July 2008
John Bales, Disaster Management Coordinator, International Federation-Maldives Delegation
Until the unexpected onslaught of the tsunami of 26 December 2004, Maldives had little direct experience of major natural disasters. The tsunami cancelled out development gains accrued through years of patient endeavor, highlighting a need for comprehensive risk reduction measures linked to effective disaster preparedness systems. Ultimate responsibility for ensuring the security and welfare of its citizens rests with the Government but, in the fragmented, maritime environment of the Maldives, disaster management is the responsibility of everyone - not least the people of island communities, themselves.
The remoteness of island communities in the Maldives, access constraints to external support and a crucial need to be able to act quickly and effectively in an emergency require every island to be its own principle saviour, protector and immediate source of aid in times of disaster. Preparedness is the key to success – a community that has taken adequate steps to reduce its exposure to risk, ensured immediate access to appropriate resources when needed, developed contingency plans, organisational capacities to carry them out and routinely practiced emergency courses of action is more likely to be able to cope and respond effectively than a community that is unprepared.
Initiatives intended to reduce risk include:
o development of disaster preparedness and risk reduction plans and procedures
o establishment, testing and regular practice of secure and universally understood early
o warning systems and evacuation procedures
o strengthening of coastal defences and sea walls
o creation of strategically located protective structures – to provide places of safe refuge
o plantation of trees and other vegetation – to form windbreaks and tidal swell barriers
o rainwater harvesting
o change and diversification of livelihood practice – to increase the range of alternative
o economic opportunities and enhance household resilience
o introduction of locally sustainable and efficient waste management practices – to avert environmental degradation and protect community health
Disaster contingency plans provide a framework for emergency action – executing them requires access to specific expertise, skills and resources. An effective way to ensure these at island level is the establishment and maintenance of a core group of committed community volunteers trained and equipped to undertake designated activities related to:
o early warning dissemination
o raising community awareness of disaster preparedness issues
o evacuation and rescue
o casualty, damage and relief needs assessment
o provision of First Aid and psycho-social support services
o supervision of shelter/safe haven(s)
o harbour and boat safety
Community based risk reduction and disaster preparedness initiatives reflect local characteristics and priorities but they should also reflect commitment to nationwide aspirations to improve safety and protect the lives of all people in the Maldives - to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience throughout the national community.
Article: South Asia Link, E-newsletter from South Asia Regional Delegation, International Federation, Issue July 2008, Page 4. Available on: South Asia Link-July 2008
