse Rode Kruis, 2003. Preparedness
for climate change.
The Netherlands Red Cross.
2. Risk, Hazard, Vulnerability And Capacity: Some Definitions
Natural disaster
A
natural disaster starts with an extreme phenomenon of great intensity and
limited endurance in a particular location. This can be a flood, an earthquake
(either on the land or submarine), a landslide, a volcanic eruption, drought, a
hurricane or a tornado. Such a natural event can become a disaster if it strikes
in combination with social and economic conditions that leave people vulnerable
and at risk. Poverty and inequality make people vulnerable. A disaster causes
loss of lives, as well as physical damage and the disruption of livelihood
systems and society. It requires (to a certain extent) outside assistance to
cope with.
Until
recently, natural disasters were predominantly regarded as on-off events or
aberrations in the normal path of development. Increasingly observers are moving
away from this point of view and disasters are being seen as more than simply
the occurrence of an extreme natural phenomenon. Many floods, earthquakes, or
other phenomena happen without resulting in a disaster. The risk that a disaster
will evolve is the outcome of the combination of such a natural phenomenon with
the vulnerability of the population, communities, households or individuals
affected. Nevertheless, people are able to develop capacities to reduce their
vulnerability. In short[1]:
Risk
is the result of a natural hazard, the vulnerability of people, and the
capacities that are developed to cope with disasters.
Let us
consider these different elements.
Risk
Risk refers to the expected numbers
of lives lost, persons injured, property damaged and economic activity
disrupted. Apart from this technical definition of risk, people have different
perceptions and assessments of risks. These are often a result of culture, power
and the opportunities available to avoid the risk. This results in different
persons, households or communities, responding differently to a risk.
Often people expose themselves to
risks simply because they have no other options. For example people living in
cities on landslide-prone slopes may not be able to move to more secure places,
because proximity to an urban labour market is essential for the survival of the
family.
Apart from the hazard and the vulnerability, we cannot overlook the other side: the capacity of individuals, groups and local communities to cope with disasters. Capacity refers to the survivor’s skills, resources and strengths used to help themselves and others. It takes into account the practical strategies to organise themselves to cope with a disaster. This means that if coping capacities are well developed, the vulnerability is less, and the risk of a disaster is reduced.
|
People
power in Mozambique
Following Mozambique’s
devastating floods in 2000, primary school teachers worked as voluntary flood
monitors, to watch rivers and issue warnings to their communities. This gave
trusted community members an important and responsible task.
In 2001, the Mozambique Red
Cross trained these community volunteers and held community meetings to describe
the project and recruit more volunteers. This work helped identify
‘improvement of wells, participation in rescue training, and distribution of
radios to improve early warning.’ Mitigation activities included planting
trees to halt erosion near riverbanks, and constructing a multi-purpose
community hall in a secure location for pre-positioned relief stocks storage and
as a community meeting centre.
In 2002, the government
contributed to this program by issuing radios, bicycles and motorcycles to help
monitor the situation and spread information. Posters explaining how to prepare
for a disaster were distributed.
Source:
World Disasters Report 2002. |
[1]
Frerks, G. et al, 1999. Natural
disasters, a framework for analysis and action. Report for MSF-Holland,
Disaster Studies - Wageningen University, The Netherlands.
Conventional
development programming is often “disaster blind”. Development may sometimes
exacerbate disasters by degrading the natural environment or by moving people
from quakeproof shanties to quake-vulnerable high-rise apartments. This
increases the vulnerability of people. Serious efforts have to be made to
build risk reduction into every development plan and policy. National
development plans need to include risk assessments, and take related risk
reduction measures. This requires participation of all relevant sectors
(environment, finance, transport, construction, agriculture, education and
health). Disaster management is, however slowly, becoming part of international
development agendas.
Disaster
management
is a very broad term and it includes all aspects of planning for and responding
to disasters, including both pre-, during and post- disaster activities. It
refers to the management of both the risk and the consequences of a disaster. It
includes a cycle or continuum comprising the disaster impact, recovery (relief,
rehabilitation and reconstruction), development, and anticipatory disaster
reduction activities, including assessments of the risk, vulnerability and
capacity, prevention, mitigation (measures taken in advance to reduce the
impact), and preparedness.
Nowadays, it is increasingly recognised that in certain regions disaster management needs to be incorporated as an integral part of sustainable development plans. However, a lot of myths about disasters still exist:
|
Common myths about disasters
There
are lessons to be learned. It is essential that the press and the donor
community be aware of what is good practice and bad practice in emergency
management. Past sudden-impact natural disasters have shown the need for
international contributions in cash and not in kind. This ensures that
allocation of resources is field-driven by evidence of what is needed
on-site. More needs to be done to strengthen the local capacity. If donors
would commit now to strengthening the local capacity to respond to future
disasters in the disaster-prone countries, and learn what is important and
what is futile in helping countries, the world would be better off. Based on: ‘Stop Propagating Disaster Myths’ by Dr. de Ville de Goyet. He is since 1977, Chief of the Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Coordination Program at the Pan American Health Organisation. The whole article can be found at http://pdm.medicine.wisc.edu/degoyet.htm (Prehospital and Diasaster Medicine, volume 14, number 4 - 1999). |
The participation of the whole community is needed for effective disaster management. A gender perspective has to be incorporated into disaster reduction and recovery strategies. At the Fourth World Conference on Women (1995) it was stressed that many women are particularly affected by environmental disasters and that this deserves more attention. Gender-based vulnerabilities need to be systematically included in any assessment and the gender aspect has to be included in the whole process of disaster risk management.
3.1
Risk assessments at community level
Assessing
disaster situations and focusing on people’s vulnerabilities and capacities is
a must for appropriate, effective and sustainable disaster management.
Assessments further serve as baseline data for monitoring and evaluation
purposes during and after implementation of disaster response activities.
Even
within communities, not all people are equally vulnerable to hazards.
Communities are often socially differentiated and diverse. Class, clan, wealth,
gender, age, origins, religion, and other aspects divide and crosscut the
community. Beliefs, interests and values of community members may conflict. To
address disasters, it is important to be aware of these differences and the way
the people themselves perceive and prioritise their vulnerabilities.
On the
other hand, a community also shares things in common like living in the same
environment, being exposed to the same natural phenomenon, and having
experienced the same disaster event. Common problems, concerns, hope and ways of
behaviour may also be shared. Social and motivational capacities of people are
important assets to consider in assessments.
3.2 Participatory assessment methods
-
Participatory (village) risk mapping is a participatory tool that can be used to determine the nature and extent of risk. This is done by analysing potential hazards and evaluating the existing conditions of vulnerability and capacity that pose a potential threat to people, property, livelihood and the environment. A map is drawn of a community or a geographical area and places and buildings that may be adversely affected in the event of a disaster are identified. It has to be a group effort with a cross section of the community (including women, children and elderly people). Asking the community to map out where the (last) hazard affected the most is a very useful tool to get people to visualise the hazards and discuss the possible solutions to reduce risks. This approach has been used by Oxfam resulting in the working paper 'Risk-Mapping and local capacities, lessons from Mexico and Central America'. http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_we_do/resources/wp_mexca_risk.htm
-
Hazard, vulnerabilities and capacities assessment (HVCA) is another participatory tool designed to identify disaster preparedness and mitigation measures at the community level. It involves a participatory analysis of past patterns of hazards and present threats at the community level (hazard assessment), combined with an understanding of the underlying causes of why hazards become disasters (vulnerability assessment) and of the available resources an affected community uses to cope with the adverse affects (capacity assessment). http://www.adpc.ait.ac.th/pdr-sea/cbdo-dr/chapter3-4.html
|
Capacities identified by upland communities to address drought
Source: Heijmans and Victoria, 2001 |
-
Damage needs and capacity assessment (DNCA) is developed to assess the situation in a community right after a disaster. This involves a participatory analysis of the disaster event, the damages caused, the immediate needs and priorities of the affected community and of the remaining capacities people use to cope with the adverse effects. http://www.adpc.ait.ac.th/pdr-sea/cbdo-dr/chapter3-5.html
-
Vulnerability and capacity Analysis (VCA) can be used to assess the situation in the community after the emergency period in order to identify appropriate rehabilitation assistance and mitigation measures. It involves a participatory analysis of (post) disaster situations from the community to the national level expressed in terms of capacities and vulnerabilities. It helps to identify disaster management responses that would support development initiatives in the community. Unlike the HVCA, the VCA focuses more on the long tem aspect. http://www.adpc.ait.ac.th/pdr-sea/cbdo-dr/chapter3-6.html
All instruments are used to get snapshots of the community at particular moments. As such, the outputs of the different assessments build on one another. Like the DNCA provides information about a particular disaster event, this can be used to update the information of the community's existing HVCA. And the HVCA outputs can be integrated in the VCA. From the communities' perspective, the HVCA, DNCA and VCA are very much integrated, because people at risk do not distinguish between preparedness, emergency relief, rehabilitation, and mitigation measures. All these can be integrated together in a Community Development Plan.
[1] As described in: Heijmans A. and L.P. Victoria (2001). Citizen-Based and Development Oriented Disaster Response. Center for disaster preparedness, Partnership for Disaster reduction Southeast-Asia (PDR-SEA), Philippines. http://www.adpc.ait.ac.th/pdr-sea/cbdo-dr/toc.html
3.3 Risk reduction
A
counter disaster plan alone cannot work. It must be supported by institutions
and needs to be embedded in the national policy: one needs funding to implement
the plan, one needs legislation and political commitment, to be allowed to
implement the plan, and one needs (local) organisations for the implementation.
An institutional framework is
essential to ensure efficient coordination. The role of community organisations
and municipalities in natural disaster prevention and mitigation is crucial and
the formation of grassroots response organisations has to get major attention.
However, national authorities have to establish standards and regulations, and
coordinate and follow-up on local efforts in risk management. Both organisations
and national commissions need to improve their access to risk management
information. Furthermore, their capacity at local level to carry out
vulnerability assessments and implement prevention and mitigation measures, have
to be enhanced. While
developing an institutional framework, the creation of new organisations for
disaster preparedness needs to be avoided. Instead, if it is possible, the
established structures and systems can be worked with. Using structures that are
already functioning is the best way to implement disaster prevention and
emergency management (WHO, 1998).
As we have seen, risk is a
result of hazard, vulnerability and capacity. As it is almost impossible to
prevent that natural hazards take place (except for slowly evolving hazards,
like global warming), the measures to be taken have to reduce the vulnerability
and increase the capacity of people and institutions to cope with a disaster.
It
is difficult to address the root causes of vulnerabilities, but by taking
interventions step by step, the capacities of people and organisations are
increasing.
3.3.1
Prevention, mitigation and preparedness
Three
important elements in disaster management are prevention, mitigation and preparedness.
These risk reduction elements cannot be taken separately, as there is often an
interaction between them. Prevention
is designed to impede the occurrence of a disaster event and/or prevent such an
occurrence having harmful effects on communities. Examples of preventive
measures are the construction of dykes, dams and levees to prevent flooding;
controlled burning off in bush-fire areas; and land-use and settlement
regulations to prevent utilisation of vulnerable, disaster prone sites.
Mitigation
takes the form of programs intended to reduce the effects of disasters on
communities. It comprises actions taken to reduce damage and loss. The term
mitigation implies that whilst it may be possible to prevent some effects of a
disaster, other effects will persist but can be modified or reduced provided
appropriate action is taken. Examples are: the application of building codes,
land-use regulations, safety regulations and agricultural programs (e.g. drought
or flood proof crops).
Preparedness
comprises measures that enable governments, organisations, communities or
individuals to respond rapidly and effectively to disaster situations. Typical
preparedness measures include ready and up-to-date counter-disaster plans,
operative early-warning systems, public education and awareness campaigns, and
training activities.
It is
clear that the devastating effects of disasters are not only the result of
natural forces, but also of contributing factors resulting from human
activities. To some extent these problems derive from the population’s lack of
knowledge about the direct and indirect consequences of their activities, or the
lack of other options. Major effort needs to be made to increase
public awareness of and levels of public participation so as to reduce
vulnerability to hazards. Organisations such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent,
community-based organisations and NGOs can play a crucial part in this. Raising
awareness can be done through formal and non-formal education and training.
Environmental
education is an
essential and powerful tool to decrease the vulnerability to natural hazards.
Information campaigns using various sources of media (TV, radio and newspaper)
can be effective, but there is also a need to educate the media about coverage
of disasters. Environmental education needs to be part of the education of
children to shape attitudes, values and patterns of behaviour toward natural
environments. It also often has a spill-over effect on the older generation.
There is a need to educate political decision makers and planners, corporate
leaders and other influential persons in society regarding the importance of
protecting the environment. (A fact sheet is available from Both ENDS with links
to environmental education websites and organisations: http://www.bothends.org/service/ip-edu.htm)
The use
of early warning systems is becoming
more and more of an issue. Early warning systems involve physical and electronic
equipment that provide "early warning" on emerging environmental
stresses and threats. A problem with large scale early-warning systems is the
dependence on the commitment of political and decision making persons.
Furthermore, the information collected has to reach the communities. For this,
organisation and information, backed by political commitment, are necessary.
Community participation is vital to success (micro-level risk mapping,
preparation and implementation of plans). Based on the information available,
communities can design their own community specific warning system. It is likely
that early warning is going to take a leading role in the future of disaster
management (more information can be found on: http://www.grid.unep.ch).
| Community
based flood warning systems save lives in Guatemala
In the Coyolate River basin in Guatemala, where several rural towns were flooded every year, the national emergency council with the support of the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) began a project in 1997 to design and implement a community-operated early warning system, along with other risk management measures. Simple hardware was installed to monitor rainfall and measure river levels, and community volunteers were selected locally and trained in early warning through simulation exercises. Communities were also helped to develop hazard maps, establish emergency plans, create specific committees to deal with search and rescue, shelter management and security, and maintain and extend dykes to prevent floods. The volunteers now transmit data on rain and river levels to a local forecasting centre, which can then initiate emergency preparations. Since the scheme began, it has benefited more than 5,000 people in and around 100 flood-prone communities, at very little cost. During Hurricane Mitch, it probably saved dozens of lives. The three key pillars of this programme are: · The use of community volunteers · The use of simple practical instruments supported by both a radio network and the national emergency management institution · The recognition that risk management and disaster response can initially be handled at a local level. Source: World Disasters Report 2002, pp.52-53. |
3.3.2. Examples of local preparedness strategies and activities
by hazard type The
specific strategies and activities that individuals or local communities can
implement to reduce their risk in relation to particular hazards are mentioned
below. Other risk reduction strategies that require long-range planning and
resources are not mentioned below. (These can be found in: Bethke, L. et
al. (1997) Building capacities for risk reduction. Disaster management training
programme, DHA. http://www.undmtp.org/english/riskreduction/riskreduction.pdf) ·
Earthquakes An
important element of earthquake mitigation is community awareness and
participation. Awareness of earthquake risk and the desire to live in houses
safe from seismic forces may help motivate construction of earthquake-resistant
buildings. This is not necessarily very expensive: adding bamboo reinforcements
to adobe structures for instance greatly increases their earthquake resistance.
In addition, risk can be reduced by arranging the building and planning daily
activities with the possibility of ground shaking in mind. For example, sources
of open flame and dangerous appliances can be made stable and safe. Knowledge of
what to do in the event of an earthquake can be increased by a public awareness
programs and identifying safe places in the community. Community fire fighting
and first aid training groups can also be formed. These groups can take
responsibility for readiness and maintenance of fire extinguishers, excavation
tools and other civil protection equipment. ·
Volcanic
eruptions Communities
have an important role in mitigating their risk from volcanic eruptions.
Community members should be aware of volcano risk and should identify potential
danger zones. In addition, communities and families can prepare and train their
evacuation plan. Access to information about the volcanic activity is important,
and a system to spread this information to the people at risk can be set up. ·
Land
instability Communities
have to be trained to recognise areas of potential land instability, such as
active landslide areas, and to identify hazardous locations where building
houses should be avoided. In addition, communities can reduce the risk from land
instability by constructing structures with strong foundations, compacting
ground, preventing deforestation of slopes, stabilising slopes through terracing
and forestry, and creating rock-fall barriers using trees and earth banking. ·
Floods
and water hazards
back to contents
Communities have to be actively involved in reducing the risk of flood damage. Where construction in a flood-prone site is necessary or cannot be avoided, houses can be constructed to be flood resistant: using materials resistant to water damage and strong foundations. Awareness of water hazards can be reflected in living practices such as constructing elevated storage and sleeping areas, or raising the whole building on stilts. Crop cycles can be modified to avoid the flooding season, and flood-resistant crops can be grown. In addition, community members have to be aware that deforestation can exacerbate flooding, and they have to make sure that a vegetation cover slows down the run-off of water. Communities can reduce the risk of personal harm by preparing flood evacuation plans that include identification of evacuation routes, and locations for the availability of boats or other appropriate transport and rescue equipment. Monitoring and warning systems at the local (and regional) level are also important to a risk reduction strategy.
|
It
is important in an evacuation plan to agree under which conditions (when),
you are going to what.
Ms.
Imelda Macara, a member of the People Organisations Disaster Response
Committee in Fabrica, explains their warning system designed for
typhoons and floods: “It was emphasised in our counter disaster plan
that the typhoon signal-2 through
the radio are warnings to be heeded and that if the rains continue
unabated for twenty-four hours,
we should be ready to evacuate. We also agreed that when
the floods on the roads overflow the sidewalks, we should proceed to
the pre-designated evacuation-site, the village chapel. Women and
children first bringing personal belongings, followed by the men with
the farm animals in boats.” (Based on: Heijmans and Victoria, 2001) |
·
Storms
(typhoons, hurricanes, cyclones, tropical storms and tornadoes)
Communities
can help reduce their risk of damage from storms by preparing evacuation plans
and warning systems to be implemented in the event of a storm. Planting
windbreaks and taking care that a forest area upwind of a settlement is
conserved also reduces risk. Furthermore, they can construct wind-resistant or
easily rebuilt houses. By securing the elements that could blow away and cause
damage or injury elsewhere, such as metal sheeting, fences, and signs, risk is
also reduced. Other measures are: taking shelter in strong, wind-resistant
buildings; taking protective measures for boats, building contents or other
possessions at risk; and finally, protecting food storage facilities from
storms.
· Drought and desertification
Communities can construct check dams, reservoirs, wells, and water tanks. Furthermore, communities have to make sure that a sustainable management system for forest, rangeland, and agricultural land, is in place to reduce the risk of drought and desertification. This includes planting and re-forestation efforts and reducing uncontrolled firewood cutting. Cropping patterns and livestock management practices can often be changed in such a way that the impact of drought is reduced. Finally, it helps if water conservation policies are set up, and if alternative non-agricultural industries are developed.
· Technological hazards
Communities can participate in actions to monitor pollution levels, ensure inspection and enforcement of the existing safety standards, and improve safety legislation. They should also develop evacuation plans to be followed in the event of a technological disaster as well as regulate hazardous-material transport routes away from schools and residential areas.
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The
following case studies on local initiatives on dryland management and water
scarcity can be ordered from Both ENDS or can be found at the website:
|
3.4
Emergency assistance and rehabilitation
A
lot of different responses are needed by local communities and outsiders to set
up good working emergency assistance. It starts with a damage needs and
capacities assessment (as described in the former chapter). Often, an organised
search and rescue mission is needed, afterwards relief delivery operations and a
temporary shelter become points of attention. In case of long-term displacement,
an evacuation centre needs to be set up. This includes setting up all kinds of
committees managing health, food, security and public information. Other
important aspects of emergency assistance are a medical mission, psychosocial
assistance, networking and negotiation, and the mobilisation of the less
vulnerable sectors of society.
During
the rehabilitation, a vulnerability
and capacity analysis (as described earlier) helps to identify disaster
management responses that support development initiatives in the community.
Often it is concerned with practical actions, like rebuilding houses, setting up
agricultural activities again, (seed dispersal, farm/fishing tools, dispersal of
working animals and livestock, rehabilitation of irrigation works) the
restoration of bridges and trails, and the set up of a water supply systems.
Another important aspect is the negotiation for conditions in which people can
start their life and livelihood again.
3.5
Disaster management: a continuous effort
All
the different responses outlined above are aimed not at addressing the hazard
itself, but at reducing the vulnerability and increasing the capacities of the
affected communities. However, to sustain the initial gains of the long list of
interventions, people’s organisations need forms of assistance that are not
always considered to be ‘disaster response’, but that nonetheless are
essential in the process of capacity building and addressing root causes of
vulnerability. These are: continuous capacity building among people’s
organisations, information for the public (raising awareness), networking and
advocacy, and building alliances among communities.
4. Local NGOs working on
risk management
ASONOG
(La Asociación de Organismos No Gubernamentales con Presencia en Zonas
Fronterizas)
ASONOG
is focused on community participation and strengthening their capacities. One of
their programmes is developing the capacities for prevention and preparedness of
natural disasters.
Address:
Apdo. Postal No.1248 - Col. Alameda 4 calle, Ave.Tiburcio
Carias Casa 938, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Tel-Fax:
+504-232.2431
E-mail:
asonog@sdnhn.org.hn
Website: www.asonog.hn/seccion1/index.html
CADME
(Coastal Area Disaster Mitigation Efforts)
CADME
organises activities to reduce the socio-economic impact of disasters in 518
disaster-prone villages, located by the Bay of Bengal. The activities include:
the organisation of task force teams, the organisation of courses, emergency
medical care and rescue services, advocacy workshops.
Contact
person: Mr Gurudutt Prasad (prasad_org@rediffmail.com)
Address:
Krishna Sadan, Dr.Meda Ranga prasada rao Gardens, Hukum Pet P.O., Rajahmundry
– 533106, Andhra Pradesh, India
Tel:
+91-883-2461442
Fax:
+91-883-2468449
E-mail:
cadmeindia@remove_78vG0_this.rediffmail.com,
prasad_org@rediffmail.com
CARE
Bangladesh
CARE
Bangladesh has adopted a community-based approach, working in collaboration with
partner NGOs in the municipalities and with the Disaster Management Bureau of
the Government of Bangladesh. Currently they are also doing a vulnerability
study about climate change in the coastal zone of Bangladesh.
Contact:
Mr. Fahmid Karim Bhuiya, project coordinator
Address:
House 66, Road 7 A, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh
Mail
address: GPO Box 226, Dhaka 1000
Tel:
+880-2-811.41.95 / 811.41.98 / 811.42.07 / 9
Fax:
+-880-2-811.41.83
E-mail:
carebangla@drik.bdg.toolnet.org
Citizen’s
Disaster Response Network (CDRN),
Philippines
CDRN
is a national network of 14 NGOs that promotes community-based disaster
preparedness work. It has conducted campaigns and advocacy work to mitigate the
impacts of disaster. CDRN has developed strategies to enhance people’s
capacities through community organising, forming village-level disaster response
committees, developing local early warning system, organising rescue teams and
diversifying local sources of livelihoods.
Address:
72-A Times Street, West Triangle Homes, Quezon City, 1104, Philippines
Tel:
+632-924.0386/ 928.7860
Fax:
+632-929-9822
E-mail:
cdrc@i-manila.com.ph
Website: http://www.cdrc-phil.org
Duryog
Nivaran
– the South Asian Network for Disaster
Mitigation
Duryog
Nivaran is a network of individuals and organisations working in South Aria who
are committed to promoting an alternative perspective on disasters and
vulnerability as a basis for disaster mitigation in the region. The Network’s
aim is to reduce the vulnerability communities to disasters and conflicts by
promoting the alternative perspective of disaster mitigation. Publications are
available, and a newsletter ‘Disaster Dispatch’ is produced.
Duryog
Nivaran Secretariat, c/o ITDG- South Asia
Address:
No. 4, Lionel Edirisinghe Mawatha, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka
Tel:
+94-1-829412, 829413 and 829414
Fax:
+94-1-856188
E-mail:
DN.NET@itdg.slt.lk
Website: http://www.duryognivaran.org/indexnew.php
Disaster
Mitigation Institute
The
Disaster Mitigation Institute is an organisation working for community based
disaster risk reduction (disaster mitigation, capacity building and disaster
preparedness). This is done by training, research and documentation. Their focus
is on water, habitat, food and livelihood security. Several publications are
available, a monthly journal ‘Afat Nivaran’ is produced (in Gujarati
language), and a quarterly publication ’Vipada Nivaran’ is available (in
Hindi language).
Address:
411, Sakar Five, Near Nataraj Cinema, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - 380009, Gujarat,
India
Tel:
+91-79-6586234, 6583607
Fax
: +91-79-6582962
E-mail
: dmi@icenet.co.in
Website :
http://www.southasiadisasters.net
ITDG
(Intermediate Technology Development Group)
ITDG
is an international development agency that promotes appropriate technology
options around the world. They work in Latin America, Asia, and southern Africa
on disaster reduction strategies. ITDG has substantial international experience
of disaster mitigation work, particularly in Latin America and South Asia.
Furthermore, they have gained experience in reducing the impact of drought
working among farming and pastoral communities in Africa. Regional offices are
located in Bangladesh, Kenya, Peru, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.
Head
office: ITDG, c/o The Schumacher Centre for Technology & Development
Address:
Bourton Hall, Bourton-on-Dunsmore, Rugby, CV23 9QZ, United Kingdom
Tel:
+44-1926-634400
Fax:
+44-1926-634401
E-mail:
itdg@itdg.org.uk
Website:
http://www.itdg.org
La
Red de Estudios Sociales en Prevencion de Desastres en America Latin (LA RED)
LA
RED is a network and information source in the field of disasters and risk
management in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Address:
Antigua Base de Howard, Rencher Ave., Edificio 707, 2do. Piso, Apartado Postal
0832-1782 WTC, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
Tel:
+507-316.00.65
Fax:
+507-316.00.74
E-Mail
: laredp@bellsouth.net.pa
Website:
http://www.desenredando.org
Living
Space for Environmental Refugees
(LiSER)
LiSER
Foundation was founded by people who are involved in refuge care, environmental
organisations, human rights organisations and development agencies. The main
goal of liSER is to see these various organisations join together by broadening
their original working goals and mandate to environmental refugees. LiSER
focuses on environmental refugees who lack any means or possibilities to rebuild
their own subsistence.
Address:
Antoniestraat 19, 2011 CN, Haarlem, The Netherlands
Tel:
+31-23-533.28.92
E-mail:
info@liser.org
Website: www.liser.org
PREPARE
(India Rural Reconstruction & Disaster Response Service)
Address:
600 050, Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
Tel:
+91-44-654-211
Fax:
+44-655-015
National
Red Cross/Red Crescent societies
There
are 181 national organisations that are member to the international federation
of the IFRC. Their addresses can be found at:
http://www.ifrc.org/address/directory.asp
Sustainable
Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS)
SEEDS
India focuses on community-based disaster management. People oriented campaigns
to help communities prepare themselves in the event of natural or manmade
disasters have been initiated.
Address
Delhi: D-6, Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi - 110017, India
Tel:
+ 91 11 - 2649 8371, 2649 8372
Fax:
+ 91 11 - 2649 8372
Address
Gujarat: B/2, Jam Apartments, Behind Dada Saheb Na Pagla, Near Vijay Char Rasta,
Ahmedabad -380009, Gujarat, India
Tel: + 91 79 - 644 4847
Website: http://www.seedsindia.org/menupage-disasternotes.htm
5.
Generating Funding For Disaster Management
Disaster
management activities are funded both from development and emergency budgets.
There is a lot more funding available for emergency short-term response than for
long-term funding for mitigation and preparedness activities. However, there is
a modest increase in funding these long-term activities. In general, most
organisations work through their own partner organisations. The following is a
list of (large) NGOs whose focus is primarily on disaster relief.
AIDMATRIX
AIDMATRIX
leverages the power of technology and partnerships to bring items such as food,
clothing, building supplies, medical and educational supplies to people in
need
during the time of need. http://www.aidmatrix.org/
AmeriCares
AmeriCares
is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organisation, which provides
immediate response to emergency medical needs—and supports long-term
healthcare programs. http://www.americares.org
CARE
One
of the world’s largest international relief and development organisations. http://www.care.org
ECHO
(European Union Humanitarian Affairs Office)
http://europa.eu.int/comm/echo/index_en.html
InterAction
(American Council for Voluntary International Action)
A
coalition of more than 165 nonprofit organisations for sustainable development,
refugee and disaster assistance, and humanitarian aid.
International
Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Oxfam
International
In
many parts of the world, Oxfam is most associated with response to manmade and
natural disasters. http://www.oxfam.org
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_we_do/issues/conflict_disasters/introduction.htm
Pan
American Health Organisation (PAHO)
Disaster
preparedness, mitigation and response activities.
http://www.paho.org/english/ped/pedhome.htm
Pan
American Development Foundation (PADF)
PADF
is uniquely qualified to address the immediate and long-term needs of
communities that have been devastated by natural disasters. http://www.padf.org/
United
Way International (UWI)
UWI
is helping local charities become more effective. United Way organisations in 41
countries help create long-term solutions to local human needs. http://www.uwint.org
United
Nations, International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
World
Bank Disaster Management Facility
http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/dmf
Some
governmental aid agencies:
Australian
Agency for International Development
British
Department for International Development
Canadian
International Development Agency
Besides
looking for funding from (large) relief organisations, insurance, savings and
micro finance are also examples of instruments that can be used to generate
resources for mitigation, recovery and reconstruction. The efficiency of these
instruments depends on the number of participants, the money available and on
the accountability and strengths of the institutions or persons involved.
The
Grameen Bank in Bangladesh
pioneered the concept of micro-finance
for entrepreneurial activities of the rural poor. Credits, saving and insurance
were part of their services (see also: www.grameen-info.org/mcredit/cmodel.html).
back to contents
6.
Sources Of Information
6.1
Guides
& Handbooks
Bhattu,
A. and M. Ariyabandu (2002), Disaster Communication: A Resource Kit for
Media, Duryog Nivaran Publication.
Bethke,
L. et al. (1997) Building capacities for risk reduction. Disaster management training
programme, DHA.
Enarson,
E. et al. (2003). Working with women at
risk, Practical guidelines for assessing local disaster risk.
International hurricane centre, Florida International University, USA.
Available in English and Spanish.
Heijmans,
A. and L.P. Victoria (2001).
Citizen-Based and Development Oriented Disaster Response. Center for
disaster preparedness, Partnership for Disaster reduction Southeast-Asia
(PDR-SEA), Philippines. A very practical manual for disaster management at
community level.
IFRC.
Vulnerability and capacity assessment
guidelines. Shows how vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA) can help
to improve understanding of the needs of people at greatest risk of disasters,
and thus prepare more appropriate actions to assist them and recover from a
hazard. Includes case studies and examples describing VCA’s usefulness and
lessons learned. http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/dp/pubs.asp
IFRC
(2000). Disaster preparedness training
manual.
Oxfam
emergency manuals on food security assessments, health issues and save
drinking water.
Prevention
Consortium (World Bank). The site provides successful examples of disaster
prevention. Furthermore, a toolkit can be found that includes online resource
materials for conducting various types of disaster-related assessments and
reducing risks.
Seaman,
J. et al. (2000). Household Economy
Manual: A resource manual for practitioners. Save the Children UK
Development Manual 6, UK.
Tearfund
International Group (2002). Preparing
for disaster. Partnership In Local LAnguages ResourceS (PILLARS), Tearfund
International Group.
Von
Kotze, A. and A. Holloway (1996). Reducing
Risk: Participatory learning activities for disaster mitigation in Southern
Africa. International Federation of Red Cross, Oxfam Publishing. A
collection of participatory learning activities for people who work in
development or relief with at-risk communities.
Spanish
guides/handbooks online:
Abarca
Alpízar, Flor (1997). Educación
comunitaria para la prevención de desastres: Guía metodológica y pedagógica
para personas facilitadoras.
San José, Costa
Rica.
Caicedo
B., Luis Antonio, Oscar Orejuela Osorio. Guía
instructiva para la prevención de desastres y la atención de emergencias. Cali,
Colombia
Cruz
Roja Costarricense (1995). Educación
comunitaria para la prevención de desastres: guía para la facilitación de
procesos educativos orientaciones pedagógicas y metodológicas. Guía 1 : La
Prevención de los Desastres. IFRC, San José, Costa Rica.
Guía
de trabajo para la elaboración de los mapas de riesgos comunales. A
simple spanish guide about disaster mapping.
International
Strategy for Disaster Reduction. Secretariat and UNICEF. Education materials
for children: "Let's learn to
prevent disasters" and the educational game, “Riskland”.
6.2
Literature
Anderson
and Woodrow (1998). Rising from the
ashes: Development strategies in times of disaster. IT Publications.
Ariyabandu,
M.M. and M. Wickremasinghe (2004). Gender
Dimensions in Disaster Management. ITDG South Asia Publication.
Blaikie
P, T. Cannon, I. Davis and B. Wisner (1994).
At Risk: natural hazards, people’s vulnerability, and disasters.
Routledge, London.
Burby,
R. (ed). (1998). Cooperating with
nature: confronting natural hazards with land use planning for sustainable
communities. Joseph Henry Press, Washington , DC. http://www.nap.edu/books/0309063620/html/
Division for the Advancement of
Women-UN (2001). Environmental Management and the Mitigation of Natural Disasters: a
Gender Perspective. Report of the Expert Group Meeting- Ankara, Turkey, 6
– 9 November 2001, UN/ISDR, USA.
Fernando
and Fernando (1997). South Asian Women:
Facing Disasters, Securing Life. Duryog Nivaran Publication, Intermediate
Technology Development Group. This book focuses on the interaction of gender
and politics in the management of disasters in South Asian societies.
International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies:
World
Disasters Reports 2003, Focus on ethics in aid
World
Disasters report 2002, Focus on reducing risk
http://www.ifrc.org/publicat/wdr2002/
World
Disasters report 2001, Focus on recovery
http://www.ifrc.org/publicat/wdr2001/
ISRD
(2003). Living with Risk: A global
review of disaster reduction initiatives. Includes a selection of disaster
reduction applications. http://www.unisdr.org/eng/about_isdr/basic_docs/LwR2003/lwr-03-table-contents-eng.htm
Palakudiyil,
T. and M. Todd (2003). Facing up to the
storm. How local communities can cope with disaster: lessons from Orissa and
Gujarat. Christian Aid, India.
Sainath
P. (1997). Everybody Loves a Good
Drought: Stories from India’s Poorest Districts. Penguin, New Delhi.
Reprint available at: http://www.indiadisasters.org/idrpdf/Droughts/Drought%20Everybody%20Loves.PDF
Trujillo,
M., A. Ordóñez and C. Hernández (2000). Risk-Mapping
and Local Capacities; Lessons from Mexico and Central America. Oxfam
working papers
Twigg
and Bhatt (eds.) (1998). Understanding
Vulnerability: South Asian Perspectives. ITDG Publishing
Twigg
J, (2001). Guidance Notes on
Participation and Accountability in Disaster Reduction. Benfield Greig
Hazard Research Center, London. http://www.benfieldhrc.org/SiteRoot/activities/misc_papers/PA%20text.pdf
Uribe
A. et al (1999). Reducing Vulnerability to Natural Hazards: Lessons learned from Hurricane
Mitch, A
Strategy Paper on Environmental Management. Regional Operations Department
2 of the Inter-American Development Bank. Stockholm, Sweden 25-28 May 1999. http://www.iadb.org/regions/re2/consultative_group/groups/ecology_workshop_1.htm
6.3
Some international development agendas
Over
the last decades, the international community has adopted several
declarations, agendas and conventions, which contain commitments related to
disaster reduction. The International
Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) is in this respect the most
important one. It was initiated in
1989 by the General Assembly of the United Nations, to inform the people in
the disaster prone countries of the world about the protective measures to be
taken. The First World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction (1994) led to
the adoption of the Yokohama Plan of Action, which included focussing on risk
and vulnerability reduction and incorporate disaster reduction into
sustainable development. A review will take place in 2004. At the end of the
(IDNDR) decade (1999), the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster
Reduction (ISDR) was established to shift the emphasis, from protection
against hazards, to raising awareness and the assessment and management risks.
Two mechanisms were established for this: the Inter-Agency Secretariat and the
Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction. The Secretariat has a
facilitating role, while the Task Force serves as a UN forum on identifying
recommendations for disaster reduction. A selection of disaster reduction
applications by the UN can be found in the document
‘Living with Risk: A global review of disaster reduction initiatives’, 2003.
(www.unisdr.org)
The
Habitat Agenda
was developed to reduce the impact of disasters. Appropriate norms for land
use, building, and planning standards were developed. UN HABITAT is working
with local governments, insurance companies, NGOs, and the academic and health
community, to improve disaster management in human settlements. Their website
includes information on housing rights and policies, and building materials
and their applicability http://www.unhabitat.org/programmes/housingpolicy
6.4
International agencies, research institutes and networks
African
Center of Meteorological Applications for Development
(ACMAD), Niger
ACMAD
is working on cooperation among the African states and among the rest of the
world in climate and environmental issues, regarding sustainable social and
economic development. http://www.acmad.ne
Asian
Disaster Preparedness Center
(ADPC), Thailand
ADPC
is one of the most prominent institutes working towards disaster reduction. It
serves as a regional resource centre for safer communities and sustainable
development. It promotes disaster awareness, enhances knowledge and skills,
strengthens sustainable institutional mechanisms, and facilitates the exchange
of information, experience and expertise. Activities include the creation of
state, district and village disaster management plans, the development of
community awareness videos and publication, and the establishment of a
disaster information system.
Address:
(P.O. Box 4), 58 Moo 9, Km. 42, Paholyothin Highway, Klong Luang, Pathumthani
12120, Thailand.
Tel:
(66) 02 516 5900 to (66) 02 516 5910
Fax:
(66) 02-524 5350 or (66) 02-524 5360
E-mail:
adpc@adpc.net
Website: http://www.adpc.net
Benfield
Greig Hazard Research Center
(BGHRC), United Kingdom
The BGHRC is an academic research center in Geological Hazards, Meteorological and Space Hazards, and Disaster Management.
Central
European Disaster Prevention Forum
(CEUDIP)
It
was established in 1999, the main focus is early warning, including media’s
role, disaster prevention and mitigation and legislation on states of
emergency.
Centre
for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters
(CRED)
A
research centre specialised in public health and disasters, including
socio-economic and long-term effects. It maintains an international disaster
database. http://www.cred.be
Centro
Regional de Informacion de Desastres
(CRID), Costa Rica
CRID
works on the compilation and dissemination of disaster-related information in
Latin America and the Caribbean. Capacity building material available online. http://www.crid.or.cr
Disaster
Management Facility
(DMF), World Bank, USA
DMF
provides technical support to World Bank operations to make sure that disaster
prevention and mitigation are integral parts of their programmes.
http://www.worldbank.org/html/fpd/dmf/
Disaster
Studies Wageningen,
the Netherlands
Disaster
Studies is part of Wageningen University, and focuses on the sociology of
natural disasters, conflicts and humanitarian aid in the Third World. http://www.disasterstudies.nl
International
Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, and plays a leading role in setting up disaster management systems and providing assistance during disasters. Their activities are executed in co-operation with local Red Cross/ Red Crescent organisations. http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters
International
Institute for Disaster Risk Management
(IDRM), Philippines
The
IDRM gives courses in best practices in disaster risk management. http://www.idrmhome.org
International
Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)
The
ISDR promotes increased awareness of the importance of disaster reduction as
an integral component of sustainable development. The Central European Disaster
Prevention Forum is part of the ISDR. http://www.unisdr.org/unisdr
Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado,
USA
The
centre’s primary goal is to increase communication among hazard/disaster researchers and those individuals, agencies and
organisations actively working to reduce
disaster impact. http://www.colorado.edu/hazards
Pan-American
Health Organisation
(PAHO)
The PAHO is as a regional office of the World Health Organisation, working to improve health and living standards of the people of the Americas. They have a special disasters and humanitarian assistance. http://www.paho.org/disasters
ProVention
consortium
(Disaster Management Facility, World Bank)
A
global network to share knowledge on reducing the impact of disasters. http://www.proventionconsortium.org/index.htm
6.5
Websites
http://online.northumbria.ac.uk/geography_research/radix
Radical
interpretations of disasters and radical solutions. It is meant as a home for
discussion, working papers, opinion pieces, resources and links that can help
to develop solutions for all disasters in the whole world.
http://www.unisdr.org/eng/public_aware/world_camp/2003/pa-camp03-sg-eng.htm
World
Disaster Reduction Campaign 2003. Includes Information Kit (en/fr/sp).
The
Red Cross and Red Crescent Centre on Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness
(PO Box 28120, 2502 KC The Hague, The Netherlands)
http://online.northumbria.ac.uk/geography_research/gdn/index.html
Gender
and Disaster Network
http://www.undmtp.org/modules_e.htm
The
National Disaster Coordination Council of the Philippines
http://www.disaster.info.desastres.net
This
web site is maintained by the Pan American Health Organisation, and contains
disaster preparedness and prevention information of other organisations
(particularly those in Latin America and the Caribbean)
The
‘Disaster Finder’ is a search service of the Goddard Space Flight Centre of
the NASA in the USA It provides links websites about natural hazards worldwide.
Alertnet
is a free news and communications service designed to provide concise, reliable
information to organisations responding to humanitarian emergencies with the aim
of helping them coordinate their efforts and get aid to those affected by
disasters faster.
Relief
Web is the world’s premier electronic clearinghouse for those needing timely
information on humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.
back to contents
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