From the editor Disaster Reduction in AFRICA ISDR INFORMS

produced by the Africa Regional Office From Africa to Japan, of the UN/International Strategy Some 9 months remain before the January 2005 Second World Conference for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) in Kobe - Hyogo, Japan. UN/ISDR Senior Regional Officer for Africa Africa definitely is expecting much from WCDR. But before expecting much, Feng Min Kan shouldn’t we first contribute a lot to WCDR II? Indeed, as one expert put it: “A . conference is like a computer database, its output depends on the input”. Editor Alain Valency R. What should Africa expect mostly from WCDR? General Production 1. That the rest of the world knows that even though Africa is not the most Noroarisoa Rakotondrandria disaster-prone continent, its high vulnerability to disasters is such that it is the most affected continent; Design & Layout Mario Barrantes 2. That the rest of the world understands that to address this vulnerability issue – which is an obstacle to sustainable development, Africa has to Photographs shift from disaster response to disaster prevention/reduction; UN/ISDR Africa, ICPAC (formerly DMCN), Prof. D. Benouar, 3. That the rest of the world sees or, at least, feels that Africa’s shift (or will to Department of Civil Protection - Zimbabwe shift) to disaster prevention/reduction is genuine; and

Circulation 4. That, after seeing (or feeling) that Africa is genuinely pursuing this cause, Pamela Mubuta and given that the event will be under the aegis of the United Nations (nations united or seeking unity), the rest of the world pledges to Printed by accompany Africa in this new venture. Majestic How could Africa possibly contribute to WCDR in the light of the above? DISCLAIMER The information and opinions expressed in this publica- A major initiative is under way on the continent, initiated by the AU tion do not necessarily reflect the policies of the UN/ISDR Commission, the NEPAD Secretariat and UN/ISDR Africa. It involves all African Secretariat. RECs (Regional Economic Communities), national governments and other UN agencies. It is aimed at developing an African Regional Strategy for Find more about disaster reduction with Disaster Risk Management that is supposed to be adopted by the next AU Summit. UN/ISDR Secretariat UN Palais des Nations, Such an endorsement by African leaders is the very key contribution that CH 1211 Geneva Africa can make and should take to Kobe. Why? 10 Switzerland Tel: +506-224-6941, 1. A formal endorsement of such a relatively “obscure technical matter” by 224-6395, 224-6690 African leaders will not go unnoticed on the international chessboard. Fax:+506-224-7758 [email protected] 2. It will be the expression of a shared determination on the part of African www.unisdr.org peoples, African civil societies, African institutions and African leaders.

UN/ISDR Africa 3. Being a formal and high profile commitment proclaimed before the UNEP HQ, UN Complex, Gigiri, international political, scientific, technical and development communities, P.O. Box 47074 Nairobi, Kenya. its genuineness is likely to appear more “genuine”. Tel (254-2) 624568 or 624119 E-mail: [email protected] 4. The rest of the world disaster management community too stands to www.unisdrafrica.org gain. Indeed such a move by Africa, if backed only by a section of the rest of the world, would help to elevate disaster prevention/reduction to another Regional Unit for Latin America “pillar” of sustainable development. & the Caribbean PO Box 3745-1000 Africa’s key asset in Kobe is the AU Summit’s stamp of approval. But because San José, Costa Rica the next AU Summit will be held in July, we are left with only two months (May Fax (506) 224-7758 and June), 61 days, 43 working days… Tel (506) 224-1186 [email protected] Are 43 working days enough? Yes, 43 “hard” working days are enough… [email protected] provided, however, that we bear in mind that this AU Summit will be our last [email protected] port of call on our long journey from Africa to Japan. www.eird.org www.crid.or.cr

For free subscriptions R. Alain Valency please send your full name, institution or organization for which you work (not essential) and address to the [email protected] following address: ISDR- [email protected]

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 1 UNDP Announcement

From this third issue of “ISDR Informs – Disaster Reduction In Africa” UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR), and specifically its Disaster Reduction Unit (DRU), is happy to announce that it will provide support to UN/ISDR Africa for production and translation costs.

BCPR serves to bring focus and substantive support to UNDP’s overall strategy and range of disaster reduction and recovery activities, involving UNDP Country Offices, Regional Bureaux and specialized agencies. As the focal point in UNDP for the ISDR and within the framework of the goals and objectives of the UN/ISDR, BCPR, in direct collaboration with UNDP Country Offices, provides substantive and financial support to operational activities to strengthen capacities for disaster reduction to enable national governments, regional organizations, local authorities, civil society and other stakeholders to design and implement relevant and effective policy frameworks, strategies and plans, programmes and projects to manage and reduce disaster risks.

In Africa, BCPR’s Disaster Reduction Unit is collaborating closely with UN/ISDR to provide support to the promotion and implementation of disaster risk reduction at regional, sub-regional, national and local levels and within the United Nations and other agencies and organizations through:

• Increased disaster risk management capacity and institution building with national governments, regional and sub-regional organizations, UN Country Offices and other stakeholders • Implementation of sustainable recovery programmes that emphasise long-term risk reduction • Development and promotion of the dissemination of knowledge and information on disaster risk reduction through new and existing networks • The integration of disaster risk reduction into country development programmes, the UNDAF and CCF • Supporting programmes at regional and sub-regional level that aim to enhance national programmes • Working collaboratively with other UN agencies and national and international organizations.

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 2 IN THIS ISSUE

2 UNDP Announcement 3 From the Editor From Africa to Japan

4 Disaster reduction in Africa 4 Accountability, governance in disaster risk reduction - Dr. Hesphina Rukato 7 ZIMBABWE - Disaster Management Act expected in Parliament in June; MPs briefed, consulted - Mr. Madzudzu Pawadyira 8 Africa disaster reduction efforts hailed, Africa working group to be formed - Dr. Hesphina Rukato 10 Mitigation of earthquake disasters in Uganda - Mr. Martin Owor

12 Views and reviews 12 SENEGAL: Flood-prone coastal town promotes culture of risk - Mr. Aliou Mamadiou Dia 14 DISASTER RISK REDUCTION: Enabling communities to manage water - Mr. Rowena Hay, Mr. Peter Rogers and Dr. Chris Hartnardy 16 Drought, governance and social conflict in Southern Somalia - Mr. Ali Warsame Nagheye 18 African researchers to understand vulnerability resilience of rural livelihoods - Ms. Gina Ziervogel 20 MOZAMBIQUE: Maputo, a geo-environmental hazard prone city - Dr. Isidro Manuel and Dr. Enoque M. Vicente 22 Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction - Mr. David Lesolle 24 Floods and debris flow disaster in Algiers - Prof. Djillali Benouar

28 UN/ISDR Africa National Platform in Action 28 DJIBOUTI: Experts. ISDR Platform members discuss use of climate information - Mr. Ahmed M. Madar 29 MADAGASCAR: ISDR National platform contributes to cyclone damage rehabilitation - UN/ISDR Africa 29 COMOROS: ISDR National platform established - UN/ISDR Africa

33 UN/ISDR World in Action 33 Message for the World Water Day 2004 - UN Secretary General 34 ZIMBABWE: “UNGuidelines for reducing floods” launched in Harare - Mr. Alain Valency 35 Speech of Hon. Tinus Rusere, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Rural Resources and Water Development, Zimbabwe 38 2004 Sasakawa Award 41 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction

51 African Policy Makers talk about Disaster Reduction 51 Hon. Fulgence Dwima Bakana, Minister of Public Security, Burundi

53 UN/ISDR Africa in Action 53 UN/ISDR Africa 2003 activities at a glance 56 Publication update 57 INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS: Disaster reduction “gain momentum”

58 Partners in Action 58 UNDP launches landmark global report on Disaster risk reduction and development - Mr. Kenneth Westgate 60 SADC: Mid season strategic assessment and disaster preparedness - Mr. Richard Masundire 61 CLIMATE INFORMATION IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT: Towards a regional strategy in the Great Horn of Africa - Mr. Zachary Atheru 63 Strong legal institutional frameworks for Disaster Management - Dr. James Kamara and Mr. Laurent Granier 64 Comoros seek to improve disaster preparedness, contingency planning - Mr. Mohamed Abchir 65 KENYA: Towards women’s active participation in Disaster Management - UN/ISDR Africa 68 REMOTE SENSING: Africa Association’s bi-annual conference slated for October 2004 - Mr Ambrose Oroda 69 Experts agree on “Common Alerting Protocol” - Ms Christian Sikandra

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 3 Disaster Reduction in Africa

Accountability, governance in disaster risk reduction

Dr Hesphina Rukato Advisor, Environment and Tourism NEPAD Secretariat, Johannesburg, South Africa

Efforts are now being made in Africa to lay the foundation for long-term solutions to reduce disaster risks, but the issue of stakeholder accountability still remains unclear. This article seeks to initiate a discussion on how best to develop accountability mechanisms and institutional coordination – to maximise the ongoing efforts.

The recurrence of natural disasters on the African continent is catching the attention of political leaders, and gaining prominence in the sustainable development agenda. However, while efforts are now being made to lay the foundation for long-term solutions to disaster risk reduction, the issue of stakeholder accountability in disaster risk development frameworks, hence the reduction in Africa still remains unclear. elaborated in other sections of this article, importance of stakeholder and The purpose of this article is to initiate a should extent beyond political development partner support in discussion on how best to develop agreements and frameworks, to integrating disaster risk reduction in accountability mechanisms and encompass programmatic implementation, development planning. appropriate institutional coordination at based on the principle of mutual all levels, to ensure maximisation of accountability, and shared responsibility, efforts aimed at disaster risk reduction. Need for well-articulated including at national as well as local partnership levels. Who is responsible? Development partners, NGOs and the There are many institutions that have private sector have a big role to play in “Mutual” accountability different roles and responsibilities in influencing and shaping government The debate around mutual accountability disaster management. These include policies and strategies. However, there in relation to development is central to governments (at various levels), the are limits on the extent to which they take NEPAD, and has been highlighted as private sector, the research community, responsibility for the final outcome of critical in changing Africa’s engagement non-governmental organisations (NGOs), development processes, irrespective of with its development partners from one community-based organisations (CBOs), the roles they would have played in of donor-recipient to one of equal development partners, and various UN shaping the same development agenda. partners. agencies. Given the multiplicity of Having a well-articulated partnership Under NEPAD, African governments, stakeholders in the area, with differing between governments and their both individually and collectively, have mandates, ascertaining who takes final development partners, including non- pledged to take responsibility for Africa’s responsibility for integrating disaster risk governmental institutions, is therefore development agenda. However, given the reduction into development planning important to not only ensuring effective pervasive and far-reaching nature of becomes intricate. disaster risk management but ultimately impacts and causative factors of Technically speaking, governments poverty eradication, and attaining the vulnerability, the efforts of governments should bear the final responsibility. internationally agreed Millennium should be complimented by stakeholder However, many governments face a Development Goals (MDGs). and development partner support. In that regard, the NEPAD base document multitude of constraints in integrating The Partnerships, as they have been appropriately stipulates that: disaster risk reduction into their national perceived and which are further

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 4 Disaster Reduction in Africa

What is required to mobilise … rather embrace a shared responsibility communities and governments, to enable resources [capital, technology, and between all partner institutions and the them to cope with future disasters of the human skills] and to use them respective governments. same nature and magnitude. properly, is bold and imaginative leadership that is genuinely The habitual working relationship in While such humanitarian assistance is committed to a sustained human dealing with DR (Disaster Reduction) always critical as an immediate response, development effort and the issues has remained as it has always been it does not add value on a sustained eradication of poverty, as well as a known specifically, because of the way basis. What is needed is holistic and two- new global partnership based on that development partners and pronged approach that addresses both interest. institutions and governments chose to the short-term impacts of a disaster, as work in the past. Having now recognised, well as the overcoming root cause of a If this is to be taken as the guiding through NEPAD for example, that the past country, or community’s vulnerability. principle, high-level two-way approaches to disaster risk reduction Development partners and institutions accountability would require analysis of have not delivered the desired outcomes, and indeed governments need not just be the following: it is the responsibility of all concerned to involved on an “event” basis. They (i) What is the level of government go back to the drawing board and rather both need to create an integrated accountability with regards to disaster develop a plan that can work in the long and holistic approach will lead to a win- risk reduction? (ii) What is the level of term. win situation, whereby a country’s accountability of the donor community, resilience to natural disasters is including the implementing agencies, with In addition, there is a need to ensure that strengthened, and any additional regards to disaster risk reduction? all practitioners adopt the commitments resources can then be used for Technically, and politically, guiding and guidance such as those provided in developmental purposes, particularly in frameworks exist that provide a basis for internationally accepted development the vulnerable areas. the accountability of both governments frameworks (such as those pointed out In this way, African ownership of DR and development partners in relation to above) in their daily operations. This will processes is created and sustained, and development assistance and its effective ensure a move away from the “victim” development partners would truly use in Africa. These frameworks can be syndrome, whereby recipients neglect contribute to the attainment of the MDGs applied to the area of disaster risk investing in long-term strategies for and the achievement of NEPAD reduction. disaster risk reduction, through objectives. predictions that humanitarian aid will Below is a list of selected internationally- come during these times of need. Policy coherence Simultaneously, the donor community recognised and adopted frameworks: While there is a need to ensure mutual would also need to avoid the “saviour” responsibility amongst all stakeholders, it • The NEPAD base document; approach, awaiting until disasters strike is also important that countries develop • The Development Partnership Strategy before releasing resources, and therefore the appropriate policies and institutional (first set out in the OECD/DAC 1996 presumably “imprinting” in the minds of base to guide the implementation of DR policy statement on “Shaping the 21st communities the image of “saviour-in- programmes at national, sub-regional and Century: The Role of Development times-of-need”. continental levels. Cooperation”); Clearly these two approaches do not • The Millennium Development Goals Without clear guidance on how countries work, and communities become the long- prefer implementation to take place, and • The Monterrey Consensus term losers, as they are the most affected the roles and responsibilities of • The Kananaskis G8 Africa Action Plan and with no opportunity to influence stakeholders, it may become difficult to • The 2002 OECD Ministerial Statement policy change. hold partners, as well as the implementing in “Action for a Shared Development countries, responsible for activities that Agenda” Two-pronged approach, win-win occur in a vacuum. • The World Summit on Sustainable situation The work that the AU/NEPAD is Development Johannesburg Plan of Past experience in African development undertaking (in partnership with the UN/ Implementation has demonstrated that short-term project ISDR Africa, in cooperation with UNDP • The Africa Peer Review Mechanism approach to integrating disaster risk and UNEP) on developing a continental (APRM) reduction is not sustainable. strategy for disaster risk reduction, is There are various examples of situations aimed at providing policy guidance for Shared” responsibility where development partners and the implementation of sub-regional and Given the critical role of development institutions only rally around a disaster regional initiatives on disaster risk partners and institutions in shaping the by providing humanitarian assistance. reduction. The initiative is aimed at agenda in disaster risk reduction, they Once the actual disaster has receded, in implementing coherent and should not be seen to absolve physical terms, there are often no complimentary disaster risk reduction themselves from the outcomes of the sustainable follow-up mechanisms to programmes at the continental level, and implementation of these agendas, but strengthen the capacities of affected

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 5 important that governments create national multi-stakeholder forums for disaster management, whose functions, amongst others, would be to streamline the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders.

Role of research, research community. One of the most debated issues with regards to roles and responsibilities has been that of the role of research and the research community in disaster risk reduction.

The research community has an important role to play in directing policies on the basis of research findings, but their relationship with policy makers and implementers has not always been clearly linked. In addition, the role of the international research community vis-à- vis local policy making is even more variable. In this context, there is a need for streamlining clearly articulated roles and responsibilities of all research stakeholders who work in the area of disaster management into national policy frameworks. provides a platform for partners to Lack of clarity around roles and Conclusion converge in a coordinated manner to responsibilities. Another serious Long-term investments are a prerequisite achieve shared objectives. impediment to building the capacities of for effectively integrating disaster risk countries to responding to natural reduction in sustainable development. Institutional coordination at the disasters is lack of clarity around roles However, such investments can only country level remains a challenge to and responsibilities amongst many happen with a coherent and integrated integrating disaster risk reduction in stakeholders. The private sector usually policy and institutional framework with development planning. Sustainable responds to natural disasters by clear mandates for stakeholder development requires effective providing basic and immediate amenities involvement. Regular engagements institutional coordination among (such as transport, food and blankets), between governments and their various government and yet are hardly involved in policy development partners are therefore complex, working arrangements and formulation for disaster management. critical for shared responsibilities and mandates. Good policies and strategies Furthermore, NGOs and CBOs, which effecting stakeholder accountability, as are only as good as they can be work closely with communities where the well as monitoring the achievement of effectively implemented. This requires problems occur, are often hardly shared goals. coordinating mechanisms that are consulted on the development and Disaster risk reduction is a development currently absent in many countries. If implementation of policies on disaster matter and should be a shared progress is to be made in the management. integration of disaster risk reduction, responsibility of development partners, institutional coordination needs to be It can therefore be said that the uncertainty national stakeholders and national prioritised as a “must” at all levels. This surrounding the roles and responsibility of governments, regional economic will avoid duplication of activities, international partners and national communities (RECs), the African Union, competition among institutions and governments in many cases is further as well as NGOs, CBOs, the private overlap among government compounded by lack of clarity on the role sector and UN agencies working in this departments. of stakeholders at the national level. It is field.

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ZIMBABWE - Disaster Management Act expected in Parliament in June; MPs briefed, consulted

Mr. Mazudzu Pawadyira service delivery of the Department of National Technical Emergency Director, Civil Protection through its own Preparedness and Disaster Management Department of Civil Protection provisions and also through the efforts of Workshop for Focal Points, EPR Ministry of Local Government, Public Works collaborating partners. (Emergency Preparedness) workshops and National Housing held in all the 8 provinces, The National Harare, Zimbabwe On the whole, the consultative process Conference on Lessons Learnt on was a success. The legislators’ insight Cyclone Eline Induced Flooding Disaster A Disaster Management Act will be management was markedly improved at - November 2000. submitted to Parliament in June. the end of the exercise. Participation The above workshops were attended by Meanwhile, MPs have been briefed during the discussions was lively and the various stakeholders, and it was noted and consulted during an “advocacy need for the new policy thrust was seminar”. An “unplanned gain” was that all the workshops recommended the endorsed. scored on the budgetary front… need for central government to provide more funding for disaster management as Unplanned gain on budgetary well as to review the Civil Protection Act, An Emergency Preparedness and front Disaster Management Act that will inter alia. Unlike other stakeholder consultations, replace the 1989 Civil Protection Act in the advocacy seminar, perhaps The MPs were then told that it was Zimbabwe will be presented to Parliament deliberately so, did not yield much in the against this background that the sometimes in June this year. But before way of recommendations. Its focus was Department of Civil Protection had submitting the bill, the Department of on informing the participants. It therefore undergone the process of reviewing the Civil Protection (Ministry of Local achieved its major objective. Civil Protection Act considering some of Government, Public Works and The workshop also scored an unplanned the recommendations made during Transport) has organized a three-day gain on the budgetary front. It became consultative meetings with sector advocacy seminar for MPs. apparent that the budgetary allocation to ministries, the private sector, NGOs and the Department of Civil Protection needs local authorities. Seminar for MPs, wider to be boosted in line with the diverse Following these various consultative consultation of stakeholders emergencies befalling the country. The meetings with stakeholders, the The purpose of the two-day seminar was legislators undertook to ensure that Department of Civil Protection came up to acquaint parliamentarians on the Parliament would ensure that adequate with a draft Emergency Preparedness and historical and conceptual background funds would be voted into the Fund at Disaster Management Act. information on disaster management, as the material time. well as to enable them to make informed decisions on the proposed provisions of Some legislators felt that the War-related civil protection the revised Act. presentations by some facilitators were concept outdated too technical for their comprehension. The MPs were informed that the Act was The workshop was part of a wider This observation was noted, leading to ready for tabling in Parliament, and that consultation process aimed at the toning down of some deliveries. the seminar was therefore a continuation strengthening policy and legislation on Emphasis was then put on discussions of the consultative exercise, this time disaster management in order to ensure rather than in the presentations to the focusing on parliamentarians, a crucial effective and efficient disaster satisfaction of the majority. facet of the legislation reform process. management and sustainable The Director of Civil Protection said the development Background to review of 1989 overall aim of the seminar was to During the seminar, key stakeholders in Civil Protection Act strengthen policy and legislation on disaster management presented their It was noted that the need to review the disaster management in order to ensure roles and current shortfalls in preparing Civil Protection Act of 1989 was based on sustainable development. a number of events and activities that and responding to emergencies or It was also noted that civil protection was happened in the past decade, the most disasters. a concept that evolved as a result of wars notable ones being the following : the and was not well understood by many Through the ensuing discussion, National Policy Review Workshop on people. suggestions were made to improve the Disaster Management in Zimbabwe, the

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 7 Disaster Reduction in Africa

Funds for disaster management Minister calls for adequate supreme body representing the political not adequate funding will of the people. It also appeared that the role of civil In his opening speech, the Minister for He stressed that the provisions on the new protection was not appreciated by Local Government, Public Works and Act would widen the preparedness and many, even policy makers, hence its National Housing, Dr IMC Chombo, capabilities of the country to deal with the marginalization when it comes to stressed the need to put in place ever-increasing disasters. funding. mechanisms that would ensure proper disaster prevention and preparedness by The Minister emphasized the need for The plenary meeting felt that the funds all stakeholders. adequate funding for disaster management allocated for disaster management was in the country and called for not adequate. The Minister said the effects of disasters parliamentarians’ support so as to enable were far reaching in terms of human substantial budgetary allocation for the It was also noted that there was urgent deaths and suffering as well as for the Department of Civil Protection. need for the country to acquire economy. He pointed out that it was specialized rescue equipment to against this background that it was He stressed that disaster management effectively deal with disasters of all imperative to seek positive support from could only produce quality results if it was kinds. parliamentarians as the policy making appropriately and adequately funded.

Africa disaster reduction efforts hailed, Africa working group to be formed

Dr Hesphina Rukato Towards a “Working Group on observer status, UN agencies working on Advisor, Environment and Tourism Disaster Reduction in Africa” disaster risk reduction issues in Africa. NEPAD Secretariat, The IATF-DR welcomed a report jointly It was suggested that in addition to Johannesburg, South Africa prepared by the African Union (AU), the UNDP representation in the Working NEPAD Secretariat, Drought Monitoring Group, UN agencies may convene Collaborative efforts being promoted Centre – Nairobi (DMCN – renamed separate meetings to facilitate their work by UN/ISDR Africa with regional and IGAD1 Centre for Climate Prediction and in relation to the Working Group. UN partners are providing significant Applications, ICPAC) and UN/ISDR assistance in advancing better Africa. understanding of disaster risk Overall goal of the Working reduction in Africa. In this connection, the IATF-DR Group recommended that continued efforts be The overall goal of the Working Group is This comment was made during the 8th made within the framework of the ISDR to to support the efforts of AU/NEPAD and meeting of the UN Inter-Agency Task support, strengthen and promote sub- national governments to advance disaster Force on Disaster Reduction (IATF-DR) regional collaboration in Africa, including risk reduction and facilitate the held in Geneva in November 2003 under the ongoing AU/NEPAD-led process of mainstreaming and integration of disaster the chairmanship of the UN Under developing a comprehensive strategy for risk reduction into all phases of Secretary-General for Humanitarian disaster risk reduction in Africa. development in Africa, in order to achieve Affairs and Emergency Relief the objectives of NEPAD. Coordinator, Mr Jan Egeland. It was agreed that a disaster risk reduction forum known as “Working The IATF-DR is one of the two structures Group on Disaster Risk Reduction in Specific objectives the UN International Strategy for Disaster Africa” should be established in Africa in The Working Group will focus on: Reduction (UN/ISDR), the other structure 2004. • Providing guidance on disaster risk being the Geneva-based UN/ISDR reduction to national authorities; Secretariat whose Africa outreach The Working Group to be chaired by the • Providing guidance on regional programme is UN/ISDR Africa. AU will get support from UN/ISDR Africa. preparation and recommendations Membership of the Working Group will for the Plan of Action of the Among the major issues discussed during comprise the AU, the NEPAD Secretariat World Conference on Disaster the Geneva meeting was the process of and all Regional Economic Communities Reduction (WCDR) to be held in disaster reduction activities in Africa. (RECs). The UNDP will represent, in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, in early 2005;

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 8 Disaster Reduction in Africa

• Enhancing collaboration and • Encourage gender-inclusive disaster The formation of the Africa Working Group, coordination among different management policies and initiatives, and the development of its scope of work, is stakeholders on disaster mitigation mainly through promotion of women also evidence of the seriousness of the AU and management, such as droughts participation; in addressing impediments to Africa’s and floods in Africa; and • Identify gaps of disaster risk reduction development, such as natural disasters, in • Facilitating the creation of a body and key areas of intervention; the context of NEPAD. of knowledge in disaster risk • Coordinate regional preparations for RECs have been identified as pivotal reduction in Africa. African participation in the World drivers and implementers of NEPAD Conference on Disaster Reduction programmes at sub-regional level, hence Proposed activities in 2004 (WCDR); and their inclusion in the Working Group as The first meeting of the Working Group • Advocate the necessity and importance focal sub-regional representatives. was convened from 26 to 27 April 2004 in of integrating disaster risk reduction Johannesburg, South Africa. Proposed into poverty alleviation strategies and It is to be noted that the role of the activities for the year are, among others, sustainable development. Working Group will be to provide to: guidance and advice on relevant matters • Develop a network on drought in Africa Africa moving towards reducing that require a continental approach. The Working Group will not implement and coordinate the compilation and impacts of disasters projects. dissemination of information on The activities listed above and UN/ mitigation of the impacts of disasters, ISDR assistance to Africa demonstrate such as drought; the extent to which Africa is moving • Foster development of ISDR national towards reducing the devastating platforms to advance disaster risk impacts of disasters on development reduction at national level; efforts.

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 9 Disaster Reduction in Africa

Mitigation of earthquake disasters in Uganda

Martin Owor, However, death and destruction caused putting in place vulnerability reduction AssistantCommisionner by earthquakes have been lower in measures such as publishing model Disaster Preparedness & Refugees Uganda compared to devastation in other designs of new structures that can Department countries by earthquakes of the same withstand seismic forces and Ministry of Disaster Preparedness &Refugees magnitudes. The main reason is that most encouraging their use, (6) development Office of the Prime Minister and enforcement of building code Republic of Uganda earthquakes in Uganda have occurred in areas of little infrastructure and low elements, and (7) undertaking research in population density. This combination of the formulation of comprehensive Uganda is one of the most seismically absence of developed infrastructure and methods for assessing social active country in sub-Saharan Africa. low population density is what has saved vulnerability to earthquake threats. The following is an article on the the country. Ugandan situation, the challenges However, management of earthquake faced by the country, the initiatives disasters is multi-sectoral, and personnel Number of infrastructures like taken, and the possible way forward. having all the various skills required are (Original text slightly edited by UN/ concrete housing stocks not available from any government ISDR Africa for larger circulation; sub- doubling department/ministry. headings inserted editorially) However, over the last 17 years, Uganda has been developing very rapidly with Earthquake occurrence in Uganda is Public awareness initiatives growth rates of 5-8% of GDP. Such a rapid taken mostly related to the East African Rift economic growth, coupled with high Meanwhile, to educate and raise System (EARS). The country’s western population growth, has been manifested awareness among members of the public border lies almost wholly within the in valuable infrastructural development on various issues of earthquake disasters western branch of the EARS, while its such as modern concrete housing stocks (including earthquake disaster eastern branch is only about 200 km from that has doubled in numbers over the preparedness and mitigation), the Uganda’s eastern border. Moreover, the above period. The housing stocks are Department of Disaster Management western branch terminates in Uganda. both commercial and residential, and are (DDM) has successfully organized a mainly in urban areas. This unique geological setting makes series of workshops and seminars in Uganda one of the most seismically With such high economic, population and Kampala city and Fort Portal active countries on the African continent. house construction rates, and with Municipality. Some of the earthquakes that have seismic activity being the highest in sub- In December 2000, DDM and Uganda occurred in the country caused death and Saharan Africa, the country’s Department Seismic Safety Association (USSA) damage to infrastructure worth billions of of Disaster Management is deeply successfully organized, in the capital, an Uganda shillings. worried of the possible magnitude of the international conference on disaster disaster when the next significant Most of deaths result from preparedness under the theme “Reducing earthquake strikes. Indeed, significant collapsing buildings Earthquake Effects in Developing earthquakes are bound to reoccur in The Tororo earthquake of 1966 in Countries”. The conference attracted Uganda. Western Uganda, for instance, left 157 participants from USA, Europe, Asia, people dead and 1,320 others injured, and Japan and many African countries. destroyed and caused damage to some Need for mitigation measures, DDM and USSA organized a similar 67,000 huts and houses. The 1994 skills international conference on disaster Kisomoro earthquake (also in Western The fact remains however that death and preparedness in December 2002 under the Uganda) caused damage and destruction damage to infrastructure can be minimized theme “Earthquake Hazards in a worth 6bn Uganda shillings (3 million US through appropriate seismic hazard Developing Country”. dollars) and killed 8 people. mitigation measures. The international conferences, The physical consequences of These measures include activities such as workshops and seminars provided earthquakes to people are death, injury 1) land use planning, (2) awareness opportunities for researchers, and damage to man-made structures, creation, (3) development of most of the deaths resulting from organisational capacities, (4) projecting collapsing buildings. the magnitude of anticipated damage, (5)

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 10 Disaster Reduction in Africa

practitioners and other stakeholders to The DDM and USSA (Uganda Seismic and many African countries with a central share experiences on earthquake disaster Safety Association) are planning to point for such information. It will further preparedness and management. It construct and equip a demonstration unit give us an opportunity to evaluate the brought together professionals from the to be referred to as “National Seismic designs that have been prepared, draw broad range of disciplines committed to Information Resource Centre”. lessons and share such experiences with reducing the impact of earthquakes on the local communities and beyond. society. These disciplines include Towards a “Seismic Information The resource centre will strengthen the geology, structural engineering, Resource Centre” work of district disaster management architecture, seismology, emergency This centre will have all the kinds of committees, as well as that of local NGOs. response planning, mobilisation and technical information on earthquake Additionally, it might prepare/produce media. engineering, earthquake disasters caused training material for school children. by previous earthquakes, earthquake National seismic code, counter measures/mitigation efforts from technical construction manuals other regions and related information in For more information on earthquakes in in place the field of seismology. Uganda, please contact the following engineers: Following recommendations made by the The centre will be constructed with the • Assoc. Prof B.M. Kiggundu, Dean, international conferences, the Department following provisions: (1) a museum to Faculty of Technology, Makerere of Disaster Management, in partnership University, Kampala. capture the photographic records of with Makerere University’s Faculty of Tel. +256-71-540421 previous earthquakes, (2) a conference/ • Dr E.M. Twesigomwe, Faculty of Social technology and Uganda National Bureau seminar room to allow for sustainability of Sciences, Makerere University. Tel. of Standards (UNBS), prepared a National the venture, (3) a video room to allow for +256-41-531498 Seismic Code. • Mr M. Matovu, Lecturer, Faculty of showing of damage, experiences from Technology, Makerere University. Tel. Also, together with the Ministry of previous events, (4) office space, +256-77-507357point for such Works, Housing and Communication, it reception hall, ablution areas and other information. It will further give us an opportunity to evaluate the designs that prepared technical construction manuals services. have been prepared, draw lessons and to guide construction of seism-resistant The acquisition of a seismic information share such experiences with the local structures in earthquake disaster prone communities and beyond. resource centre would provide Uganda areas.

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 11 Views and Reviews

SENEGAL: Flood-prone coastal town promotes culture of risk

Aliou Mamadou DIA Ph.D. student Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal

Flood impact in Saint-Louis town, Senegal, is worsened by human behaviours. A culture of risk has been promoted to enable people to acquire some good reflexes. But shifting to a culture of risk is not that easy…

It was only after the harmful floods of 1994 and 1999 in the northwestern coastal town of Saint-Louis that flood control and protection strategies have become a matter of urgency. Developing a culture of risk then became a must for the Lower Senegal town residents (over 150,000 people), most of whom living on flood plains.

Water… everywhere Located between the ocean and River Therefore, all queries about human Past events… not remembered Senegal’s numerous arms and affluents - factors involved in the floods occurring Indeed it is because such a culture of risk that constitute water belts around the in the River Senegal valley, and in a is missing, and especially because past town, the site’s peculiarity is that water is section of the national territory (namely events are not remembered, that floods just everywhere. Saint-Louis town), would focus on have invariably been taken so lightly. possible negligence in land use and During the entire rainy season, the same It is also the same lack of risk culture that sequence of events does invariably occur protection, alert and prevention measures. In a nutshell, the queries paralyzes or inflames any debate on what with more and more tragic floods. First would be the right political choices for comes the tragic and shocking scenery, amount to an analysis of all possible acts of negligence that might have made it flood protection and prevention measures followed by an assessment of the material in Senegal. damage and human casualty – which difficult to control the phenomenon and enables to see how serious the event reduce its impact. Land use in flood-prone low-lying areas was. Then, immediately after, some Indeed local residents, by lack of surrounding Saint-Louis town is drought- tentative explanations of the knowledge, carelessness, based, and the low river levels and scarce phenomenon are given, explanations that thoughtlessness or lack of memory, rainfall of Senegal’s long drought period invariably raise the issue of human would just worsen the impact of the do not incite to build protection devices. responsibility. floods. Risk management structures Flood impact worsened by… It is clear that no prediction, no put in place residents prevention and no preservation is perfect. As said earlier, flood control and Even though the floods are obviously a However, this cannot be a justification for protection became a matter of urgency the laxness that prevails in Saint-Louis fact of nature, their impact on local after the harmful floods of 1994 and 1999. region when it comes to land use. Hence residents depend to a large extent on the the need to promote a genuine culture of In July 2001, a Commission nationale de residents’ behaviours. risk among residents. gestion prévisionnelle des inondations

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 12 Views and Reviews

(CONAGPI - National Commission for rehabilitation of dykes and embankments, culture of risk in a context that seems to Predictive Flood Management) was and the clearing of conduits, etc. be characterized by fear and devastation. established under the supervision of the It would indeed be better that, on one Interior and Local Government Ministry Plans of action ahead of rainy seasons hand, the disaster risk is known, and that, in collaboration with the Ministry of therefore specify whatever technical on the other, they could also prepare for Town and Regional Planning. measures should be taken regarding its occurrence. Also because no one – sanitation networks, fuel for mobile government authorities, experts or The Commission, known generally as the pumps, sandbags needed to set up technicians – can assure that absolute « National Flood Control Unit », is makeshift dykes. The plans of action also security will be there, such preparedness composed of several regional units define hygiene awareness activities and should not be the sole business of whose mission is to make a census of all social assistance for flood victims. experts. flood-prone zones and suggest solutions to the national unit. The objective was to Long-term flood management in Saint- Shifting to culture of risk not conduct a thorough assessment of the Louis gives greater importance to the easy situation prevailing in regions affected by construction of protection structures like In the light of the above, flood risk floods, and promote synergy between all dykes and embankments. It is also based management in Saint-Louis should be a those involved in flood management so on an emergency flood control shared responsibility. It should also rely that relatively long-term solutions could programme guided by the Office national on some commitments by all the parties be found. de l’assainissement du Sénégal (ONAS – involved or to be involved. Senegal National Office for Sanitation). During the major floods of September Some embankment rehabilitation work 2003, a crisis unit was set up under the It is clear that shifting to a culture of risk was completed on the island under the supervision of the Interior and Local cannot be done without difficulties. One programme, and rainwater sanitation Government Ministry following an order would perhaps easily predict that measures - such as construction of pump from the President of the Republic. The adaptive behaviours can be expected units and balancing reservoirs - defined. crisis unit, which grouped together from those local residents concerned as a almost all the other government result of the more and more frequent ministries, was mainly charged with the Developing a culture of risk occurrence of floods. However, those duty of taking urgent measures likely to Because of the magnitude of the floods local residents concerned believe that handle the situation, especially the that have occurred over the last few their daily behaviours should not be construction of lateral water outlets and years, promoting a culture of risk has altered, nor restrictive regulations compensating reservoirs upstream from become relevant within the framework of enforced, when it happens that the much threatened sites. prevention programmes to be feared events seem to never occur. implemented by government authorities In fact, those prevention policies that Management, plans of action to promote dialogue between all those seek to sensitize local residents on the ahead of rainy seasons concerned. risks they are exposed to, and strive after Management activities ahead of rainy winning their support, might come up It is not about terrifying local residents, it seasons in Saint-Louis are restricted to against the above difficulties. Such a is about sensitizing them by reminding meetings and gatherings initiated by the situation calls therefore for a better them that zero-risk situations do not exist; regional flood control unit. The meetings identification and analysis of the factors and that to enable residents to face any and gatherings are aimed at conducting a that may oppose the advent of a culture possible disasters adequately, some good thorough evaluation of the town’s of risk in the region of Saint-Louis. reflexes must be acquired. security arrangements before the first rainfall. The regional unit can also take However, beyond this matter, the whole some important decisions regarding the issue is about how to develop such a

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 13 Views and Reviews

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION: Enabling communities to manage water

Mr. Rowena Hay, The impact of drought is compounded by government - and enabling communities Mr. Peter Rogers & more and more land being stripped of its to help themselves is a first step in this Dr. Chris Hartnady natural vegetation cover - through over- quest. Umvoto Africa (Pty) Ltd cultivation and over-grazing - to Capetown, South Africa accommodate a rapidly expanding Water management essential to population. Loss of natural cover and disaster risk reduction Water management is essential to poor land-use practice also contribute to Appreciating the fundamental influence disaster risk reduction, say three erosion of topsoil and a reduction in soil South African experts. And managing of water and its proper management is an nutrients as a result of increased leaching water “everyone’s responsibility”, not essential pre-requisite to the development and surface runoff. The end result is an just that of governments... of disaster risk reduction measures, insidious decline in recharge to the especially in Africa with its volatile and groundwater aquifers and the silting up unpredictable medium-term weather Water is life, but its potential to destroy of rivers. Africa is challenged to develop patterns. life, the environment and the products of sustainable, long-term ways and means to human endeavour is a harsh fact of nature reduce humankind’s negative impact on Regional plans for long-term sustainable : too much all at once is a mightily the environment; and to manage the development, sufficiently robust to destructive flood; too little for prolonged continent’s diminishing water resources withstand the inevitable consequences of periods can culminate in crippling against the backdrop of more extreme flood and drought, require a holistic drought, famine and mass migration of climatic conditions, poor land practices understanding. Pro-active measures to people away from traditional lands. and a fast-growing population. mitigate water-related risks will allow Managing water is everyone’s communities to limit the impact of the Many risks of everyday life responsibility – not just that of the inevitable floods and droughts on their water-related Water is also a receiving environment for many pollutants created by industries, urban living and disease-carrying animals, bacteria and viruses. Many risks of everyday life in Africa are water-related. All too frequently, devastating droughts affect large areas of our continent, causing famine, crop and livestock losses. At the other extreme, floods and associated landslides often create untold havoc and destruction. In both cases, socio-economic problems as well as health risks ensue. Africa is particularly at risk because its geography exposes much of the continent to extreme weather conditions – from tropical storms with torrential rains to no rain at all for months or even years at a time. These extreme conditions are likely to increase in frequency and intensity due to Global Climate Change.

Managing water everyone’s responsibility

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 14 Views and Reviews

environment, and so prevent them from developing into full-scale disasters. Despite an emerging awareness at governmental level of the risks from water-induced disasters, a long record of poverty, population growth, lack of infrastructure, poor education and ineffective management of resources makes many communities increasingly vulnerable to water-related disasters. This problem is compounded by negative political and economic factors that force refugees from disaster areas to migrate to under-populated marginal areas that, by their nature, are more prone to risks of flooding and drought.

Enabling communities to initiate risk reduction measures There is a growing realization of the need to foster a better understanding by the general population of water’s complex role in their everyday lives. Understanding causes and consequences is a fundamental step in enabling communities to initiate their own risk reduction measures. responsibility, and means to adopt pro- Three-tier approach active measures lead to a significant Although empowering communities is a In recognition of this factor, the UN/ISDR reduction in the risks facing their fundamental step in reducing water- is publishing two educational booklets on communities. related risks, this must be seen as but one “Water & Risk in Africa”: one as a of a three-tier approach which needs to Empowering communities to become pro- community leader’s guide and the other be adopted by: active and make best possible use of own for schools - to enable them to inculcate 1. supporting national government resources for disaster risk reduction has awareness in their pupils of water risks. programmes for disaster risk an important economic dimension. The reduction; call on national emergency funds and Much can be done at village 2. initiating regional programmes that foreign donors for disaster relief aid is level encourage the authorities to adopt an lessened, and the relief may be better Communities are not powerless in holistic approach to water used for purposeful medium- to long-term adopting risk reduction measures to aid management; and development in the recovery phase of a their coping mechanisms for surviving 3. providing local leaders with insight disaster. More money may then be water-related disasters. There is much into the complexities of water- channelled into creating sustainable that can be done at the village level; in associated risks and the need for development projects and water educating community leaders to prevention and mitigation initiatives management schemes, to the overall understand the workings of water, and to at community level. benefit of all. accept that they have the choice,

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 15 Views and Reviews

Drought, governance & social conflict in southern Somalia

Mr. Ali Warsame Nagheye to a very large extent, these herds spells. Traders and fishermen hardly meet Agro-Meteorology and Food Security migrated towards the river to utilize except where the traders exchange their Ministry of Agriculture available fodder and water. goods. Somalia Farmer-pastoralist conflicts During the war, people broke into many army barracks and armed themselves, Somalia… Chaos, civil unrest, poverty, common during dry spells thereby creating a basis for the atrocities loss of livelihood, wanton loss of life… The Somali population can be classified that are all too well known. Most of those Ali Warsame Nagheye says these were according to their livelihoods: they are accelerated by lack not only of actively involved in these acts of self- farmers (24%), pastoralists (42%) and a armament were pastoralists. This is mechanisms for conflict transformation third cluster who are fishermen and but also of… drought preparedness and partially due to the highly mobile and traders. mitigation processes. militarized nature of their life. The farmers Pastoralists continue to earn their living were generally the victims. Located in the Horn of Africa, Somalia by moving their flocks of camels, cattle had a population of 8 million dispersed in and goats in an endless search for water Pastoralists invade cropped the Diaspora all over the world – as a and pasture. Farmers, on the other hand, lands along river result of the breakdown of the central engage in crop production and are found Earlier on, when there was a central government system and internecine civil within the rich alluvial soils of the government, the pastoral nomads used atrocities perpetuated by warlords. There Shabelle and Juba rivers whose water are to visit the riverine areas during the dry are, however, unknown numbers still used for irrigation. spell only to access water and remaining in the countryside and urban household provisions. They could not During prolonged drought, pastoral centres, most of whom are still displaced generally settle around the riverine nomads and farmers usually meet along persons. areas due to the high prevalence of tse- river basins where the quest of the tse fly as well as other biting insects. Southern Somalia is a low-lying land pastoralist is water and fodder. In general slightly above sea level, where the two terms, the two are not the best of friends The government had also decentralized major rivers of Shabelle and Juba play a and conflicts are common during dry livestock husbandry services to them by central role in the life of its inhabitants. The rainfall is low, erratic and highly unpredictable, causing floods when it comes. Due to very high temperatures, evaporation rate is very high, resulting in low water balance hardly enough for both plant growth and livestock production.

Massive losses due to drought every year Drought occurrences in the region are frequent with a short one every three years and a long and severe one every five years. In spite of the resident communities’ evolved survival mechanism to span these droughts, massive losses are incurred annually in terms of livelihoods and life. Over the years and before the breakdown of the Siad Bare government in the late 80s, processes initiated to mitigate the massive losses were few and inadequate. However, the people have developed elaborate coping mechanisms such as herd divisions ahead of the drought and,

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 16 Views and Reviews

making basic veterinary and other drugs people embraced what they new best - • High level of crime rate in town and highly accessible and available in the the clan lineage system whose central cities hinterlands. pole was the chief. of clan -, values • Malnutrition of young children and varied from one clan to another, and the mothers among displaced people The loss of a central government and the chasm was even wider between presence of illicit arms among the highly Wanton destruction of environment livelihoods. For instance, the farmer had and wildlife mobile people have had a heavy toll on values radically different from that of the • Destruction of river banks by the farming community who lost both pastoralist, and that of the fisherman ad their crops and their lives. In the process, infinitum. pastoralists to create easy access of the pastoralists invaded cropped lands animals to the water and, later, this along the river, allowing livestock to In the ensuing struggle for domination, might change the course of the river wantonly graze on crops. There was also individual clans formed militias who waters and cause floods to settlements a rural-urban drift where a large body of armed themselves from the existing stock and farmlands farming communities moved to displaced of weapons in circulation. In the rank and • Charcoal burning by both farmers and people’s camps in urban centres. file of these militia were people who were pastoralists to earn living from the disciplined forces of the former The interplay of frequent droughts, regime. The effect of the disparate ragtag absence of central government and civil Grassroots communities’ armies headed by warlords is all too well involvement vital strife accelerated the breakdown of known and needs no elaboration. people’s social and cultural harmony and In the absence of a central regulating their decline into poverty and increased Despite its notoriety as a slow motion body to develop policies for sound insecurity. The rampant availability and genocide killer, the militia continues to management, reverse the current trends presence of small arms and light weapons hold sway in the religion, leveraging and improve production levels, there is a deeply aggravated the situation. support for individual and narrow need to systematize the establishment of interests. institutional structures at zonal level. Conflicting interests Such a measure will address: The arrival of pastoral nomads on the Social conflicts • Food security in terms both of crop and riverine scene gave rise to a clash of The clear effects of drought and animal production. interests where the farmer prepares to breakdown of law and order mainly • Drought preparedness, mitigation and protect his crop and the pastoralist ready manifested itself in the weakening of to die for his flock to access both herbage prevention procedures at community people’s socioeconomic wellbeing. The level. and water. This stand off is both cyclical absence of drought preparedness and • Marketing outlets for both farm and and often results into bloody encounters. mitigation processes as well as livestock products. The absence of the independent and mechanisms for conflict transformation rapidly led to chaos and civil unrest, • Community empowerment and regulatory third force that is a central education, which will help to government merely adds to the infernos. poverty and loss of livelihood as well as wanton loss of life. institutionalize traditional governance There is also the critical absence of systems for conflict transformation. initiatives to create public awareness and Social conflicts therefore arose mainly education linked to the development from the progressive decline in the rule of This will also help to address potential of area, as well as local law, insidious loss of livelihood and environmental issues at the community traditional mechanisms for conflict erosion of community values leading to level and help to re-orientate people’s transformation. an anarchic protocol where individual livelihood pursuits. interests vie to dominate one another. The success of all the above initiatives Breakdown of governance, law & rest upon the involvement of community order Current problems hampering members at grassroots level, which also The fall of the Somali central government progress fits closely with the global trends of in 1990 meant the breakdown of law and Problems arising from the above devolution of power. order with a corresponding increase in mentioned situations and which are crime rate. What was uncommon before Local communities’ involvement currently hampering any progress include leverages critical community support and (like the ownership of arms by the following: individuals) became common place, goodwill which will, in turn, be pivotal to • Local displacement of farming resulting into loss of property right and the desired project success and life. communities sustainability. • Low level of food production due to the When the central coordinating agency migration of farmers to displaced camps (government) was put in abeyance, in towns and cities

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 17 Views and Reviews

African researchers seek to understand vulnerability, resilience of rural livelihoods

Ms. Gina Ziervogel In the southern areas of Malawi and positively and negatively at present, and Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Zambia as well as Limpopo Province of how these might be better supported. Livelihoods Programme South Africa, climate variability has This will help to assess the type of University of Cape Town reflected itself in “back-to-back” flood livelihood systems that make people and South Africa and drought conditions, exacerbating households particularly vulnerable or increasingly fragile conditions of food resilient to the impact of AIDS. security. A research project seeking to understand It is expected that the research will help to the nature of vulnerability and resilience clarify the dynamics of rural livelihoods of rural livelihoods of communities has HIV, household food security and the role of food security - particularly been launched in three areas in three “inextricably linked” for AIDS-impacted households. It will southern African countries - Malawi, It is now recognized that HIV and also highlight how households cope with Zambia and South Africa. The three household food security are inextricably the small stresses and large shocks they selected areas are repeatedly exposed to linked. Compromised family health are exposed to. This is critical for food insecurity, the impact of HIV/AIDS increases household food insecurity, supporting rural livelihoods, as perhaps it and other recurrent threats. while insecure food and livelihood helps in dealing with small stresses that is security increases the likelihood of as important as dealing with large shocks. Named UNRAVEL (Understanding exposure to HIV and vulnerability to The details of what helps households - Resilient And Vulnerable Livelihoods), AIDS impacts. particularly those impacted by AIDS - to the project secretariat is based at the survive in the most sustainable manner is University of Cape Town, Disaster While imaginative epidemiological and a key piece of information that could help Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods action research has begun to identify with programming and further livelihood Programme, which is collaborating with broad risk patterns and relationships support. the Climate Systems Analysis Group and between HIV and food/livelihood the Interdisciplinary MPhil Programme on security, there is a pressing need for Findings to be incorporated into care, HIV+ and Society. In Malawi, Cadecom, further study to identify specific development, academic programmes Chikwawa, Caritas, Malawi and Malawi conditions that face at–risk and HIV- There will be an emphasis on distributing Health Equity Network are involved. In affected people. the knowledge generated by the research South Africa, it is the University of Similarly, it is critical to identify livelihood to the districts where research is taking Venda, Department of Advanced Nursing patterns among at-risk and affected place. The research team, together with Science and NPHRAI NGO. In Zambia, individuals and households that build the group undertaking advocacy the Diocese of Monze and the Network of resistance and resilience to expected activities, will develop strategies to Zambian People Living with HIV/AIDS shocks and stresses. integrate relevant findings into ongoing are coordinating the research. home-based care and food security Such understanding is central for better programmes or other livelihood Fragile food security targeting community prevention and enhancement activities in the increasingly worsened by mitigation programmes that, on one hand, participating communities (including climate variability address a broad suite of potential risks, agroforestry and conservation farming). Rural households in southern Africa live but, on the other, are sufficiently An effort will be made to support the with a host of uncertainties on their differentiated to sensitively respond to dissemination of knowledge gained from livelihood security, living with high levels specific household needs and priorities. the research into policy and practice of of “everyday risk”. These factors singly, the implementing agencies. Which type of livelihood makes sequentially and cumulatively increase In consultation with the research team people vulnerable to AIDS household susceptibility to shocks and and country Renewal networks, the stresses, and thus place household well- impacts… advocacy team will develop country- being at risk to threats such as HIV, as The UNRAVEL research project which, as appropriate strategies for disseminating well as vulnerability to AIDS impacts. already mentioned, seeks to understand knowledge generated by the research. Households, whose livelihood food the nature of vulnerability and resilience These include engagement with the local security is heavily dependent on of rural livelihoods of the communities, print and electronic media, written agriculture - either directly through will be supported by : (1) documenting accessible advocacy materials and the cultivation, or indirectly through seasonal the multiple shocks and stressors facing incorporation of key findings into formal labour and piece-work - are particularly at-risk and affected households; (2) academic programmes on disaster risk vulnerable to the impact of climate monitoring the ways in which these reduction and HIV/AIDS and Society. variability, as well as market forces. shocks and stressors are dealt with both

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 18 Views and Reviews

Understanding Resilient and Vulnerable Livelihoods

Objectives Identify and document “everyday” threats and other sudden onset and “creeping” threats faced by different at-risk and affected households during the course of a full agricultural cycle (12 months) in three comparative settings in Malawi, Zambia and Limpopo Province of South Africa. Identify and document the livelihood responses of individuals and households to such risks and the consequences of this action for household and community well-being. Specific attention will be given to identifying gender differences in livelihood responses, especially as these apply to women and teenage girls. Identify, where possible, those livelihood strategies associated with greater household resilience to AIDS impacts, and those which increase vulnerability to AIDS losses. Identify, where possible, community and institutional mechanisms that either undermine or augment at-risk livelihoods assets, capabilities and activities. Feedback the knowledge generated by the research to better sensitise ongoing home-based care and food security programmes or other livelihood enhancement in the participating communities. Support the dissemination of knowledge gained from the research into policy and practice through partner networks as well as country and regional Renewal networks and its incorporation into formal academic programmes on disaster risk reduction and HIV/ AIDS and Society. Methodology In each research site, a primary fieldworker/researcher will be employed full-time to undertake the work. There will be an effort to engage local stakeholder support from existing home-based care groups and HIV+ community members. One village from each country has been chosen in Chikwawa District, Malawi, in the Diocese of Monze, Zambia, and in Vhembe District, South Africa. The villages have been selected in consultation with local stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS-related work in the areas. Within each village, twenty (20) households have been selected. They comprise, where possible: ƒ Ten (10) households where there is a chronically sick member or where a family member has recently died from a chronic sickness; ƒ Ten (10) households that appear not to be directly impacted by HIV/AIDS in the sense that there are no chronically sick members and no one has recently died from a chronic illness.

The baseline data is being collected using a survey that includes basic livelihood data such as demographic background of household members, information on livelihoods, crops and production, livestock and other assets, livelihood strategies and dietary requirements. A section on shocks and stresses experienced within the household exists to document the nature and response to shocks and stresses. Part of the baseline monitoring includes a village perspective that involves participatory mapping by the community to identify both social and physical characteristics as perceived by the villagers themselves. Each of the identified households will be visited once every two months for the duration of the year for ongoing monitoring. These consultations will aim at gathering in-depth information about the “small, medium and large-scale shocks and stresses” to which households are exposed, their respective response strategies and consequences for resistance and resilience. This will take into consideration the impacts of seasonality, including that of climate and labour opportunities. The role of gender and support for female and child-headed households will be examined. The role that cash plays in mediating the risk conditions of poor households will be incorporated, recognizing that elderly South Africans are eligible to pension, and poor families entitled to child grants. Particular attention will be given to ensuring consultation with households in the selected communities so that the research is not an extractive undertaking, but a knowledge-sharing and generating opportunity for those involved.

Outputs • A comprehensive research report will be produced. It will include information on the risks faced by different at-risk and affected households during the course of a full agricultural cycle (12 months). • Livelihood strategies associated with greater household resilience to AIDS impacts, and those that increase vulnerability to AIDS losses will be documented. This will be complemented by the information gathered from non-AIDS impacted households to consider which households appear more resistant to shocks and stresses and which appear more susceptible to negative impacts. • Community and institutional mechanisms that either undermine or augment at-risk livelihood assets, capabilities and activities will be identified. • The report will be supported by two academic refereed papers.

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 19 Views and Reviews

MOZAMBIQUE: Maputo, a geo-environmental hazard prone city

Dr. Isidro R. Manuel & Dr. Enoque M. human migration during the 1976-1992 beach and Maputo estuary. The overall Vicente, civil war looking for security. slope angle is between 20 and 40 degrees. Department of Geology, Eduardo Mondlane The landslide and gullying events are University, Maputo The rapid population growth caused an concentrated on this slope. The gullies Mozambique increase demand for land. The rising of are deeply cut 1 to 15 m and very steep land use pressure was not accompanied with side slopes generally up to 60 by the best practices of urban land use The Mozambican floods of the year degrees but locally steeper (Fig. 1). Tens planning taking to the occurrence of geo- 2000 were a world news event. of these gullies are observed in the environmental problems. The main geo- Relatively little known was the fact outskirts of Maputo City. environmental problems of Maputo are that the capital city, Maputo, was also landslides and slope instability, gullying strongly affected. And that Maputo Causes of landslides, slope and coastal erosion and flooding. infact is a geo-environmental instability, gullying erosion hazardprone city. A combination of natural and Maputo prone to geo-hazards anthropogenic factors lead to the Geohazards are earth processes that are Maputo City is prone to the occurrence occurrence of landslides and slope harmful to humans and their property. of geo-hazards. The main geo- instability, and gullying hazards in Over the last decades, geo-hazards are environmental events are landslides, Maputo City (Manuel & Vicente, 2003). more reported in the world because the gullying and coastal erosion and In Maputo City were identified three society is more environmentally flooding. natural causes of landslide and gullying: conscious and has better communications Landslide is a general term for perceptive pluviometric precipitation, topography than ever before. downslope movement of soil or rock. and geologic characteristics. Another reason is that Earth’s expanding Landslides hazard refers to the Pluviometric precipitation. The landslide population creates higher vulnerability to probability of a landslide of a given size and gullying hazard in Maputo City is harmful geological processes. occur within a specified period of time mainly related to unusual, intense and within a particular area (Bell, 1998). short-lived rainstorm which occurred in Most Mozambican cities, Gullying erosion occur mainly in dune February 2000 where a precipitation of 400 villages vulnerable sand deposits prone to surface erosion mm was registered in four days. This is far This is the case of most Mozambican by water. Maputo City is surrounded on beyond 132 mm which is the average cities and villages which, due to their its eastern and southern sides by a long monthly precipitation during rainy population growth and deficient land use slope 20 to 50 m high, which limits the seasons (October-March). This rain planning, lead to the occurrence of coastal and gullying erosion, landslides and floods. Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, is a geo-environmental hazard prone city due to its location in the coast, the geological characteristics, population density and inadequate land use planning. Maputo is a coastal city located in the southern part of the country between the coordinates 25º 50´ and 26º 10´ S and 32º 30´and 32º 40´ E. It has a population of 1,018,938 inhabitants with a density of 1,700 inhabitants/sq. km. The population density is nearly five times more than its projection and this was caused mainly by

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 20 Views and Reviews

saturated the soil slope and the water surfaces are paved. Paving prevents population. For example, the Mozambican caused movement. Water promotes water from sinking into the ground, so a floods of 2000, that affected also Maputo, movement in two ways: as an active greater volume of water runs off faster set back the fragile economic progress agent, it increases the loading (weight) of over the surface into the sea (Coch, 1995). made over a decade. soil by filling previously empty pores; These changes caused by urbanization water also decreases the strength of the shorten the lag time and increases peak The main effects that occurred in Maputo soil by reducing cohesion among discharge, thus increasing the risk of City from the described geohazards are: particles (Coch, 1995). The soil saturation flooding. Rapid urbanization is not • Destruction of houses and resulted in landslides and slope supported with a good drainage system subsidence of higher buildings instability as well as deeply and steeply to collect storm water. As the water runs • Destruction of basic infrastructures gullying failures. off faster in the surface (unconsolidated (roads, drainage and sewage sands), it erodes and transports soils systems, water supply sources) Topography (Gravity). Topography is downward the Maputo Bay. Combination • Collapse of waste collecting and one of the main factors controlling mass of factors like soil characteristics and movement. It is known that the steeper disposal systems urbanization have made landslides and • Marked increase of the incidence of the slope, the greater is the tendency of gullying hazards occur. materials to move downward. The diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea topography determines also water Coastal erosion. The coastline around and cholera velocity on the slope, which, in its turn, Maputo City is dynamic due to shifting of • Deposition of sediments on basic determines the size and quantity of sand or its removal from low-lying beach infrastructures (football grounds, materials transported downward. In by longshore currents. It has moved tens schools) Maputo City, the topography developed of meters inland in the last decades and • Deposition of red sediments on the an important role in landslide and shows clear signs of coastal erosion. The beach area gullying erosion. According to the signs are uncovered roots of trees and • Displacement of hundreds of families, topographic map of Maputo, there is a broken retaining walls. mainly hardcore poor people; topographic difference of up to 49 m The main causes of coastal erosion between the beach/estuary areas with the Challenges, way forward upland. This altitude difference, problems in Maputo are sea level rising To solve the problems caused by geo- according to the geologic sheet of and inadequate use of beaches. environmental hazards in Maputo City, Maputo, constitutes an inferred fault. The Flood-prone areas. Some areas of integrating physical and socio-economic topographic difference and the slope Maputo City have geological measures is needed. angle have contributed to landslide and characteristics that allow water gullying hazard in Maputo City. accumulation, namely swamp areas and A better urban land use planning, properly maintained and regularly Geologic characteristics. Landslides sandy surface layers underlined by serviced storm drainage systems, and gullying erosion occur on the slope clayey layers with low permeability. enforced legislation and institutional on Ponta Vermelha Formation. This These clayey layers underneath the frameworks would prevent the occurrence formation is composed by ferruginous sandy layers make water infiltration of geo-environmental hazards in Maputo sandstones and red silty sand grading nearly impossible. City. down into yellow to white sand. These areas have been used as According to the geology of the area and residential areas since the colonial time. Prevention and management of geotechnical characteristics, the soils The flooding problem is increasing due to geohazards must be supported by should allow easy infiltration of water to population growth during the 1976-1992 research on disaster risk reduction. One lower layers. However, due to the low Civil War and over-occupation of land of the most important tools of disaster cohesion of soils and with heavy rainfall, and lack of land use planning. The flood- risk reduction is the development of risk the water saturates the soils and prone areas are mainly informal and hazard maps. Maputo City does not decreases their strength, causing settlements. have these maps. movement due to the influence of gravity. Flash floods also occur downtown of Topics which could be included to meet Urbanization. The main identified Maputo City due to bad or lack of the needs of Maputo town planners - in anthropogenic cause of landslide and drainage system, or absence of addition to basic general geology - are gullying is urbanization. Urbanization in maintenance. the geological characteristics of soils, dune sand area reduces the infiltration foundation conditions, landslides and and percolation area, which changes the Impact slope instability, steepness of slopes, lag times in the hydrographs. During Geo-environmental hazards have an depth to rock head, hydrogeologic urbanization, vegetation is removed and adverse socio-economic impact on the conditions, depth to water table,

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susceptibility to flooding, etc. Each of REFERENCES: - Momade, F. J; Ferrara, M. & Oliveira, J. T. these aspects can be presented as a - Bell, F. G. 1998. Environmental Geology: 1996. Notícia Explicativa da Carta separate theme on a basic or element map. Principles and Practice. Blackwell Geológica 2432 D3 Maputo: Escala 1/ Science Ltd. Oxford, U.K. 50.000. DNG, Maputo, Mozambique. Another important element is the - Coch, N. K. 1995. Geohazards: Natural and Human. Prentice Hall, New Jersey, development of emergency plans for the U.S.A. For more information, please contact: cases of occurrence of disasters. - Manuel, I. R. & Vicente, E. M. 2003. Isidro R. Manuel at: [email protected] Landslide Hazard in Maputo City: A Enoque M. Vicente at: [email protected] The disaster risk reduction should also be Combination of Natural and both at Department of Geology, Eduardo integrated in poverty alleviation policies Anthropogenic Factors. Africa Mondlane University, PO Box 257, Maputo, because hardcore poor people are the Geoscience Review. Vol. 9, Number 4, Mozambique 413-418 pp. most affected by geo-environmental hazards in Maputo City.

Climate change adaptation & disaster risk reduction

David Lesolle increased climate-related hazards that Opportunities, actions leading Meteorologist frequently result in disasters. to improved resilience Gaborone, Botswana At ecosystem level, climatic changes are There are many opportunities and actions largely being displayed as changes in that would lead to improved resilience Both climate change adaptation and intensity of hydro-meteorological hazards and improved coping abilities to weather- disaster risk reduction seek to such as floods, landslides, drought, as related hazards. This may be achieved improve resilience. David Lesolle well as changes in species resilience, through: says climate change adaptation will composition, etc. • Strengthening of capacity of basically ask what will happen if we Climate-related natural disasters also communities in managing and go there? but the other important frequently negatively impact on food coping with weather-related question – where do we want to go? security, health and other core socio- disasters. - is asked by the disaster risk economic functions. • Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction strategy… reduction into developmental Emergence of disaster planning within communities and at The number of people at risk to climate- individual level. related disasters have increased reduction in 90s particularly in Africa. There is also a The 1990s saw a growing appreciation of • Improved understanding of the noticeable increase in the number of the need to link development gains and problem leading to heightened extreme weather events ranging from losses to disaster risk reduction (DRR). A vulnerability and applying best short-lived flash floods to large-scale first significant step was the declaration practices in disaster prevention, droughts. of the 1990s as the “International mitigation and rehabilitation and Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction” adaptation. Weather-related disasters are a result of (IDNDR). extreme variability in the natural climate. Climate change adaptation, Furthermore, the Yokohama Strategy and Every time our lives and existence are DRR both seek to improve threatened by a heat wave, a flood, a Plan (for a Safer World) saw the need to promote prevention as an important and resilience storm with strong winds, we become There are similarities in the way in which vulnerable because the weather or climate essential component of an integrated approach to disaster risk reduction. concepts are applied to climate change extreme is beyond our expectation. adaptation and disaster risk reduction. In In the second millennium, the World both, the main objective is to reduce More extreme events expected Summit on Sustainable Development impact and mitigate or identify Under global warming and climate (WSSD) (Johannesburg, South Africa, opportunities for adapting. Therefore, change, there will be more occurrences of 2002) highlighted further disaster risk both aim to improve resilience to poverty, extreme weather and climate. It is as a management as key to achieving poverty famine, socio-economic stress, etc., and result of global warming and climate eradication, social development and in this way also aim to improve coping change that we continue to witness sustainable development. ability.

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programmes. Vulnerability of local communities and ecosystems to global warming and climate change, and also therefore the communities’ coping ability, must be assessed. Once the vulnerability assessment has been undertaken, it will also be necessary to undertake an assessment of the ability to cope or adaptation capacity. The adaptation assessment must identify and evaluate technologies, practices and policy options necessary to increase coping capacity.

Climatic change adaptation, DRR share common challenges, objectives The challenges for disaster risk reduction and those for adapting to global warming and resultant climatic changes are similar and the two share common objectives of poverty reduction, improved livelihoods and environmental sustainability. While climate change adaptation will It is important to improve our couple the institutional arrangements basically ask the question – what will understanding of how and when it is best assigned to these tasks. Weather-related happen if we go there? The other to adapt. This will lessen our vulnerability hazards and disaster reduction must be important question – where do we want to weather extremes and reduce the risk of considered simultaneously. to go? - is asked by the disaster risk a disaster. reduction strategy. The latter question Integrating climate change There is a need to formulate adaptation emphasises on a socio-economic goal. adaptation, DRR strategies strategies, enhance early warning It remains important to ensure that systems and make sure the early warning Key components to achieving climate disaster risk management is mainstreamed systems communicate clear information change adaptation and disaster reduction into the development process. A major on time, develop disaster hazard are: (1) climate change detection, (2) achievement will be improved resilience, reduction strategies and build adaptive identification of adaptation options for enhanced coping abilities, a reduced capacities. disaster reduction. impact of climatic changes and a positive We need to focus on and promote the The task of integrating climate change contribution to socio-economic links between poverty, weather disasters, adaptation and disaster risk reduction development, including reduced poverty environment and sustainable strategies must call for restructuring of levels. development. One necessary step is to existing activities and developmental

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Flood and debris flow disaster in Algiers

Prof. Djillali Benouar Introduction information on the possible intensity of Faculty of Civile Engineering Algiers, the capital of Algeria, and its disasters likely to be faced by cities if USTHB immediate surroundings have a total they are to reduce disaster vulnerability. Algier, Algeria population of approximately four million. Algiers represents the country’s most The official assessment of the 10 Over 700 people dead, 312 others important concentration of investments, November 2001 disaster in Algiers is very injured, 116 missing, some 10,000 government institutions and population. significant : 712 people dead; 115 people homeless - in a single… day. In Algiers. In recent years, disaster risks have reported missing; 311 others injured; On 10 November 2001. Algerian increased there due to overcrowding, more than 1,500 families homeless; 350 university lecturer and urban disaster faulty land use planning and building light and other vehicles destroyed or risk expert Djillali Benouar has construction, inadequate infrastructure buried; significant damage on conducted a piece of research work on and services, and environmental infrastructures (roads, crater of over 10- the flood and debris flow disaster... degradation. Algiers’ topography, metre diameter, damaged sanitation waterfront location and old networks, silting of streets, etc.), Abstract neighbourhoods (casbah) make it difficult buildings and houses (due to landslide, Exceptionally heavy rainfall (about 262 to enforce radical solutions to most of its erosion and pressures on building mm in 24 hours) and strong winds (120 problems. foundations and structural elements, etc.). km/h) hit central Algiers (capital of Also, because of the present pace and Algeria) on 10 November 2001, leaving patterns of rural-to-urban migration and more than 714 people dead and at least unplanned urbanisation which leads to Physical setting 312 others injured. 116 people were increased population density in urban Bab El Oued. The affected zone of Bab El reported missing and some 10,000 others centres, especially Algiers, such areas Oued, with its neighbourhoods, is made homeless, and more than 1,500 housing have become increasingly vulnerable. up of several basin catchments receiving units were damaged. Victims had been Decision-makers need adequate all the rains on a dense hydrographic buried under 2.5 to 10-metre thick mud in Triolet and the rubble of collapsed homes - hit by falling trees and power lines - or died by drowning in the streets. More than 350 vehicles (cars and buses) were buried under the mud with their passengers. Around one million cubic meters of mud were removed from the central Algiers district of Bab El Oued. The hard-hit zone is located at the foot of a 306-metre high hill. Most heavily damaged districts were those of Bab el Oued, Frais Vallon, Triolet (market stalls) and Oued Koriche which were submerged by torrents and mud and debris flows which washed everything on their way down to the sea. The present research work presents the damage, discusses the causes of the disaster, and suggests some preventive measures that should be implemented before the next disaster strikes.

Figure 1 : Distribution of various oueds in the affected zone

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network made up of a significant number STATION ALTITUDE RAINFALL (in mm) of affluents or thalwegs which, when converging, constitute the oued (small From 06h00 on 9 From 06h00 to 18h00 on rivers in Arabic) itself. In Algiers, there November to 06h00 on 10 November 10 November are about 11 oueds threatening this part of the capital and all of them meet in Bab El Oued (“Door of the river” in Arabic), as From From From From shown in Figure 1. 06h00 to 18h00 to 06h00 to 12h00 to 18h00 06h00 12h00 06h00

The catchment area of Oued Koriche. Oued Koriche, which has its source in Bouzareah 344 129.2 132.4 Oued Ben Lezzehai on the southern side of Mount Bouzareah at an altitude of 395 Cape Caxine 23 0 262.2 262.2 metres, is in a 10-square-kilometre basin. The main talweg is 7-kilometre long. The Port 3 26.9 72.0 109.0 109.0 hydrographic network consists of 4 oueds, tributaries, to some extent, of electricity and gas supplies were Oued Koriche which is under left bank the port of Algiers at an altitude of 3 disrupted. basins. The 10-square-kilometre metres. The following amounts of rainfall catchment area of Oued Koriche is both were observed: Many people were also washed away by compact and very sloping (maximum water currents in the flooded streets altitude of 395 m and minimum altitude of Floods, debris flows and which were acting as rivers. In Bab El 1 m) which favours fast water drainage. landslides Oued, 61.5 % of the total number of The main oued, on which is built the On Wednesday 14 November, rescue dwellings appraised by experts were Chevalley-Triolet express motorway, workers reported that their gruelling work damaged. Bab El Oued was the most collects all the waters of the flanks and is was hampered by lack of access to the affected district in terms of damage. This 7-kilometre long. Urbanization has affected areas in the densely populated is due to the density of the habitat (often reached the two slopes over the last few district, where many roads were still decayed) and its geographical location. years, causing deforestation. Because of blocked by huge amount of debris and Housing units classified by the expert the torrential rains, the top soil was mud. Bulldozers (graders) and other evaluation as “Green” of level 1 (those washed away by debris flows, which vehicles that could get access tried to dig that suffered no damage) account for generated real mud torrents. The right through 3 to 10 metres of mud and debris. approximately 7 %, that is 65 housing bank slope was almost entirely urbanized Health teams were dispatched to the units out of 896. As the number of “Green and built. affected site to check the quality of 1” housing units was negligible and with drinking water and prevent outbreaks of no significant effect on the findings, one water-borne diseases. Meteorological aspects of the should focus only on housing units event The public authorities were fearing that which suffered damage, namely those In the evening of 9 November 2001, putrefying corpses buried under the mud classified as “Green 2”, “Orange” and heavy rains and strong winds affected could increase health risks. “Red”. In Bab el Oued District, almost of 1 several areas of northern and western out of 5 (18.9 %) housing units of the Algeria, causing a disaster situation of The flooding at Frais Vallon lasted 1h building apartment stock was damaged. large proportions, with considerable loss 45mn. At Triolet, water levels reached of human lives and huge property 2.45 m and a speed of 6.47 m/sec and the The number of housing units demolished damage. Rainfall observed on 9 and 10 flooding lasted more than 2 hours. In was 543 units, which is comparable with November 2001 in the urban part of Oued Koriche, where all the waters that of “slightly damaged” housing units. Algiers was exceptional. accumulated and had a very high flow Regarding “Red” housing units, their rate, water levels reached a maximum of number in Bab El Oued District alone was Observations from weather stations in the 2.45 m at a maximum flow rate of 730 m3/ equal to that of all the other affected affected zone indicated exceptionally sec and a contribution of 2,600,000 m3. districts put together. large quantities (in 24 hours) that had Some 800,000 m3 of debris were - roughly - Dwellings classified as “Orange” in Bab never been observed since the station estimated to have been washed away by El Oued District accounted for 57.8 % became operational 100 years ago. In fact, waters. (1,531 units), while in the other affected the observations were made at three districts, their total number did not reach weather observation stations in the Damage caused 10 % of the building appartment stock affected zone: those of Bouzareah on the Severe damage was inflicted on roads, (exclusive of Rais Hamidou District where heights of the town of Algiers at an housing, schools, ports, bridges, vehicles it was 10.7 %). altitude of 344 metres, Cape Caxine (23 m and lifelines. In the worst hit away from the Bouzareah station), and neighbourhoods of Algiers, water,

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It emerges from the statistics that the Meteorology Department) should be number of “Hard” dwellings classified as added the steep slopes of the affected Disaster management during “Red” in Bab El Oued was 542 units, zone’s topography. It is also clear that the the event against 193 in the 5 other affected poor state of the various sewage and The main bodies involved in disaster districts. Inversely, all the “Precarious” sanitation systems worsened the response were the National Civil dwellings classified as “Red” was found situation, but certainly not as much as Protection, the Army, the Red Crescent only in the 5 districts. First estimates of what the press and the public claimed. Society, health and sanitation the damage in the city of Algiers indicate Indeed, if the sewage and sanitation departments and the security forces. The an amount of some 50 billion Algerian systems did not function properly as civil society also played a direct and vital dinars (0.67 billion US dollars). expected, it was most probably because role in rescue operations and in providing their condition deteriorated sharply after temporary shelters to those affected by Causes of disaster the first heavy rainfall. the disaster. A disaster of such a magnitude cannot Already affected by the exceptionally have a single cause. It is definitely the The head of the government charged the heavy rains, their capacity was weakened result of several failures. First is lack of governor of Algiers with the supervision considerably by various solid elements warning systems. This can be confirmed of relief operations in the affected zone. washed away by waters, and which by the list of human casualties: most of However, the governor seemed to have blocked them (soil heaps and rubbles of them were not residents of the affected been overwhelmed by the magnitude of all kinds, including a good amount left by zones, they were non-residents. A the event (casualties and damage) and people, excavated materials, building significant number of the casualties were the resource deployment that he could materials, refuse from demolition work, residents of other affected zones who not control. soil eroded through deforestation, came for work or school purposes. It is remains of vehicles, of trucks, of buses, As a result, lack of synchronization clear that if a warning system had been trees, power lines, electricity poles, slides emerged during the relief operations, available, it would have definitely made it caused by powerful waters). followed by total confusion lasting more possible to reduce the number of than 10 days after the event. Lack of casualties considerably. Mud also played an aggravating role. Soil coordination also prevailed among relief heaps torn off on the ground transformed Then comes the exceptionally heavy teams: as a result of different orders waters into debris flows, thus multiplying rainfall. However, it is not so much the received from different decision-makers, approximately by two their voluminal 211 mm of rainfall in 36 hours (245 mm in they took conflicting actions. It was total weight, and increasing its impact on the 48 hours) as such but the peaks in terms chaos which affected people could not various obstacles on their way. Another of rainfall intensity which may explain understand and tolerate. factor is the chaotic urbanization what occurred. To these peaks in rainfall prevailing in the affected zone as a result Despite the impressive deployment of intensity never observed since 1935 of the local government’s passiveness resources by the National Civil (according to the Office national de la and laxness: citizens could and can just Protection, the security services, the army météorologie, ONM - National build any structure anywhere. and various government ministries, the management of a disaster – which the governor of Algiers was charged with - was characterized by blatant inefficiency. The Army, which had been present in the affected zone since the afternoon of 10 November, mobilized more than 2,000 men equipped with heavy vehicles and tools to clear the streets of debris and reopen them. As 30 school buildings were turned into accommodation facilities for homeless families, more than 637 families were accommodated at school buildings of Bab El Oued and Bouzareah communes. It is to be noted that 24 school buildings were also damaged seriously.

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Conclusions and recommendations Even though debris flows have caused serious disasters in several mountain areas around the world, they are not fully understood yet and predicting them is not possible yet. Detailed research and studies are still required at various places and under different conditions. Even though the main factor that caused the Algiers disaster was climatic – exceptionally heavy rainfall of high intensity, there were several other contributing factors, some of which were unavoidable, but some others could have been, to some extent, controlled or foreseen. The main factors at the origin of the seriousness of the 10 November 2001 To avoid disasters of this magnitude in • C., Thornes J., London, pp. 130 - 186 Algiers floods and debris flows in the the future, it is important that steps are 186. residential area of Bab El Oued can be taken to ensure that structures are less • Gecotec (2002), Retour sur une attributed to the four following main vulnerable and that residents are warned catastrophe, Le Contrôleur Technique reasons, among others: of the situation by, for instance: No.25. • Undertaking vulnerability assessment • Innes, J. L. (1983), Debris Flows, • Powerful and sporadic torrential rains of existing structures and, when Progress, Physical Geography, 7, pp. 469-501. on high-lying parts of the area; necessary, repairing and reinforcing • Maurer, G. (1975), Les mouvements de • Presence of sloping sites with no them; masses dans l’évolution des versants vegetation cover and seriously altered • Establishing a maintenance policy for des régions telliennes et rifaines by self-improvised builders; structures of public interest; d’Afrique du Nord, Actes du symposium • Chaotic urbanization (urbanized oued sur les versants en pays méditerranéens, • Establishing a framework of Aix-en-Provence, CEGERM, vol. V, pp. beds); regulations to encourage private 133-137. • Inoperative water drainage (poorly- owners to invest in property • O.N.M. (2001), Situation météorologique maintained sewage systems). maintenance; exceptionnelle sur le Nord Algérie durant • Enforcing town planning and les 09 et 10 Novembre 2001, Rapport Expert evaluation of the affected zone préliminaire (Office National de la indicates 4,278 damaged housing units, construction codes; météorologie), Alger, 30 novembre 2001. including 3,421 classified as “Red” or • Establishing a national strategy for • Thapa, K.B. (2001), Water-Induced “Orange”. 80 % of structures termed major risk management through a Disasters in the Himalaya, in Landslide “hard” account for 7.8 % (3,325 units) and permanent body integrated in the Hazard Mitigation in the Hindu Kush – government apparatus. Himalaya, Editors : L. Tianchi, S. R. Chalise are mostly in Bab El Oued District that and B. N. Upreti. was the most severely affected not only • The Press (El-Khabar, Liberté, El- References because of its geographic location in the Moudjahid, El-Watan, Le Matin, entire zone but also of the condition of its • Bahlouli, M. (2001), Les inondations du L’Expression, La Tribune), 11 November to building stock. 10 Novembre 2001 à Alger, Rapport 12 December 2001. ANRH, Alger. Precarious habitat was affected in the • Benouar, D. (2001), Visits to the other affected districts, but in Bab El disaster-affected zone in Algiers. For more information, please contact: Oued it was the old structures, decayed • D. Benouar, M. Chabaat, Proposition de Prof Djillali Benouar, and poorly maintained, which suffered création d’une agence nationale de Faculty of Civil Engineering, USTHB, the most from the bad weather of 10 recherche et de gestion des BP 32 El-Alia, Bab Ezzouar, Alger 16111, Algeria November 2001. It would be appropriate catastrophes naturelles en Algérie, E-mail : [email protected] to stress that it is not the intensity of the 2° Rencontre en Génie parasismique des pays méditerranéens (SISMICA bad weather that caused all the damage, it 99), Faro (Portugal), 28-30 Octobre is the structures’ general condition and 1999. district location. • Brunsden, D. (1979), Mass Movements, Process in Geomorphology, by Embleton

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DJIBOUTI: Experts, ISDR platform members discuss use of climate information

Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Madar ISDR Focal point Republic of Djibouti

A workshop on the « Creation and The workshop was funded entirely by renamed IGAD Climate Prediction and Application of Climate Information, USAID and the World Meteorological Application Centre, ICPAC). Products and Services for Disaster Organization, WMO. Preparedness and Sustainable Mr Osman Saad Said went on to say that the workshop was first and foremost a Development » took place in Djibouti on Use of climate information, platform for national experts to express and 17 February. The workshop was organized products in various fields jointly by the Meteorology Department of demonstrate their use of meteorological and During the workshop, national experts climate information in their respective Djibouti International Airport and the briefed participants on various Interior and Decentralization Ministry’s sectors of activity for disaster preparedness consultations made in the fields of and management. Disaster Management Unit. agriculture, natural disaster management Among many participants were the and prevention, climate and health, and the Meteorological activities date role of the media. permanent secretary in the Interior back to … 1901 Ministry ; the head of the Meteorology For its part, the Djibouti Meteorology Addressing the workshop, Mr Osman Saad Division, Mr Osman Saad Said; the Department (of Djibouti International Said, head of the Meteorology Division, director of the Interior Ministry’s Disaster Airport) informed the participants that the thanked the Djibouti government, IGAD Management Unit and national first meteorological activities in the country (Inter-Governmental Authority on coordinator of the UN/ISDR National took place in 1901, adding that the national Development – a sub-regional organization Platform, Mr Ahmed Mohamed Madar; weather monitoring network of « local whose members are Eastern African and and members of the UN/ISDR national interest » was made up of 5 stations Horn of Africa countries) and Drought platform. scattered all over the country in 1948. Monitoring Center – Nairobi (DMCN – now Records available at the Meteorology Department show that the data were gathered by civil servants in non-coastal districts, army personnel and, sometimes, civilian volunteers (offered small allowances). However, today, thanks to the Djibouti International Airport, the Djibouti Meteorology Department has been able to make some improvements – at the expense of other sectors of application such as agriculture, hydrology, livestock breeding, health, etc. It emerged from the workshop that the Djibouti Meteorology Department played an important role by providing all the meteorological products available in the country, namely sea weather forecasts, climatological analyses and seasonal forecasts.

Mr Osman Saad Said, head of the Meteorology Division, Djibouti

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MADAGASCAR: ISDR National Platform contributes to cyclone damage rehabilitation

UN/ISDR Africa, Nairobi-Kenya Platform member CARE-Madagascar is, for current cyclone damage,” said Mrs Gina Rakotoarimanana, UN/ISDR’s focal point in Madagascar’s newly-formed UN/ISDR instance, dealing with rehabilitation work the country. National Platform has embarked on cyclone (roads, government buildings, health damage rehabilitation work following infrastructures) in eastern Madagascar. On the current move to establish the Bureau exceptionally serious cyclone damage Another platform member, CRS (Catholic national de gestion des risques et des experienced by the Indian Ocean island off the Relief Services), is also active in the northern catastrophes (National Office for Disaster Mozambican coast. and western parts of the country. The Risk and Disaster Management), the ISDR Agriculture Ministry, also a member of the National Platform asked the Office of the In late January/early February and early National Platform, is conducting a survey/ President to organize a one-day brainstorming March this year, cyclone-prone Madagascar evaluation of cyclone damage on agriculture. session with all stakeholders to discuss the was again hit, this time by two successive issue, before a final decision is taken. cyclones. UN/OCHA (Office for the UN/ISDR National Platform members are still Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) said holding weekly meetings to see “who shall do It is to be noted that in a single year - in 2003, that in addition to economic losses and other what” and develop cyclone-related project Madagascar developed a National Strategy for material damage, cyclone Elita had left 29 proposals to be submitted to donors. Disaster Risk Management, a Disaster people dead, 100 others injured and over Meanwhile, prompted by the exceptionally Management Act, a National Plan for Disaster 44,000 homeless from 26 January 4 February huge cyclone damage, the Office of the Risk Management and an ISDR National 2004; and cyclone Gafilo had left 74 people President (also a member of ISDR National Platform. dead and over 700,000 others affected on 7 Platform) is examining the rapid establishment March 2004. Madagascar is also one of the first African of the Bureau national de gestion des risques countries to have incorporated disaster risk Initially, the main objectives of the ISDR et des catastrophes (National Office for management into their Poverty Strategy Disaster Risk and Disaster Management), National Platform, established in mid-July 1 2 Reduction Papers. 2003 under the name of Plate-forme nationale BNGRC , in line with the country’s Disaster des intervenants en gestion des risques et des Risk Management Act voted unanimously by catastrophes (National Platform for Disaster Parliament in mid July 2003. 2 The BNGRC shall be “the permanent focal point for the Risk and Disaster Management), PNIGRC, “The current Malagasy leadership takes coordination of programmes and activities related to disaster did not include disaster rehabilitation. preparedness, prevention, response and reconstruction”. Two disaster risk management very seriously. It other structures shall also be established : the Conseil national However, the seriousness of the damage really seeks to enforce - fully - the country’s pour la gestion des risques et des catastrophes (National Council caused by the two recent cyclones prompted for Disaster Risk and Disaster Management) and the Cellule des National Strategy for Disaster Risk crises (Crisis Unit). the platform members to take action. Management, especially in the light of the

COMOROS: ISDR national platform established

UN/ISDR Africa in the Comoran capital, Moroni, on 4 and management in various areas of the Nairobi,Kenya 5 December 2003. public and private sectors. On the basis of a consensus reached The previous UN mission, requested by Volcanic eruption has been feared in the Comoros since September 2003. A during a previous UN mission to the the Comoran government and made up of UN team was dispatched. The team Comoros, the workshop was organized by OCHA (UN Office for the Coordination of urged the establishment of a national the UN System with the technical and Humanitarian Affairs) and WFP (World platform for disaster reduction. UN/ financial support of UN/ISDR Africa. Food Programme) officials, had visited ISDR Africa steps in… the country from 7 to 14 September 2003. The workshop was attended by 35 It emerged from the UN mission that a A national workshop on “National participants from the central government, UN/ISDR national platform had to be Capacity Building for Disaster authorities of the autonomous islands, established as a focal point for disaster Management and the Establishment of a the civil society, the private sector and risk management coordination in the UN/ISDR National Platform” took place others operating in the field of disaster country. coordination, prevention and

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 29 UN/ISDR Africa National Platform

Volcanic eruption impending… It is to be noted that seismic crises, which had occurred since January 2003, reached their climax in August-September 2003, announcing, in some way, that a volcanic eruption was impending. This prompted the Comoran Ministry of Defence and Territorial Security to also seek the establishment of a UN/ISDR national platform for disaster reduction in a country that moreover is a disaster-prone one. Indeed, Comoran nationals have experienced disasters caused by cyclones, threats of volcanic eruption by Karthala volcano and epidemics since the country’s independence in 1975. The disasters had considerable impact on people’s lives and livelihoods and on an already weak economy. As the Comoran government, the above- mentioned UN mission and local NGOs were keen on working together and promote a synergy to enhance disaster Participants of the workshop management in the country, UN/ISDR Africa resolved to join the joint efforts. Hence the holding of the 4-5 December “Current Situation of Natural Hazards, 2003 national workshop and the • To develop a good national Disasters and Risks in the Comoros”. The establishment of a UN/ISDR national prevention policy covering relevant second presentation, made by Maj workshop during that workshop. structures to be put in place. Salimou Mohamed Amiri, was on the Objectives of workshop, « Current State of, Existing Difficulties of • To introduce natural disaster awareness in school curricula from Comoros-UN efforts and Future Challenges for Risk primary level; and resort to the The objectives of the ongoing joint Management in the Comoros ». The third muftiship, other religious structures efforts by the UN System and the and last presentation, made by Mrs Noro and NIT (New Information Comoran government are to help the Rakotondrandria of UN/ISDR Africa Technologies) for natural disaster Comoran government to improve its (based in Nairobi), was on the awareness among adults. capacity and skills in (1) disaster “International Strategy for Disaster reduction coordination, (2) the provision Reduction” (ISDR). • To identify local potential and strengthen prevention, reception and of the necessary disaster management The presentations were followed by handling capacities. To optimize army skills and knowledge, (3) networking with discussions on existing gaps in disaster operations, using it for civil various institutions involved on disaster risk management in the the country and protection. management. its causes. The overall objective of the 4-5 December • To identify existing sectoral studies, 2003 national workshop was to Recommendations update and supplement them. strengthen national capacities and skills At the end of the two-day proceedings, • To create or strengthen regional and in disaster prevention and response on the participants issued the following international partnership, and call for one hand, and coordination on the other. recommendations on disaster management international cooperation to enhance in general: The workshop began with formal infrastructures. speeches (see Box for Comoran defence • To establish relevant institutions and It is to be noted that the participants also minister’s closing speech), followed by a an appropriate legal made recommendations for four types of number of presentations. The first framework immediately: setting up a disaster (classical, biological, geophysical presentation, made by Mr Hamidou Soule National Disaster Management and meteorological disasters). of Karthala Observatory, was on the Council.

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 30 UN/ISDR Africa National Platform

National Workshop on National capacity building for disaster management and the establishment of a UN/ISDR National Platform 4-5 December 2003, Moroni, Comoros Closing speech by the Minister of Defence and Territorial Security, Mr. Hama Mmadi Bolero and Chairman of the National Relief Coordination of the Union of the Comoros

Your Excellency Mister the President of the Union of the This workshop, which we will close within the next few Comoros, minutes, is only the implementation of some proposals Honourable Vice-Presidents of the Union of the Comoros, submitted to the Government by the above-mentioned July 2003 Seminar participants. And these proposals, the Honourable Ministers, Government handed them over, without any delay, to the Your Grace the Grand Mufti, President of the Republic. Dear Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and International Ladies and Gentlemen, Organizations, Dear Representative of the United Nations System, So, to give concrete expression to these proposals, the Head Dear Representative of the Africa Office of the UN International of State gave us strict instructions to contact our partners. Strategy for Disaster Reduction, Then the United Nations System in the Comoros responded positively to our request for the holding of a national Dear Representatives of the Civil Society and NGOs, workshop on national capacity building for natural disaster management. Dear participants, During the present workshop, commission proceedings have Ladies and Gentlemen, enabled the participants to observe that time has come to hold You have been focusing for two days on Civil Protection very serious discussions about Civil Protection. Commission which, as a subject, is both important and fascinating. N° 1 discussed on “How to prevent and prepare against natural disasters”, and Commission N° 2 on “How to manage I remember that on 2 July this year, many of you worked hard at or coordinate resources so that a natural disaster situation can this same venue, the National People’s Representation, on the be handled and our people and their property protected”. future of the defence and security of our country, of our people and of their property. You discussed lengthily and thoroughly To prevent and prepare against natural disasters of the on a range of issues relating to the defence and security of the classical type – like transport accidents and oil spills, Union of the Comoros. And you reached the following biological ones like cholera epidemics, hydrometeorological conclusion : that the present time is critical because after 28 ones like drought, fire, cyclone and flood, and geophysical years of independence – with its ups and downs, the Comoran ones like volcanic eruption, Commission N° 1 first of all people have resolved to provide the State apparatus with a new identified the following shortcomings and failures : lack of institutional framework. You will surely agree with me that such appropriate legal framework, lack of sound and comprehensive a new institutional framework will definitely have an impact on sensitisation and information channels, and lack of material each aspect of the country’s institutional life. and human resources. You also requested for all institutions stipulated in the new Commission N° 1 believes, and no one will deny it, that our Comoran Constitution to be put in place with no further delay. country’s nearly permanent instability, antiquated legal texts And you also expressed concern about the responsibilities, or and the fact that we do not have a general prevention strategy rather the kingly duties and missions of the State: that these and policy are crucial factors, if not the main causes of today’s carrying out these duties and missions should not be delayed alarming situation. nor questioned, especially when questioning or discussing lengthily about them happen just to be rather fruitless. To address and eradicate these shortcomings, the Commission suggests “some urgent actions for the sake of an increasingly These duties and missions I am referring to are about the effective disaster management”, urgent actions aimed at defence of our common borders. These duties and missions fall adapting and updating some legal texts and turn them into a very clearly under the sovereignty of the State and the security comprehensive and permanent institutional framework; of our territory, and, as far as my Ministry is concerned, the protection of our people against natural disasters. To be continued next page

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 31 overcrowding which, in case of fire, practically prevents from reaching some homes. Commission N° 2, for its part, examined the issue of establishing a National Platform for Natural Disaster Reduction. It is to be noted that the two Commissions identified the same factors to explain the shortcomings we are experiencing in the country in the field of natural disaster prevention and management. For Commission N° 2, lack of sensitisation inspired by local traditions is an element to be considered when developing a national platform. Also, because of lack of human resources and a disorganised administration, the country has, for a long time, come within a hair’s breadth of disaster - until the announcement of the innocently wrong alert of the Karthala volcanic eruption. And discussing about the main components for the development of a national platform, Commission N° 2 arrived at some conclusions and recommended a number of Handing over ceremony of the workshop’s recommendation to the urgent actions: that the new institutional framework be President of the Union of Comoros, Mr. Azali Assoumani (on the right) established and implemented fully; that disaster reduction by the Minister of Defence and Internal Security, Mr. Hama Mmadi awareness be introduced in school curricula - from primary Bolero (on the left) level ; that religious leaders be actively involved in awareness raising activities ; that New Information developing an efficient information and sensitisation policy Technologies be used ; that local potential and ways to involving considerably the media so that the entire population, strengthen prevention, reception and handling capacities be throughout the entire territory, is covered ; taking village identified ; and that army operations be optimised in line communities’ participation into account and strengthening it - with Civil Protection. All these actions will definitely as they are the first concerned – to enable them to handle enhance our natural disaster prevention and management some preliminary situations and inform professional relief capacities. operatives without any delay; evaluating existing means; and strengthening human, material and institutional capacities. This can also be supplemented by the establishment of a National Council for Natural Disaster Management whose Ladies and Gentlemen, duty is to coordinate the work of local networks of medical Let us agree with Commission N° 1 that the first component of doctors, rescuers, relief assistance structures, etc. natural disaster prevention and preparedness is surely the Ladies and Gentlemen, development of a good national prevention policy with appropriate legal structures. The duties of such structures Your report will be handed over immediately to the Head of would be to develop a realistic coordination plan that matches State under the patronage of whom this workshop has been available resources and strengthen our partnership at regional organized. And formal contacts will be made with our and international levels. partners, especially the United Nations System to whom we wish to express our warm thanks for its active cooperation. Last but not least, Commission N° 1 did not fail to stress the The Ministry of Defence and Territorial Security, for its part, urgent need for close and sincere cooperation between the will submit to the Government a package of proposals that National Directorate of Civil Protection and all the other match your recommendations. structures already put in place - for instance, in the fight against major disease epidemics or cyclone prevention -, as is Before ending my address, I wish to thank the participants already the case with the National Directorate of Meteorology. for the excellent work done. I also wish to thank the entire international community, especially the United Nations Such cooperation will already enable those directly in charge System, for their priceless contribution. to locate those areas that are likely to be affected by natural disasters, and also establish their characteristics. Such areas Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to declare the would be, for example, Anjouan and Moheli islands for floods, proceedings of this first workshop on capacity building for or Grande-Comore island for volcanic eruption and drought. natural disaster management closed. Thank you for your attention. To these recommendations can be added the development of a coherent town planning and habitat policy against

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 32 2004 World Water Day

THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD WATER DAY 22 March 2004

The theme of this year’s observance of World Water Day is “Water and Disasters: Be informed and be prepared”. Water-related disasters – including floods, droughts, hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones – inflict a terrible toll on human life and property, affecting millions of people and provoking crippling economic losses. As ever, it is the poor and vulnerable who are most adversely affected, but as we saw in Central Europe in 2002, even industrialized nations can suffer immensely. However much we would wish to think of these as strictly natural disasters, human activities play a significant role in increasing risk and vulnerability. And of course, there are also strictly man-made disasters, such as oil-spills and toxic run-off, that do great damage to our precious water resources.

Modern society has distinct advantages over those civilizations of the past that suffered or even collapsed for reasons linked to water. We have great knowledge, and the capacity to disperse that knowledge to the remotest places on earth. We are also the beneficiaries of scientific leaps that have improved weather forecasting, agricultural practices, natural resources management, and disaster prevention, preparedness and management. New technologies will continue to provide the backbone of our efforts. But only a rational and informed political, social and cultural response — and public participation in all stages of the disaster management cycle — can reduce disaster vulnerability, and ensure that hazards do not turn into Mr. Koffi Annan unmanageable disasters. Secretary General United Nations

This year’s observance of World Water Day also marks the publication of Guidelines for reducing flood losses. A manual and menu of options for decision-makers, the guidelines are a joint effort of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the National Weather Service of the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the World Meteorological Organization, with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. They are also meant to contribute to the discussions at the next World Conference on Disaster Reduction to be held at Kobe-Hyogo, Japan in January 2005. I commend them to all interested actors.

Beyond water-related disaster reduction issues, the international community has taken other steps to face global water problems. In the year 2000, Heads of State pledged to stop the unsustainable exploitation of water resources by developing water management strategies that promote equitable access and adequate supplies. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, world leaders agreed to develop integrated water resources management and water efficiency plans by 2005.

The international response to current world water challenges contains much admirable effort, but for the most part it has been inadequate. If we are to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halving, by 2015, the proportion of people who are unable to reach or to afford safe drinking water, we will need to make 270,000 new water connections per day. The requirements for meeting the sanitation goal are even more formidable. This is not to demean the dedicated efforts being made by a number of governments and thousands of civil society groups, but rather to demonstrate the urgent need to go beyond business as usual.

With that in mind, I have decided to establish an Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation. To be chaired by Former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, the Board will also include a wide range of eminent persons, technical experts, and other individuals with proven experience in inspiring people, moving the machinery of government, and working with the media, the private sector and civil society. I have asked the Board to use the unique expertise of its members to raise awareness of water and sanitation issues, to help mobilize funds for water and sanitation projects, and to encourage new partnerships.

Water is central to our hopes of eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development. On World Water day, let us renew our efforts to give water issues the attention they deserve, now and over the long term.

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 33 2004 World Water Day

ZIMBABWE: “UN Guidelines for Reducing Floods” launched in Harare

R. A. Valency Editor ISDR Informs - Africa

The “UN Guidelines for Reducing Flood Africa, one of the countries affected by After the launching ceremony, a Losses” was launched in the Zimbabwean drought and floods; (2) because disasters workshop aimed at developing a national capital, Harare, on 22 March. are often a matter of life and death, and strategy for flood management was held, therefore they just call for human during which the “UN Guidelines for Harare was one of four cities - with New solidarity; and (3) because a regional Reducing Flood Losses” were also York, Geneva and Bangkok - and the only institution called “Drought Monitoring discussed. one in Africa where the launch took place. Centre”, DMC, was based in Harare. In fact, the launching ceremony was The launch was the leading news item in Zimbabwe’s state-owned TV’s evening The launch of the publication coincided organized by DMC with assistance from bulletin the same day. with worldwide celebrations of World UN/ISDR Africa. Water Day which, this year, specifically focused on water and disasters.

The Guidelines, which are made up of three books, are a result of a series of consultations led by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), drawing on the experience of various partners, experts and contributors.

During the same function, UN/ISDR Africa also launched two educational booklets entitled “Water and Risk in Africa – A Guide for Community Leaders” and “Water and Risk in Africa – A School Guide”.

In his address during the launch of the UN publication, Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Rural Resources and Water Development Mr Tinos Rusere said it was an honour for Zimbabwe to be selected for the launch (see Mr Tinos Rusere’s full speech on page 35).

In her address, UN/ISDR Africa Programme Officer Mrs Noro Rakotondrandria said Harare had been selected (1) because Zimbabwe was, in

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 34 2004 World Water Day

WORLD WATER DAY 2004 HARARE, ZIMBABWE

SPEECH BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER MINISTRY OF RURAL RESOURCES AND WATER DEVELOPMENT

This year’s World Water Day theme, “Water and Disasters: Be Informed and Be Prepared”, highlights a very important issue in Zimbabwe at the moment. Zimbabwe has suffered some of the worst droughts ever in its history particularly in the past decade. These disasters have impacted on us as a nation economically, socially and have caused great damage to the environment. Agriculture, the backbone of our economy depends heavily on water and any losses in crop yields or livestock production are a blow to the economy. The ripple effects of drought are immense and affect even the local retailers who supply farmers. The environment has been at great risk from drought. Plants, animals and their habitats, and air and water quality, are all affected by drought. Land can become Mr. Tinos Rusere, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Rural Resources and Water degraded and the soil eroded. Droughts Development and Mrs. Noroarisoa Rakotondrandria (UN/ISDR Africa) during the also have an impact over human kind launching of UN guildelines on Floods Management and UN/ISDR Africa’s booklets socially as they tend to lead to conflict on Water and Risk (for community leaders and school chidren) among water users and migration, as people flee drought to find areas with food reserves resulting in several of the warning. It is also important to utilize more food and water. region’s countries being faced with food computer models, remote information shortages. Fresh in our minds from the current media about the weather and environment, and in this regard, academic institutions play reports are the floods that have been It is important therefore, to improve our an important role. predicted in Muzarabani and the early warning systems that combine Lowvield area. Floods have threatened predictions of weather with water-related Other forms of water-related disasters human life and property and have cost events paving way for a truly integrated include industrial accidents. These can the nation billions of dollars in repairs approach. Forecasting also needs to be be accidental discharges of concentrated and disaster management. In recent a co-operative multi-disciplinary effort. chemicals or mixtures of chemicals and years, Cyclone Eline caused severe The many issues involved mean that water. Some of the discharges can be damage in the Chipinge and Muzarabani hydrologists, meteorologists, rural and deliberate. Such discharges affect the areas. A combination of dry spells and urban planners and the Civil Protection water quality downstream. One of the severe floods, which led to a disruption Unit have to join forces to use available prime preventive measures against this of farming activities between 1999 and integrated methods and technologies in kind of pollution is a strong legal 2001, left Southern Africa with meager flood and drought forecasting and framework governing safety and the

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 35 2004 World Water Day

capacity to monitor their magnitude, duration, timing and location and on the other, assessing and reducing our vulnerability to them. Tackling vulnerability is the real key to reducing risk. I am happy to note that in this workshop we have several Government ministers represented. We also have the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, the Civil Protection Unit, several NGOs working in disaster management and water issues, officials from SADC Drought Monitoring Center and academic institutions. Such representation sets a good platform for discussing the development of disaster management strategies, as there are diverse skills and experiences. I would like to thank the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Africa office who have come over all the way from Nairobi to launch 3 books with guidelines for reducing flood losses. These books are also being launched by the U.N. simultaneously in Geneva, New York and Bangkok, on the occasion of World Water Day, 22 March 2004. This means that Harare is one of the 4 cities of the world and the only one punishment of offenders. Planning of which monitors the crop and food in Africa where this launch is taking place, preventive measures should involve a situation and issues alerts during periods which is indeed an honour. These books number of players including the police, of impending crisis. It is important for us will go a long way in improving our the Civil Protection Unit, public health as a country to also strengthen such planning and as vital sources of officials, environmental professionals and networks, as they can be the backbone information on water-related disaster the media. for disaster contingency planning and coordinated plans for dealing with management. Climate change is a monumental disasters. I would also like to thank the Zimbabwe challenge to human adaptability. Shifts in Chapter of the Global Water Partnership, global climate may have triggered some of I am reliably informed that this meeting is the SADC Drought Monitoring Centre, the extreme weather we are now looking at spearheading the development and the Zimbabwe National Water experiencing such as more frequent and of disaster management strategies, which Authority for organizing this workshop in severe floods and droughts. It is are aimed at reducing the vulnerability conjunction with my Ministry. We do important in this regard therefore to and exposure of human beings to these appreciate this support and we look develop an integrated approach in disasters. Such strategies should forward to future collaboration. understanding these trends and help in encourage better coordination of reducing disasters. activities from different players. In the Finally, I would also want to thank the case of drought, these strategies should United Nations International Strategy for As we commemorate this day, it is look into basic water management Disaster Reduction Africa office and the important for everyone to realize the strategies. These plans should also Zimbabwe Chapter of the Global Water importance of preparedness in dealing encourage improved water efficiency. It Partnership for funding the workshop. with disasters. As a nation we should is important to have drought mitigation look into planning ahead in terms of measures and relief, as these will minimize Thank you all for coming and we look managing disasters and into planning the impact on production systems and forward to mitigating water-related ahead in terms of managing disasters and livelihoods. disasters in a more coordinated way. into issues of food security. Of note, countries in the SADC region have Reducing the risk of water-related hazards developed an early warning system, means, on the one hand, developing our

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 36 2004 Sasakawa Award th United Nations 17 Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction

Selection Process 2004

Join us in rewarding individuals and institutions from around the world who contributed, through innovative practices and outstanding initiatives, to reducing the risk and vulnerabilities of communities to natural hazards !

Closing date for nominations 18 August 2004

Provided through an endowment from the Nippon Foundation to the United Nations

For more information please visit: www.unisdr.org - www.eird.org - www.unisdrafrica.org

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 37 2004 Sasakawa Award

The United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction is worth approximately US$ 50,000 to be shared among the Sasakawa Laureate and recipients of Certificates of Distinction and of Merit. It is presented annually on the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Reduction, every second Wednesday of October. The Sasakawa Ceremony will be held this year on Wednesday 13 October 2004.

Eligibility for the Award The candidate shall have distinguished herself/himself through outstanding and internationally recognized action in the following fields: a) The implementation, at international or regional level, of activities designed to strengthen people’s awareness of natural disasters; b) The launching of scientific activities contributing to technological innovation facilitating disaster prediction; c) The launching of scientific or social activities contributing to the strengthening of disaster prevention and preparedness; d) The promotion of preventative activities which reduce the economic impact of disasters and contribute to sustainable development; e) Any other activities recognized as essential in promoting disaster prevention and mitigation (land-use planning, seismic risk reduction, awareness-raising, education etc..) The candidate shall not be subjected to any kind of discrimination on the grounds of nationality, religion, race, sex or age.

No candidate may nominate herself/himself. Past recipients cannot be renominated.

Nomination of Candidates for the Award Proposals shall be made to the Administrator of the Award, who will submit them to the Jury, together with his/her comments. The Administrator may seek independent reports on the work carried out by candidates for the Award, which shall be submitted, when appropriate, by the Administrator for the consideration of the Jury. Once nominated, candidates are requested to provide a Power Point presentation in English (10-15 minutes) with details of their work and contribution to reducing risk and vulnerability to natural and technological hazards.

Selection of the Laureate(s) and recipients of Certificates An international Jury, composed by experts from different continents, will vote in a private meeting, on the basis of well-defined criteria, to identify and select the Laureate of the UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction. Since 1998, Certificates of Distinction and Certificates of Merit have been created to reward valuable contributions to disaster reduction. The Jury may however decide not to designate any laureate, if it so wishes. The current Jury is composed by representatives from each of the following regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Oceania.

Nomination Forms Once nominated, candidates should complete the attached nomination form for the 17th UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction 2003, and forward it by 18 August 2004 together with the requested detailed information in support of the nomination, to the ISDR Secretariat.

Nominations of candidates can be made by the… 1. Former Sasakawa Award Laureates; 2. Representatives of institutions specializing in disaster reduction; 3. UN specialized agencies; 4. Resident Coordinators of the UN System; 5. Permanent Missions to the United Nations Offices in New York, Geneva and Vienna.

Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All nomination forms should be sent to: Inter-Agency Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) Administrator of the UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction Palais des Nations, 8-14 Avenue de la Paix, CH-1211 Geneva 10 Tel: (+41).(0)22. 917.27.86 / Fax: (+41).(0)22. 917.05.63 / E-mail: [email protected] Websites: www.unisdr.org - www.eird.org - www.unisdrafrica.org

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 38 2004 Sasakawa Award

17th United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction

Nomination Form 2004

No candidate may nominate herself / himself Past recipients cannot be renominated

PART I: FOR INDIVIDUALS (please attach a Curriculum Vitae) Name:______Address:______Nationality:______Date and place of birth:______Gender: ___Female ___ Male Qualifications: Give details in chronological order, starting with the most recent qualification Date: Institution: Qualifications obtained: ______

Present position:______Current job description:______

Previous positions held (in chronological order, starting with the first position held) Date Position held and mandate: ______

PART II: FOR INSTITUTIONS / ORGANIZATIONS ( Please give succinct information) Name and address of Headquarters:______Date of Creation:______Main fields of activity:______Size and structure (if applicable):______Optional: Funding (annual budget and sources of income):______

Name and title of chief executive officer: ______PART III: SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS Please give details of outstanding innovative work in the field of disaster reduction and mitigation which would qualify the candidate for the Award, in particular with regard to:

Section 1: General disaster reduction activities carried out to reduce the socio economic impact of disasters and to contribute to sustainable development: ______Section 2: The implementation, at the international or regional level, of activities designed to strengthen peoples’ awareness of natural disasters:

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 39 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction

______

Section 3: Achievements in disaster reduction and mitigation in developing countries (if any): ______

Section 4: The introduction of scientific activities and any technological innovation contributing to improved disaster forecasting: ______

Section 5: The promotion of social activities contributing to the strengthening of disaster reduction and mitigation: ______

Section 6: Other activities recognized as essential in promoting disaster reduction and mitigation: ______

PART IV: PROPOSAL FOR THE USE OF THE AWARD MONEY Please give details on the use to be made of the Award money for further development, improvement and promotion of disaster reduction activities: ______

A questionnaire on the use of the Award money will be sent around to all Sasakawa Laureates to evaluate to what extent this financial assistance has contributed to implementing the disaster reduction activities planned under this item, and facilitated the advancement of a global culture of prevention.

PART V: DOCUMENTATION Please list and attach supporting documents and information material relating to the work carried out in disaster reduction, such as constitution, charter, membership list, including sample of types of litterature published, last annual reports and press articles - To facilitate the consideration of the nomination by the Jury, please kindly provide as much as possible information in English. ______

PART VI: REFERENCES Please list three persons /institutions who are familiar with your activities: Full Name Full address Business or occupation 1)______2) ______3)______

Separate nomination papers respecting the above format with comprehensive and detailed information will be accepted.

Submitted by:______Date of submission:______Date of receipt by ISDR:______

Deadline for submission: 18 August 2004 Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered Inter-Agency Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) Administrator of the UN Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction Palais des Nations, 8-14 Avenue de la Paix, CH-1211 Geneva 10 Tel: (+41).(0)22. 917.27.86 / Fax: (+41).(0)22. 917.05.63 / E-mail: [email protected] Websites: www.unisdr.org - www.eird.org - www.unisdrafrica.org

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 40 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction

First Announcement World Conference on Disaster Reduction

18-22 January 2005 Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

A safer world for all

A milestone event to

increase the international profile of disaster risk reduction

promote integration of disaster risk reduction into development planning and practice

strengthen local and national capacities to address the causes of disasters that continue to devastate and impede the development of many countries.

A set of specific goals, activities and policy measures for implementation 2005- 2015 will be presented for consideration and adoption, drawing on a review of the past decade’s progress with the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World that was adopted at the first world conference on the subject held at Yokohama, May 1994, during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR)

Disaster Reduction in Africa - ISDR Informs Issue 3/April 2004 41 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction

Why the World Conference Objectives of WCDR on Disaster Reduction? The UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/58/ While commitment to the reduction of disasters has been growing – 214 on 23 December 2003, stating the Conference demonstrated through several existing international initiatives, objectives as follows: agreements and declarations – actual materialization is still slow. Disaster impacts are increasing and remain a major obstacle to development. New (a) To conclude and report on the review of the risks are emerging. In some cases development itself is contributing to Yokohama Strategy and its Plan of Action, with a growing risks. view to updating the guiding framework on disaster reduction for the twenty-first century; A detailed review of the achievements, gaps and critical challenges facing the international community since the adoption of the Yokohama (b) To identify specific activities aimed at ensuring the Strategy and Plan of Action of 1994 is presently underway, with implementation of relevant provisions of the numerous international, national and local policies, initiatives, scientific Johannesburg Plan of Implementation of the 1 and technical achievements demonstrating the feasibility and worth of World Summit on Sustainable Development on investment in risk reduction. Emerging issues and opportunities related vulnerability, risk assessment and disaster to environmental and climate change, pandemics such as HIV/AIDS, management; gender balance and education are also coming to the fore of public attention. (c) To share best practices and lessons learned to further disaster reduction within the context of Much remains however to be done to coordinate and strengthen further attaining sustainable development, and to identify these movements and integrate them into effective national policies. gaps and challenges; A shift in focus from relief to sustainable development is occurring. The current situation calls for an international meeting that brings together local, national and international policymakers active in social and economic development and environmental management issues, disaster risk managers and practitioners, as well as civil society and community groups. The conclusion of the Yokohama review coinciding with the 10th Anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in addition to the Government of Japan’s offer to host the Conference in the city of Kobe- Hyogo, provides the ideal occasion and setting for the event. Expected outcome of The World Conference on Disaster Reduction is expected to motivate and guide governments and their policymakers to pay more attention, the Conference identifying practical and concrete ways to incorporate disaster risk reduction into poverty reduction. • Increased awareness, recognition and political endorsement for implementing of disaster risk The Conference will build on the findings of the review of implementation reduction and mobilizing local, national and of the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action, aiming at: international resources.

• Assessing achievements and identifying good practices since its • Clearer directions and priorities for action at adoption in 1994; international, regional, national and local levels to • Defining the remaining challenges, critical needs and opportunities in ensure implementation of the International Strategy disaster reduction initiatives worldwide, and to examine emerging for Disaster Reduction and to support the issues; achievement of the Millennium Development Goals • Developing elements for an articulated programme for disaster risk and the objectives of the Johannesburg Plan of 2 reduction to implement the relevant Millennium Development Goals Implementation . (MDGs) and objectives of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation for sustainable development.

The Conference will also raise awareness of the urgency to focus on the vulnerable, taking into account community needs to address disaster risk, as well as emphasize policy development and action at global, regional, national and local levels for the development of a culture of prevention.

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Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action

The ‘Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World’ was adopted at the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction (May 1994, Yokohama, Japan), as the main outcome of the mid-term review of the International Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR). Principles of the Yokohama Strategy 1. Risk assessment is a required step for the adoption of adequate and successful disaster reduction policies and measures. 2. Disaster prevention and preparedness are of primary importance in reducing the need for disaster relief. 3. Disaster prevention and preparedness should be considered integral aspects of development policy and planning at national, regional, bilateral, multilateral and international levels. 4. The development and strengthening of capacities to prevent, reduce and mitigate disasters is a top priority area. 5. Early warnings of impending disasters and their effective dissemination using telecommunications, including broadcast services, are key factors to successful disaster prevention and preparedness. 6. Preventive measures are most effective when they involve participation at all levels, from the local community through the national government to the regional and international level. 7. Vulnerability can be reduced by the application of proper design and patterns of development focused on target groups, by appropriate education and training of the whole community. 8. The international community accepts the need to share the necessary technology to prevent, reduce and mitigate disaster; this should be made freely available and in a timely manner as an integral part of technical cooperation. 9. Environmental protection as a component of sustainable development consistent with poverty alleviation is imperative in the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters. 10. Each country bears the primary responsibility for protecting its people, infrastructure, and other national assets from the impact of natural disasters. The international community should demonstrate strong political determination required to mobilize adequate and make efficient use of existing resources, in the field of natural disaster reduction, bearing in mind the needs of the developing countries, particularly the least developed countries.

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Preparatory process

A comprehensive preparatory process will help ensure the successful outcome of the Conference. The ISDR Secretariat will serve as the secretariat of the Conference and will coordinate preparatory activities, in close cooperation with Japan as the host country and with the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee for the Conference, and with the support of relevant departments of the United Nations Secretariat.

Member States, United Nations bodies and specialized agencies and other relevant intergovernmental agencies and organizations, particularly the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Why Hyogo, Japan? Reduction (IATF/DR), will participate actively in the Conference, and its preparatory process. On 17 January 1995 the Great Hanshin-Awaji The preparation of the Conference will be supported by the earthquake struck the Hyogo prefecture, following mechanisms: including the City of Kobe (population 1.5 million), resulting in thousands of fatalities. It was the first major earthquake in a large city in • Two open-ended inter-governmental preparatory committee a developed country in recent history. The meetings, to be held in association with meetings of the IATF/ people of the city of Kobe as well as the Hyogo DR in May and October 2004, and conducted by a bureau Prefecture will commemorate the tenth consisting of five representatives of Member States elected on anniversary of the tragedy on 17 January 2005. the basis of equitable geographical representation to discuss specific conference outcomes Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan has a long history of living with geological hazards • The Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction will such as earthquakes. Heavy snow in the provide additional guidance on the content and the preparation northern parts in the winter, and frequent of the Conference and the coordination of the participation and tropical storms or typhoons approaching from the south are but a few examples of engagement of its members. hydrological hazards in Japan.

• A working group under the IATF/DR will act as an organizing and advising committee to the Secretariat. It will be composed of those organizations directly involved in the preparations of the Conference. Potential members include UNESCO, UNU, UNDP, WMO, IFRC, OCHA, DESA, UNCRD among others. Some consultations and meetings of this working group may be conducted electronically before IATF/DR and Preparatory Committee meetings and on other relevant occasions, as needed.

The IATF/DR working group will provide specific advice and guidance on organizational and substantive work of the Conference. Additional expertise and further guidance will be sought through wide consultation to engage/involve representatives from various sectors and levels in different disaster prone regions of the world. The possibility of a high-level personality to increase the profile of the Conference is currently being discussed with the Office of the UN Secretary-General.

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Regional Meetings 2003

1 First Asian consultation, (Government of Japan, ADRC, Kobe-Hyogo, Japan, 17 January 2 Pacific Regional consultation (SOPAC), Fiji, 5-7 May 3 Safer Sustainable Communities 2003 Australian Disaster Conference (EMA), Canberra, 10-12 September 4 Euro-Mediterranean consultations (Council of Europe, Spain), Madrid, Spain, 6-8 October 5 Forum Mitch+5 (CEPREDENAC, UNDP, COPECO), Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 9-11 December 2004

6 Third Asian consultation (Governments of Cambodia and Japan, ADRC), Cambodia, 4-6 February 7 Third Asian Consultative Meeting of Regional Organizations and Regional Offices of UN Agencies, (WHO/WPRO, ADPC), Manila, Philippines, 24-26 February 8 EUR-OPA (Council of Europe), Rabat, Morocco, 11-13 March 9 Third Asian consultation during 4th meeting of Consultative Committee on Regional Cooperation in Disaster Management (ADPC and Government of Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh, 29-31 March 10 Third Southeast Asia Disaster Management Practitioners Forum, (ADPC, UNESCAP, ECHO, IFRC-SE ASIA), Bangkok, Thailand, 26-29 April 11 International Conference on Disaster Reduction in Central Asia (Government of China), Beijing, China, 25-27 May 12 African consultation, (UNDP, AU/NEPAD), Johannesburg, South Africa, 2-4 June 13 International Seminar on Risk Reductions following the Bam Earthquake, Iran, June/July 14 Caribbean consultation, (UWI, CDERA) October 15 Second Meeting of ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, November

For more information contact:

United Nations Inter-Agency Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) Palais des Nations CH 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 9172103 / 762 / 759 Fax: +41 22 9170563 [email protected] www.unisdr.org

UN/ISDR Africa Block U Room 217 UNEP, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: + 254 2 62 41 01 Fax: + 254 2 62 47 26 [email protected] www.unisdrafrica.org

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Outline for national reporting and information on disaster reduction

The Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Reduction in 2005. This information will in your country, this might be the time to Action was adopted at the World be used to identify needs and future call for such a mechanisms (ad-hoc or Conference on Natural Disasters, held in policy recommendations to be adopted formalized). For more information on 1994 as a mid-review of the progress at the Conference. national platforms for disaster reduction, during the International Decade on contact Mr. Haris Sanahuja at the ISDR The preparation of this information Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR, Secretariat ([email protected]). provides an opportunity to bring 1990-1999). together national stakeholders from Deadline for receiving inputs at UN/ISDR: As the successor of the IDNDR, the Government, academic and other sectors 15 June 2004. Later submissions will also Secretariat of the International Strategy dealing with disaster risk reduction. be made available at the Conference, but for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) will not form part of the proposed policy Therefore we encourage consultations coordinated a global review of disaster recommendations. with institutions specializing in disaster reduction initiatives, “Living with Risk”, management, environmental planning, Information provided will be utilized by published in 2002. education, meteorological services, key ISDR for various information products, National authorities and platforms on NGOs and other key domains. including in the website as country disaster reduction are invited to provide information. Therefore, please indicate if If a national platform or network for information for the preparatory process any information is of restricted nature. disaster reduction does not already exist for the World Conference on Disaster

How to use these guidelines to prepare your national information

For each section, please indicate current status, main difficulties or gaps encountered, and challenges for the future: 1. Political Commitment and Institutional Aspects 2. Risk Identification (including early warning) 3. Knowledge Management (education, research, information, public awareness) 4. Risk Management Applications/Instruments (technical, social, financial, environmental) 5. Preparedness and Contingency Planning 6. Good practices in disaster risk management 7. Priorities to address at WCDR

Use the explanations and questions for each heading provided below as a guide for your contribution. If no information is available, leave the questions unanswered marked as N/A. Short answers and analyses are encouraged. When applicable, please indicate any relevant documentation or other sources of information on the subject.

(For additional details, see the “Framework for Guiding and Monitoring Disaster Risk Reduction” http://www.unisdr.org/ dialogue/basicdocument.htm ) or contact the ISDR Secretariat.

Please provide your information if possible by electronic means to the ISDR Secretariat c/o Mr. Haris Sanahuja ([email protected], tel: +41-22-917 2808) and Ms. Christel Rose ([email protected], tel: +41-22-9172786 or by fax to: ISDR Secretariat, United Nations, Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland

In Africa, please contact the UN/ISDR Office in Nairobi, Kenya, for more information: Tel.: +254 20 62 45 68 - Fax: +254 20 62 47 26 - E-mail

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Reference Guide for Preparation of national Information

Component 1 Political Commitment and Institutional Aspects Political commitment, strong institutions, and good governance are expected to elevate disaster risk reduction as a policy priority, allocate the necessary resources for it, enforce its implementation and assign accountability for failures, as well as facilitate participation from civil society to private sector. Due to its multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral nature, disaster reduction falls into the agenda of many diverse institutions which, for effective implementation, requires clear assignment of roles and assumption of responsibilities as well as coordination of activities.

1.1- Are there national policy, strategy and legislation addressing disaster risk reduction? If yes, please describe to what extent current national efforts and main priority areas of the policy, and mechanisms to enforce the implementation of the policy and legislation are applied (and/or attach any relevant documentation 1.2- Is there a national body for multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration in disaster risk reduction, which includes ministries in charge of water resource management, agriculture/land use and planning, health, environment, education, development planning and finance? If yes, please give detailed information (name, structure and functions). Attach any relevant documentation or indicate source of information. 1.3- Are there sectoral plans or initiatives that incorporate risk reduction concepts into each respective development area (such as water resource management, poverty alleviation, climate change adaptation, education and development planning)? If yes, please indicate some examples and challenges / limitations encountered. If no, does your government have any plans for integrating disaster risk reduction into development sectors? If no, please also specify the major difficulties. 1.4- Is disaster risk reduction incorporated into your national plan for the implementation of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), National Adaptation Plans of Action, National Environmental Action Plans and WSSD (World Summit on Sustainable Development) Johannesburg Plan of Implementation? If yes to any of these, who are the main contacts for these initiatives. 1.5- Does your country have building codes of practice and standards in place, which takes into account seismic risk? If yes, since when. Which are the main difficulties in keeping with the compliances of the codes. 1.6- Do you have an annual budget for disaster risk reduction? If yes, is this commitment represented as part of the national budget or project based? Through which institution/s? If no, what other financing mechanisms for risk reduction initiatives are available? 1.7- Are the private sector, civil society, NGOs, academia and media participating in disaster risk reduction efforts? If yes, how? Indicate existing coordination or joint programming between government and civil society efforts in disaster risk reduction, or major difficulties or constraints for this to be effective.

Component 2 Risk Identification Identification of risks is a relatively well-defined area with a significant knowledge base on methods for disaster impact and hazard and vulnerability assessment. Systematic assessment of losses, social and economic impact of disasters, and particularly mapping of risks are fundamental to understand where to take action. Consideration of disaster risks in environmental impact assessments is still to become routine practice. Early warning is increasingly defined as a means to inform public and authorities on impending risks, hence essential for timely actions to reduce their impact.

1.1- Has your country carried out hazard mapping/assessment? If yes, please describe for which hazards, when they were updated and for what geographical scale they exist. Do they include characteristics, impacts, historical data, multi-hazards approach? Which institutions are using the results of the hazard assessment? To whom are they available? (attach any relevant documentation) 1.2- Has your country carried out vulnerability and capacity assessments? If yes, please describe the methods used and major social, economic, physical, environmental, political and cultural factors considered in the assessment(s). Who are the main contacts for these assessments (or attach any relevant documentation or contact information.)

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1.3- Does your country have any mechanisms for risk monitoring and risk mapping? If yes, who is responsible? 1.4- Is there a systematic socio-economic and environmental impact and loss analysis in your country after each major disaster? If yes, are the results available? 1.5- Are there early warning systems in place? If yes, for what hazards and for what geographical scope. Do you have any example when the system was activated lately? Which are the main institutions involved? Please indicate any relevant lessons-learnt from the use and public reaction to early warnings issued.

Component 3 Knowledge Management Information management and communication, education and training, public awareness and research are all parts of improving and managing knowledge on disaster risks and their reduction. Inclusion of disaster reduction at all levels of education, effective public awareness and information campaigns, media involvement in advocacy and dissemination, availability of training for communities at risk and professional staff, and targeted research are the ingredients to support the knowledge base for effective disaster reduction.

1.1- Does your country have disaster risk information management systems (governmental and/or non-governmental)? If yes, what kind of information on disaster reduction is available, how is it collected, how is the information disseminated and who are the main users? (indicate relevant sources of information, if applicable) 1.2- Are the academic and research communities in the country linked to national or local institutions dealing with disaster reduction? If yes, please describe the mechanisms for information sharing and indicate any example of usefulness and effectiveness. Which are the main research and academic institutions dealing with disaster reduction related issues (please list, if available, and indicate how their research work is related to the country’s disaster risk reduction needs.) 1.3- Are there educational programmes related to disaster risk reduction in your public school system? If yes, for what age-range? Do you have any educational material developed to support the teachers in this area? (please attach any relevant documentation) 1.4- Are there any training programmes available? If yes, please list (if available indicate scope and target audiences of the courses). Do you have any indication on how these courses have been useful to change any practices at local or national scale? 1.5- What kind of traditional indigenous knowledge and wisdom is used in disaster-related practices or training programmes on disaster risk reduction in your country? 1.6- Do you have any national public awareness programmes or campaigns on disaster risk reduction? If available, who are the main players for raising public awareness? How are the mass media and schools involved? Who are the targeted groups and how do you evaluate the programmes?

Component 4 Risk Management Applications/Instruments For effective disaster risk reduction, synergies are needed between sustainable development and disaster risk management practices. Moving from analyzing of and knowing about risks to taking concrete actions to reduce their impacts is a demanding step. Ideas and practices coming from different disciplinary areas will complement what is already practiced in disaster risk management. For example, instruments for risk management have proliferated especially with the recognition of environmental management, poverty reduction and financial management.

Environmental and natural resource management is among the best–known applications to reduce flood risks, control landslides (through reforestation) and control droughts (through ecosystem conservation). Physical and technical measures, such as flood control techniques, soil conservation practices, retrofitting of buildings or land use planning, are effective in hazard control. Financial instruments in the form of insurance, calamity funds, catastrophe bonds are useful to lessen the impact of disasters.

1.1- Is there any good examples of linking environmental management and risk reduction practices in your country (key areas of environmental management may include coastal zone, wetland and watershed management, reforestation and agricultural practices, amongst others). If yes, please indicate in what areas. (Attach any relevant documentation ore references) 1.2- Are financial instruments utilised in your country as a measure to reduce the impact of disasters (e.g. insurance/reinsurance, calamity funds, catastrophe bonds, micro-credit finance, community funds, etc.)? If yes, please describe what these instruments are and when they were established, who manages them and who are eligible to them.

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1.3- Please identify specific examples of technical measures or programmes on disaster risk reduction that have been carried out in your country (see below, case studies).

Component 5 Preparedness and Contingency Planning Preparedness and emergency management has been used as a means for reducing life losses from direct and indirect effects of disasters. A well-prepared system is expected to be effectively informed by early warning, endowed with regularly rehearsed national and local contingency and evacuation plans, fitted with communications and coordination systems, as well as adequate logistical infrastructures and emergency funds. Local-level preparedness, particularly at community level, including training, deserves special attention as the most effective way of reducing life and livelihood losses.

1.1- Do you have disaster contingency plans in place? Are they prepared for both national and community levels? If yes, please describe their main components, who is responsible for activating the plan(s)?Are the plan(s) updated on annual basis? Have you ever used the contingency plan(s) that was or were developed? If yes, what was the result? 1.2- Has your government established emergency funds for disaster response and are there national or community storage facilities for emergency relief items – mainly food, medicine, tents/shelters? If yes, please provide some details. 1.3- Who is responsible for the coordination of disaster response preparedness and is the coordination body equipped with enough human and financial resources for the job? Please comment on the effectiveness of the coordination work done so far?

Component 6 Call for good practices in disaster risk management Based on the above analysis and information provided, please provide at least two examples of any successful implementation of disaster reduction activities in your country (could be of local, national or regional scale); any project or community based experience, national policy, interaction between sectors, etc., would be welcome. Provide maximum one page on each example, indicating area of work, institutions and actors involved, duration, impact of the activities, lessons-learnt and if the example have been replicated. You may also kindly direct us to relevant web-based information/organization.

Component 7 Priorities you want addressed at World Conference on Disaster Reduction What do you think are the priority topics to be agreed upon at the World Conference to enhance and strengthen national policy and practice to reduce risk and vulnerability to natural and technological hazards? Please list any other thematic areas or specific topics of discussion that you consider of importance to increase the effectiveness of disaster risk reduction for your country. Please also indicate any particular experience or project that your country would like to exhibit or present at the Conference.

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Interview

World Water Day was marked in the Burundi capital, Bujumbura, on 22 March 2004. On World Water Day was marked in the Burundi capital, Bujumbura, on 22 March 2004. On the sidelines of various events organized by WHO, UNICEF, UN/ISDR and the Government of Burundi on that occasion, Burundi Public Security Minister Mr Fulgence Dwima Bakana granted an interview to Mr Gerard Madodo. Mr Madodo, who is UN/ISDR’s focal point in Burundi, has initiated the establishment of a UN/ ISDR National Platform in the country. His interview with the minister centres on the Burundi government’s determination to elevate disaster management to one of the country’s national priorities.

« World Water Day was an opportunity for my country, Burundi, to show to the nation and the international community that curing is not enough, and that, above all, one has also to prevent risks of natural and anthropic disasters. » Mr Fulgence Dwima Bakana, Burundi Minister of public security.

Mr Minister, you are known to be would help to prevent some conflict- the world are essential for the success of keen on disaster risk management. related humanitarian disasters. It is clear such a noble task. Can you tell us why? that conflicts would be difficult to Disaster risk management is of great prevent in our countries, but many other How is the situation in Burundi in interest to me for many reasons. First calamities can be avoided if adequate the field of disaster risk because it is part of my concerns and early warning and preparedness management? duties. Indeed the Ministry of Public mechanisms are put in place. As far as disaster risk management is Security is in charge of disaster risk concerned, my country has made no prevention in the country. Regarding natural disasters, I wish only progress over the last few years, even to quote the following African proverb: though a department in charge of The other reason is the following: my « The difference between a desert and a disaster prevention and management was country suffered and is still suffering garden is not water, it is Man». My established in 1998. from both natural and anthropic disasters. country is determined to involve all Burundians through a sensitization Burundi made some steps to join The ongoing civil war is a disaster which campaign aimed at making them international efforts within the framework has been there for some 10 years, and increasingly aware of the fact that of the 1990-99 International Decade for which has already killed hundreds of solutions are there to reduce vulnerability Natural Disaster Reduction, IDNDR, but people. I am positive that a conflict early to these various disasters. To this end, the social-political context which has warning system within the UN or the AU combined efforts from all the peoples of prevailed in the country unfortunately

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prevented it from giving concrete help to understand better the causes and interest might also be taken during the expression to such a will. effects of disasters on societies, and also conference to ensure improved living enables a wider dissemination of Nevertheless, selective actions falling conditions for people in various parts of knowledge so that the vulnerability of the world. under an event-centred type of communities exposed to disasters is management have been taken by various reduced. Regarding my country’s expectations, this structures like government ministries, forum is of prime importance. On top of NGOs, associations, etc. The existing gaps in practical information (of establishment of a coordination structure technical, political nature, etc.) in the field would help us not to waste some of disaster risk prevention and/or resources and efforts. Therefore we « The difference mitigation, the conference will enable us to contemplate to launch a UN/ISDR between a desert and see what has been achieved by other National Platform in Burundi, which nations. would contribute to ongoing national a garden is not water, efforts to prevent and/or mitigate disaster Do I have a message to those organizing risks. it is Man» the forum? I want them to show profoundness and consistence, to consider Being the number-one person in all aspects of the disaster risk prevention charge of disaster risk and/or mitigation problem. management, what do you plan for The UN General Assembly has just the country in this particular field? agreed that a world conference on Please note that I was brief in that first Being in charge of disaster risk disaster reduction shall be held in interview. The reason is information are still management, my first concern is about Kobe, Japan, from 18 to 22 January disparate in the field of disaster involving, directly or indirectly, the entire 2005. What does our country management in Burundi (due to an event- Burundi population in the prevention of expect from this conference? Do centred type of management by various the disaster risks that affect the country. you have a message to those who government ministries, NGOs, UN How would I achieve this? First through a are organizing the conference? agencies, etc.). However, I am very positive public awareness campaign highlighting This world conference on disaster that the establishment of a UN/ISDR the fact that solutions are there to reduce reduction will be an excellent opportunity National Platform in Burundi will enable us vulnerability to these disasters; then the for experience sharing between various to harmonize the timing of all activities and establishment of a framework enabling us communities from all over the world. coordinate the actions taken by various to acquire scientific knowledge which Important decisions on issues of common partners.

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UN/ISDR AFRICA 2003 activities at a glance

Context in Africa to promote implementation of UNDP in Djibouti, Madagascar, Uganda Based on the initial progress and impacts the UN international strategy and and the Comoros. made in 2002 and its good understanding framework for disaster reduction. In line Construction of a UN/ISDR Africa web- of who was doing what and where in with the areas of priority set in the site www.unisdrafrica.org disaster reduction in Africa, as well as the Africa programme mentioned in the need balance the match between needs narrative report, slight changes were Coordination of an African Regional and funds available, UN/ISDR’s African made and the focus was on the six areas Consultative Meeting on Early Warning Regional Outreach Programme – also below: which was part of the preparation for the known as UN/ISDR Africa - has carried Second International Conference on Early out its work through outreaching, • Advocate the integration of disaster Warning held in October 2003 in Bonn, networking, cooperating and coordinating risk reduction into sustainable Germany, and sub-regional reviews of with major stakeholders in Africa on the development early warning systems in IGAD, SADC basis of a “catalytic” approach. • Support institutional and human and ECOWAS countries. Such an approach suited and still suits capacity building Extension of UN/ISDR Africa’s network at the limited resources at the disposal of • Promote networking and coordination national, sub-regional and regional the UN/ISDR Africa and its current initial levels, and launching of UN/ISDR “ground-work”, implantation phase. • Enhance public awareness and access Africa’s biannual newsletter/magazine The approach also helps to promote to information on hazards, called Disaster Reduction in Africa - UN/ “national ownership” of the disaster vulnerability and disaster risk ISDR Informs in English and French. reduction process, this being key not reduction only to the success of the implementation • Support capacity building and Support to the NEPAD-led regional of the ISDR but also to cost-effectiveness coordination in early warning workshop on disaster management, and - on a huge African continent support to AU/NEPAD-led regional characterized by limited, and therefore • Encourage application of science and consultative meeting on disaster risk expensive, communications. technology management. Started a AU/NEPAD and Such a catalytic approach calls for pro- UN/ISDR Africa joint-initiative for the active, exchange-boosting and Progress made development of an African Regional networking-focused communications and Under the guidance of the UN/ISDR Strategy for Disaster Risk Management. public relations policy from UN/ISDR Director and with the support of Africa. It has been based on a refined colleagues in its Geneva headquarters, Promotion of women’s participation and selection of key interventions, maximal UN/ISDR Africa was able to consolidate gender concerns in disaster reduction in leverage-based choices of action at its constructive working relationship with Africa. Started joint initiative with UN- national, sub-regional and regional levels. regional organizations and make some HABITAT and DMCN (Drought tangible progress in the implementation Monitoring Centre – Nairobi) to review Objectives of the ISDR’s African Regional Outreach disaster reduction in Africa from a gender In line with the vision set forth in the Programme. The points below perspective for strategy development and Strategy for a Safer World in the 21st demonstrate the tangible progress made policy recommendations. Century: Disaster Reduction, the in 2003: Finalization of an agreement with the overall objective of UN/ISDR’s African Organization of a regional workshop on Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Regional Outreach Programme is to the Application of Space Technology in Secretariat on a sub-regional contribute to saving lives and assets IGAD countries, in cooperation with the consultation and review of disaster through improved risk management and IGAD Secretariat and the Regional Centre reduction, and organized IOC sub- disaster prevention culture. for Mapping of Resources for regional consultations on disaster Development (RCMRD) from 17 to 21 reduction. Areas of priorities February 2003. To achieve this objective, UN/ISDR Production of radio programmes in Africa was working closely with UN Establishment of ISDR National English, French and Swahili entitled agencies, regional and sub-regional Platforms, in cooperation with national Hazards and Disasters; Drought - What organizations, and national authorities governments, UNOPS, OCHA and

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To Know & What To Do; Impact of regional, sub-regional and national Disasters On Our Communities; and authorities in Africa. While the web site Living With Disaster Risks. was still under construction, UN/ISDR Africa received a large number of Production of educational booklets for queries on why they could not access the community leaders and schools on Water web site: this shows that the web site was and Risk in Africa, and production of the already used as a reference in the region. first two booklets of a children’s The African regional consultations SAFARI’S educational collection called Safari made a substantive contribution to the ENCOUNTER WITH (Safari’s Encounter With Landslide; Second International Conference on FLOODS Safari’s Encounter With Floods). Early Warning held in Bonn, Germany, in October 2003. Compared with other Initial impacts regions, the African report was more The tangible progress in 2003 further comprehensive and useful as reference. increased the visibility of the UN/ISDR African participation in the meeting (from and appreciation of its value-added cabinet ministers to women, NGOs) assistance in the implementation of the provided added value to the Bonn

International strategy for Disaster conference. After participating in the Reduction and advancement of disaster Bonn meeting, the Ghanaian deputy UN/ISDR AFRICA reduction process in Africa. Major minister, for example, expressed Educational Series, impacts can be summarised as follows willingness to work on disaster reduction Volume 1, Issue 2 (please note that numbers in this section with UN/ISDR Africa support. UN/ISDR corresponds to those above – under Africa’s value-added service has also “Progress Made”): been widely accepted since then.

The regional workshop helped national The extension of network with UN authorities to understand that disaster agencies and regional and sub-regional reduction needed multi-level and multi- organizations helped to strengthen sectoral cooperation and collaboration as information sharing and knowledge SAFARI’S well as the importance of information, and exchange on disaster reduction. Since the ENCOUNTER WITH A generated cooperation between Uganda launching of its biannual newsletter/ LANDSLIDE and South Africa in information magazine, UN/ISDR Africa has received management by using space technology. increasing requests for copies, growing contributions in the forms of article, and The establishment of UN/ISDR national institutional interests and contribution for platforms help to strengthen inter- Arabic and Portuguese translation of the ministerial cooperation in disaster newsletter/magazine, in addition to reduction and identify areas of priorities French. in disaster reduction. The National Platforms organized follow-up meetings UN/ISDR Africa’s support to the NEPAD by themselves; Uganda set up a disaster Secretariat has made it possible to shift information management unit; Djibouti is the focus on disaster response and food ISDR-Africa Educational Series. ready to develop a policy and strategy for security to a focus on disaster risk Volume 1, Issue 1 national disaster reduction; and more management; and from that of a short- countries - such as Botswana, Burundi, term plan of developing a disaster Rwanda, DRCongo and Ghana - management programme to that of a long- expressed interest in establishing focal term plan which includes a regional points for the implementation of the UN/ review of the disaster reduction process, ISDR. As the National Platforms were and strategy development and programme established with the help of UNDP development. This support also country offices, the whole process generated more interests and support therefore generated cooperation between from UNDP and UNEP to the ongoing UNDP and UN/ISDR Africa. joint initiative between the NEPAD Secretariat and UN/ISDR. The web site contains comprehensive information on disaster reduction from

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Women’s interest in disaster reduction has increased. A women NGO in Kenya held a continue to encourage and assist nationwide workshop with support from national governments to create enabling UN/ISDR Africa and the DMCN. An African environments consisting of national regional review on disaster reduction from a policies, legislations, strategies, gender perspective is also being carried institutional frameworks, human out, which will result in policy capacity and financial resources recommendations and contributions to the through advocacy, technical support, ongoing process of developing an African information-sharing and knowledge Regional Strategy on Disaster Management exchange. (with the AU/NEPAD), in addition to being an input to the World Conference on Increase awareness of disaster risks: Disaster Reduction (WCDR) to be held in UN/ISDR Africa will continue its effort Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, in January 2005. to raise general awareness of disaster risks through advocacy, production of The IOC is ready to develop a sub-regional newsletters, information kits and strategy to facilitate the disaster reduction educational materials, and in-depth process in the sub-region. analysis of disaster impact on socio- The radio programmes were aired in economic development. different countries such as Uganda, Encourage consultations and promote Djibouti and Madagascar on the cooperation and collaboration: UN/ International Day of Disaster Reduction. ISDR Africa will continue to initiate and Safari’s Encounter With Landslide was well encourage multi-level and received by students and teachers, and an multidimensional consultations on organization from Denmark asked whether it specific subjects related to disaster could use it as a model to modify their reduction through formal and informal assistance to Madagascar. Water and Risk meetings at national, sub-regional and in Africa – A guide for Community Leaders continental levels. and Water and Risk in Africa –A Guide to Schools generated more interests and Address gender concerns in disaster support. UNDP is now working with UN/ reduction: UN/ISDR Africa will continue ISDR Africa to produce a guide on good to promote gender concerns in disaster governance and disaster reduction; UNEP risk reduction and increase awareness of agreed to share the cost of Safaris’s gender difference in the impact of Encounter with Floods and Drought, as disasters. well as that of a booklet on linking Advocate the linkage between disaster environmental protection and disaster reduction and poverty eradication reduction. towards the Millennium Development Goals: UN/ISDR Africa will carry out in- Priorities in 2004 depth studies in poor areas in Africa and To foster national ownership of the disaster develop guidelines on how to link reduction process, UN/ISDR Africa will disaster reduction with poverty continue to provide tailored assistance to eradication, based on the insight gained the establishment of national platforms, in the planned in-depth studies. based on official requests, and will make sure that national governments lead the Facilitate African regional preparation process of establishing national for the January 2005 World Conference platforms. At the same time, UN/ISDR on Disaster Reduction to be held in Africa will endeavour to foster Kobe, Hyogo, Japan: UN/ISDR Africa will partnership with already-established UN/ facilitate the ongoing African continental ISDR national platforms through mutual review in cooperation with national support in disaster reduction initiatives. governments, sub-regional and regional UN/ISDR Africa’s main priorities in 2004 inter-governmental organizations and the are to: UN system. UN/ISDR Africa will also use this review as an opportunity to further Facilitate the creation of enabling engage governments and communities in environments: UN/ISDR Africa will disaster reduction.

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PUBLICATIONS UPDATE UN/ISDR Africa to publish community guide on disaster reduction & environmental protection

UN/ISDR Africa is preparing a community droughts, floods, storms and tropical present without compromising the ability leader’s guide on “Environmental cyclones, wildfires and volcanic of future generations to meet their own Protection and Disaster Risk Reduction”. eruptions have caused major losses of needs (Brundtland Commission, 1987), it human lives in Africa. They often result in is based on socio-cultural wellbeing, The booklet is part of UN/ISDR Africa the destruction of economic and social good governance, economic efficiency public awareness activities, and is being infrastructure, as well as damage to and environmental protection, which all prepared in partnership with Umvoto natural environment (UN/ISDR, 2002). contribute positively to disaster risk Africa, a South African earth science reduction. consulting firm. Umvoto Africa has The “Environmental Protection & already completed another booklet Disaster Risk Reduction” booklet will The booklet will also feature a number of entitled “Water and Risk in Africa”. describe how environmental degradation success stories about disaster risk “Water and Risk in Africa” is the first results in increased community reduction through community community leader/school guide published vulnerability to disasters, and why participation, and will illustrate the by UN/ISDR Africa. disaster reduction should be linked to benefits of Environmental Protection & environmental protection. Disaster Risk Reduction. Increasing public awareness about natural and related hazards and the risks Desertification, deforestation, soil Last but not least, the booklet provides they pose to societies and economies has degradation, coastal erosion and community leaders with guidelines on risk become one of the four key objectives of pollution can all result in situations where assessment (with some emphasis on the UN International Strategy for Disaster communities are more exposed to hazards environmental hazards), environmental Reduction (UN/ISDR). than they were before. The effects of protection and risk reduction measures, environmental degradation contribute to early warning systems, disaster As public awareness aims to convey an increase in vulnerability and the preparedness planning, sustainable knowledge about existing solutions that frequency and intensity of natural development and reducing reliance on can reduce vulnerability to hazards, UN/ hazards - either in the form of slow-onset disaster relief. ISDR Africa resolved to publish a series disasters (e.g. drought) or rapid-onset of booklets for community leaders with disasters (e.g. floods). When communities take active steps to simplified versions for school children. protect their environment, they are also For a better coverage of the entire African The booklet will also put some emphasis helping to reduce the risk of disasters. And continent, the booklets will be published on sustainable development, and will if a community is aware of local risks, and in English, French and Portuguese. show how disaster risk awareness and has disaster preparedness plans in place, reduction can be tools to support then it will be in a better position to respond Why the next booklet will be on sustainable development. to and recover from disasters. “Environmental Protection & Disaster Risk Reduction”? Over the past 40 years, Indeed, as sustainable development is natural hazards such as earthquakes, development that meets the needs of the

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INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS: Disaster reduction “gains momentum”

UN/ISDR Africa Ocean, the IOC General Secretariat and incorporation of disaster risk reduction Nairobi, Kenya UN/ISDR Africa noted that some common and impact mitigation into development actions, in the field of disaster reduction, and poverty reduction policies, strategies “To mobilize and pool national were in the mutual interest of IOC member and initiatives. capacities… in aid of a member countries. country in need…”, “…to integrate The participants also recommended that it was imperative for member countries: (1) disaster risk reduction in all Seeking consensus development programmes and to adopt a common vision of disaster risk investment activities…” These Three objectives were set for the management ; (2) to adopt and put in recommendations were made by consultative meeting: place an agreed framework for sub- disaster management officials from 1. Reinforced sub-regional cooperation regional operations and a common five Ocean Indian islands… in disaster risk management; reference framework for operations at 2. Forum for IOC member countries and national level; (3) to have an acceptable “Disaster reduction has stopped being a major UN agencies to share views (minimal) level of institutional and mere option, it is now part of action in and experience in disaster risk IOC (Indian Ocean Commission1) technical capacity; and (4) to display management; countries. In a nutshell, disaster and provide sustained and sustainable 3. Consensus on how to handle reduction is gaining momentum in the political commitment. disaster risk management for sub-region.” sustainable development in the sub- They recommended that: (1) a General This comment was made by Dr Hasina region. Strategy and Policy for Disaster Risk Randrianasolo, international consultant Management be developed in the sub- on disaster management, at the end of a For the sake of sustainable region; as well as (2) short, medium and Sub-regional Consultative Meeting on development long-term sectoral strategies, followed by Disaster Risk Reduction organized jointly The meeting was opened and closed the identification of relevant programme by the IOC General Secretariat and UN/ formally by the minister of interior and activities. ISDR Africa on 20 and 21 November 2003 administrative reform of the Republic of in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Madagascar, the host country, Mr Jean “Inter-State Solidarity” The participants recommended that The consultative meeting, during which Seth Rambeloalijaona, also chairman of national authorities’ political will be cooperation between the two above- the country’s Conseil national de mobilized and all the member States be mentioned bodies became effective, was secours (CNS – National Relief Council). involved through a cooperation treaty or attended by two representatives of each On the first day, a total of eight convention binding them to participate in of five Indian Ocean islands (Seychelles, presentations were made respectively (1) the common process to be implemented, Comoros, Madagascar, Reunion et by representatives of four countries on no matter what situation or priority may Mauritius), two representatives of the the state of disaster risk management in be prevailing in each country. IOC General Secretariat and one 2003 et 2004 in their respective countries representative from UN/ISDR Africa. (Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, The participants also recommended that Seychelles) ; Inter-State Solidarity be strengthened Towards common action and implemented: The presentations were followed by Periodically exposed to and particularly • discussions centred on how to handle by developing and signing a protocol vulnerable to increasing threats of cooperation agreement (framework disasters caused by natural hazards such disaster risk reduction for sustainable development in the sub-region. and procedures for the mobilization as cyclones, floods, droughts, volcanic of Inter-State Solidarity); eruptions, etc., the five IOC member states have experienced huge economic Sub-regional strategy, policy • by mobilizing and pooling national and human losses as well as human Recommendations were made during the capacities - where the need arises suffering every year. meeting. The participants recommended and when available but for a well- the following as foundations for an defined period - in aid of a member Yet, any effort to reduce poverty and effective and sustainable management of country in need; attain sustainable development would be disaster risks in the sub-region: (1) • vain unless disaster risks and the sound, sustainable and effective sub- by incorporating disaster risk protection of human lives and livelihoods regional coordination in disaster risk reduction and impact mitigation into are managed properly. management; (2) sound, sustainable and all development policies, strategies effective sub-regional cooperation in and programmes, and into all Therefore, to strengthen disaster investment activities. reduction process in southwestern Indian disaster risk management; (3) effective

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UNDP launches landmark global report on disaster risk reduction and development

Mr. Kenneth Westgate Senior RegionalAdvisor UNDP/BCPR (Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery Nairobi, Kenya

Some 75 % of the world’s population live in areas affected at least once by earthquakes, tropical cyclones, floods and droughts between 1980 and 2000. The consequences of such widespread exposure to natural hazards for human development are only now beginning to be identified. Natural disaster risk is intimately connected with processes of human development. Disasters put development at risk. At the same time, the choices made by individuals, communities and nations can generate new disaster risks. However, human development can also contribute to a serious reduction in disaster risks. and death rates following disasters at the very least disaster risks are reduced triggered by natural hazards. to manageable proportions. Link between disasters, development Protecting Millennium Unattainable though this sounds, unless UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Development Goals, other risks are tackled in an integrated and Recovery (UNDP-BCPR) has launched a development initiatives comprehensive way, then all hope of global report entitled Reducing Disaster Through our increasing knowledge and really effective development, including Risk: A Challenge for Development2. The understanding of the relationship achieving the MDGs, disappears. report attempts to define the relationship between disaster risk and development, between disaster occurrence and disaster UNDP is suggesting that there is a real The Disaster Risk Index risk and development. opportunity now to address disaster risks The report establishes the first Disaster Development processes intervene in the in a positive way to support poverty Risk Index (DRI). The DRI provides the translation of physical exposure into reduction, the Millennium Development physical exposure levels and relative natural disaster events. This is Goals (MDGs) and other major vulnerability for more than 200 countries demonstrated by the observation that development initiatives that are laid open and territories for four natural hazards – while only 11 % of the people exposed to to disruption and destruction by disaster earthquakes, tropical cyclones, floods natural hazards live in countries classifies events. and drought. as demonstrating low human The figures were determined by UNDP, thereby, is stating its collective development, they account for more than comparing the number of people exposed resolve to see disaster risk as a 53 % of total recorded deaths. in relation to population and then component of the development agenda mapping the data in a geographical The report argues that disaster risk is not and to encourage others to do the same. information system. By evaluating the inevitable and offers examples of good Even though disaster events produce number of people killed annually from practice in disaster risk reduction that can good media coverage, continuing to 1980 to 2000 with the number of exposed be built into ongoing development respond to their aftermath does nothing people, UNDP has been able to compare planning and policy. for the vulnerable state of people that led countries’ vulnerabilities to different to these disasters occurring in the first natural hazards. The report incorporates the first Disaster place. Risk Index (DRI) that compares physical In Iran, for example, an average of 1,074 exposure to hazards, vulnerability and What UNDP hopes to achieve through people were killed each year in risk between countries, demonstrating a this report is no news at all: ultimately earthquakes between 1980 and 2000, for clear link between human development disaster risk reduction should mean that

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every one million people exposed. importance of giving disaster risk • Integrated climate risk management Compare this with the 0.97 people killed management backing to its members. should be promoted: building on each year per one million people in the Even regionally, the New Partnership for capacities that deal with existing USA. Africa’s Development (NEPAD) is disaster risks is an effective way of currently at work defining a disaster risk generating capacity to deal with risks The DRI compares countries’ risk levels management strategy for Africa. emanating from future climate change. with 26 social, economic and ecological • Disaster risk reduction policy has to indicators in order to identify Nationally, a number of countries have take into account the fact that natural development processes that were defined disaster risk management as a hazard is only one among many contributing to high vulnerability. distinct component of the UN potential threats to life and livelihoods. Tropical cyclone risk, for example, is Development Assistance Framework Often those people and communities strongly identified with countries of large, (UNDAF), among them Ghana, Rwanda most vulnerable to natural hazards are predominantly rural populations with low and Djibouti. South Africa is concerned also vulnerable to other hazards. For ranking on the Human Development to integrate its disaster management many, livelihood strategies are all about Index. programme into the development process the playing off of risks from multiple at municipal level and below. Many hazards – economic, social, political Countries with low GDP per capita, low organisations and agencies, both inter- densities of population (in flood-prone and environmental. Disaster risk governmental and non-governmental are reduction policy has to look for areas) and high numbers of exposed providing stimulus. people are most at risk from floods. opportunities to build generic as well as disaster risk specific capacities. Even though the DRI must be considered Disaster risk reduction, a UNDP as work in progress with current data • In addition to addressing future incomplete (particularly in the case of central focus disaster risks, a legacy of risk drought), the report is also a plea for With the production of the UNDP-BCPR accumulation exists today and there is a investment in data collection and report, UNDP has made disaster risk need, therefore, to improve disaster management, so that the picture becomes reduction a central focus. And as the preparedness and response to address clearer and the disaster risk issues plainer, UN’s principal development agency, the this. and that includes countries where onus is on UNDP to demonstrate the • A first step towards more concerted and currently the data collection mechanisms efficacy of good, development-based coordinated global action on disaster are poor. disaster risk management. risk reduction must be a clear The advocacy and awareness raising of understanding of the depth and extent The DRI will assist in identifying those the UN International Strategy for Disaster of hazards, vulnerability and disaster countries that face the greatest risks and Reduction (UN/ISDR) is crucial support loss. There is a need, therefore, to will provide a baseline for identifying the to this, while other UN agencies such as address gaps in knowledge for disaster key issues ansd assessing the problems HABITAT and UNEP are also involved in risk assessment through: and solutions. However, the DRI is not a what is rapidly becoming a multi-agency (a) enhancingglobal indexing of risk and panacea but rather a window on risk and concern. vulnerability, enabling more and better the context in which it accumulates. inter-country and inter-regional Both UNDP and UN/ISDR have comparisons; (b) supporting national and Disaster risk reduction: a appointed regional advisers for Africa sub-regional risk indexing to enhance the challenge for Africa who can animate the process through production of information for national The integration of disaster risk UNDP country offices and their co- decision makers; (c) developing a multi- management and reduction into national, operation with national governments. tiered system of disaster reporting; and sub-regional and regional development (c) supporting context-driven risk policies and programes is, globally, a Report’s recommendations assessment. relatively new phemomenon. Africa is The report concludes with the following probably the continent where the least recommendations: • has occured thus far although there are Appropriate governance is fundamental encouraging signs. to ensuring that risk considerations are Among the sub-regional organizations, factored into development planning and The author would like to acknowledge the Intergovernmental Authority on programming, and that existing risks are the assistance of the Nairobi office of Development (IGAD) has an agreed thereby effectively mitigated. the Integrated Regional Information • disaster risk reduction programme in Disaster risk management Network (IRIN) of the UN Office for the support of its member states. The considerations should be factored into Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs Southern Africa Development Community recovery and reconstruction (OCHA) in the preparation of the article (SADC) has also recognized the programmes following disaster. above.

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SADC - Mid season strategic assessment and disaster preparedness meeting

Mr. Richard Masundire the February – April period may not Assessments required to better Director improve crop conditions in Botswana, understand the levels of vulnerability Regional Early Warning Unit Swaziland, Lesotho, southern Coordinated multi-sectoral vulnerability Southern Africa Development Community Mozambique, southern Malawi, and parts assessments should be given top priority, (SADC) of South Africa. However, prospects may and carried out with urgency, so that an Botswana improve in parts of central Mozambique, efficient and effective response can be Namibia and Zimbabwe if normal rainfall launched to assist affected communities. The Southern African Development is experienced for the remainder of the In order to reduce duplication and build Community (SADC) held a Mid Season season. The food security situation is consensus, these assessments must be Strategic Assessment and Disaster compounded by the low production that carried out through existing national and Preparedness Meeting in Maputo, has been experienced in most of these regional structures. Mozambique, from 4 - 6 February 2004. areas over the last three seasons. Make use of second season and winter The meeting was officially opened by Mr. cropping Isaias Mondlane, the Permanent Water resources are low Member States are urged to make use of Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign The participants noted that river, dam, the near-normal rains expected for the Affairs and Cooperation in Mozambique. and groundwater levels are low in remainder of the season and ground It was chaired by Mrs. M.S. Lebesa, the Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi, water sources for potential second Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Mozambique, Tanzania and South Africa, season crops where this is possible. Defence and National Security in the as a result of poor rainfall performance. Kingdom of Lesotho, and was attended The water shortages are affecting Improve emergency response by cooperating partners. The meeting agricultural, domestic and industrial water While Member States, UN, and other was sponsored by the Government of use. A number of Member States are multilateral agencies have done Germany through Internationale already taking measures to mitigate the commendable work towards the provision Weiterbildung und Entwicklung gGmbH impacts of the severe water shortfalls. of food assistance in Member States (inWent), and by the United States Localized flooding affecting affected by last year’s crop failure, there Agency for International Development communities is need to solve outstanding challenges (USAID). Heavy rains in the upper-Zambezi, with targeting and addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS on food security. The meeting assessed the status of the Cunene and Okavango basins led to 2003/2004 rainfall season in order to flooding in some Member States such as Increased emphasis on disaster comprehend the prospects of the Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia. prevention, mitigation and preparedness remainder of the season and map the way This affected communities where riverine Member States and cooperating partners forward. agriculture is practiced, as crops were are urged to allocate additional resources either submerged or washed away. towards disaster prevention, mitigation Findings Livestock in poor condition and preparedness. The meeting deliberated on various Poor pastures have affected major Need to strengthen institutional national and regional presentations on livestock producing Member States and capacities relevant themes, and in particular the there are likely to be unfavourable The meeting noted that Disaster following: economic consequences. The affected Management institutions and Vulnerability Member States include Botswana, South Assessment Committees have not been Food security concerns over early Africa, Namibia, and Swaziland. season drought fully instituted at the SADC Secretariat and The meeting noted the late onset and Increasing food prices in some Member States. The meeting erratic rainfall during the first half of the There is anticipated pressure on prices of recommends that the SADC Secretariat and 2003/04 season in most SADC Member staple foods in most markets due to the Member States strengthen their disaster States. This has led to an overall projected low production. In addition, the management structures and functions. This reduction in area planted and reduced meeting noted with concern the fact that entails strengthening institutions that are production prospects for the season. The the transportation of foodstuffs has key in these areas, including human region may therefore not be able to cover become excessively expensive when resources development. compared with the value of its food requirements for the 2004/05 Role of trade and markets consignments. marketing season. The Member States Formal and informal intra-regional food affected include Botswana, Lesotho, trade should be promoted as the first resort Swaziland, Malawi, Mozambique, Recommendations to resolve expected food deficits. Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe. In view of the above observations, the Even the near-normal rains forecast for participants recommended the following:

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CLIMATE INFORMATION IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT : Towards a regional strategy in Greater Horn of Africa

Mr. Zachary Atheru the framework of a USAID-funded project Application Centre – previous name of Climatologist known as Sustainable generation and DMCN) to disaster reduction and IGAD Climate Prediction and applications of climate information, sustainable development in the GHA, and Application Centre (ICPAC) products and services for disaster UN/ISDR disaster risk reduction activities Nairobi, Kenya preparedness and sustainable in Africa. development in the Greater Horn of The country reports had useful findings Africa (GHA). A Workshop on the Development of a that can be used to enhance the Regional Strategy on the Factoring of interpretation and application of climate Factoring of climate information Climate Information in Disaster outlooks such as: in disaster management Management was held in Nairobi, Kenya, • Climate extremes and risk zone maps from 23 to 24 February 2004 at the The main objective of the workshop was • Onset, cessation and duration Drought Monitoring Centre, Nairobi to review country reports and to develop (DMCN). a regional strategy on factoring of climate • Climate extremes associated with El information in disaster management in the Niño and La Niña evolutions of The workshop was organized jointly by region. climate-related extremes DMCN and the World Meteorological • Map patterns of wet and dry spells An overview of disaster risk reduction Organization (WMO) in partnership with was presented, including the contribution • Map patterns of climate-related disease National Meteorological and of ICPAC (IGAD1 Climate Prediction and outbreaks Hydrological Services (NMHSs) within • Map patterns of climate-related agro- climatic zones

Workshop’s resolutions The following were the resolutions of the workshop: The participants in the of the Workshop on the Development of a Regional Strategy on the Factoring of Climate in Disaster Management: Welcome: The opportunity provided by the Drought Monitoring Centre – Nairobi (DMCN), in partnership with National Meteorological/ Hydrological services (NMHSs) and with the support of USAID/OFDA and WMO to identify appropriate ways of factoring weather and climate information in disaster management in the Greater Horn of Africa;

Recalling that: 1. The impacts associated with extreme weather and climate events often retard socio-economic growth of many developing nations, such as GHA Countries, as exemplified by the 1997/98 Participants of the workshop

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El-Niño-related floods that were which are often associated with severe 5. GHA’s agriculture, food security, immediately followed by the 1999-2000 La socio-economic impacts that include lack health, energy, water resources, human Niña-related drought and the 2003 floods of food, water, energy and many other settlement and public safety are highly whose effects will linger on for along basic needs leading to famine; mass dependent on weather and climate time; migration of animals and society; loss of variability, and, as such, there is need for life and property; damage to timely and reliable weather information, 2. The majority of rural communities who infrastructure; and disruption of normal data and prediction products to facilitate contribute significantly to national activities; among many other socio- appropriate responses to enable economies and are most vulnerable to economic miseries ; communities and governments make extreme weather and climate events, rarely timely and informed decisions and sound receive and use weather and climate 2. The Intergovernmental Authority on strategic plans ; information due to poor dissemination, Development (IGAD) has taken an inadequate capacity to interpret the initiative to formulate an integrated 6. GHA heavily depends on its natural climate outlooks and lack of awareness; Disaster Management Policy; resources including forests, wildlife, water bodies and environmental 3. Weather and climate is rarely factored 3. The NMHSs and DMCN have conditions whose distribution are in the decision-making processes of the databases and some capacity that can be influenced by climate conditions and the majority of sectors which are climate- used for risk zoning, vulnerability and nations’ major activities revolve around dependent, including economic planning; impacts assessment for planning and these resources and, therefore, factors management of all climate sensitive that can negatively change their 4. That the impacts of the recent floods activities; functionality require appropriate and drought have aroused an increase in management; demand for weather and climate 4. The NMHSs and DMCN provide information and a general rethinking of weather/climate forecasts and early 7. Weather and climate-related factors how the region should cope with climate- warnings that could be factored into play a major role in the industrial related disasters; various socio-economic sectors in order to minimize the negative impacts that are activities of this region, especially in relation to the availability of raw materials Recognizing that: usually associated with such extreme events and that these products could as and the impacts of industrial pollution on 1. Over 70 % of natural disasters in the well be used to take advantage of any the environment. GHA are related to extreme climate events positive impacts ;

Strong legal, institutional frameworks needed for disaster management

Dr James Kamara in Selected Countries in Southern Africa” Environmental legislation- Mr. Laurent Granier, was organized by the Government of disaster risks/vulnerabilities UNEP Division of Environmental Policy Lesotho and the United Nations nexus Implementation, Environment Programme (UNEP) in Effective prevention, preparedness and Nairobi, Kenya Maseru, Lesotho, from 18 to 20 February response to environmental emergencies 2004. can be achieved best in the presence of Even though there may be vague strong legal and institutional frameworks awareness of the need to develop The workshop was attended by for disaster management at national, sub- suitable legal frameworks with representatives from Botswana, Malawi, regional and regional levels. institutional arrangements to address Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho, as This requirement forms the basis for the environmental emergencies, the vicious well as by a representative from UN/ISDR cycle of lack of capacity is still a major development of appropriate national, sub- burden in Africa, say two UN officials - Africa office in Nairobi, Kenya. regional and regional environmental in a report on a sub-regional workshop Specifically, participants were drawn from emergency plans, and, at the same time, held in Lesotho. the Ministries of Environment, the serves as legislative authority for national Attorney General’s Office, Government and community-level measures and A “Workshop on National Legislation and Agency/Authority and local NGOs effective systems for prevention, Institutions for Environmental Disasters dealing with disaster management. preparedness and response to disaster

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events implemented by various governments and community agencies involved in disaster management. Limited capacity to promote understanding of environmental legislation-disaster risks/vulnerability nexus remains a major problem in many countries in Africa. There is therefore a need for clear understanding of inter- linkages between environmental degradation and natural and technological disaster risks and vulnerabilities, and for environmental emergency prevention, preparedness, response and mitigation.

The vicious cycle of lack of capacity Even though there may be vague awareness of the need to develop suitable legal frameworks with ministries have been linked together in frameworks for environmental institutional arrangements to address over-arching legislation and some new emergency prevention, preparedness, environmental emergencies, the laws have been put in place. response and mitigation at national, vicious cycle of lack of capacity - The Partnership for the Development of sub-regional and regional levels. which allows environmental Environmental Law and Institutions in destruction to proceed unabated with Africa (PADELIA) Project - implemented The immediate objective of the workshop its attendant disaster risks and by UNEP in partnership with donors - was therefore to bring together national vulnerabilities -, is still a major burden was therefore initiated in 1994 to experts dealing with environmental to many countries in Africa. strengthen environmental legislation legislation and regulations for For example, the same officials who through awareness raising, capacity environmental emergencies in the five bemoan destruction of the building and training of national experts Partnership for the Development of environment and natural resources in the formulation of environmental Environmental Law and Institutions in that predispose the people to disaster legislation. However, comprehensive Africa (PADELIA) project countries to risks and vulnerabilities, will legislation for environmental disaster exchange information, share experiences invariably issue licenses for such management is either lacking or limited in and lessons learned regarding destruction, evidently taking scope in many countries in Africa. environmental laws and institutional advantage of the absence or arrangements that focus on disaster weakness in environmental The Maseru workshop was therefore prevention and risks reduction in order to emergency law and the machinery for organized within the framework of strengthen national and regional its implementation. PADELIA as a starting point for environmental emergency management. sensitisation and building awareness of Need for comprehensive the need to develop and/or harmonize Workshop discussions legislation for environmental and incorporate environmental laws and The workshop was conducted in an disaster management institutional arrangements in interactive dialogue in order to achieve deeper and wider understanding as well There is growing interest in African environmental disaster prevention, as build on any existing legislative countries in the development of preparedness, response and mitigation. frameworks as well as on other existing environmental law as part of the global legal arrangements from which more exercise in the promotion of sustainable Workshop goal, objectives appropriate and focused laws could be development through the use of The main goal of the workshop was evolved on environmental emergency environmental resources, while also to serve as a forum to sensitize and management. recognizing the inherent interest of future raise awareness on the inter-linkages Discussions at the workshop focused on generations. between environmental degradation interactive dialogue by the participants in Environmental law in Africa generally and disaster risks and vulnerability. reviewing examples of Disaster follows sectoral patterns as the policies. Management Acts promulgated by some In a number of countries, however, It also emphasized on the need for of the countries such as Lesotho and separate laws put in place by sectoral appropriate legislative and institutional Malawi as well as other legal

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arrangements for environmental identified and measures for closing the identified strengthening of coordination emergency management such as those in gaps recommended. For example, it was among stakeholders in environmental Mozambique, Swaziland and Botswana. recommended that existing Acts or legal management and called on governments arrangements should be reviewed as to take appropriate measures to establish Workshop conclusions appropriate to clearly incorporate effective disaster coordinating The workshop identified the strengths of environmental dimension in disaster mechanisms at national and community the Disaster Management Acts management. levels which could be used as a basis for promulgated in Lesotho and Malawi and sub-regional and regional disaster Overall, raising public awareness on also the legal and institutional coordination. arrangements for disaster management in environmental management legislation Botswana, Mozambique and Swaziland and building capacity to ensure Overwhelmingly, the participants then where Disaster Management Acts enforcement of such legislation was expressed the need for governments to incorporating the environmental recommended as a must for all the translate and simplify disaster dimension are yet to be developed and countries represented in the workshop management policies, legislation and passed into law. and the governments should therefore plans to local languages to enhance pursue this as a matter of urgency and understanding of local communities on Gaps in both Disaster Management Acts priority in the development process. the need for their effective and other legal arrangements were also More importantly, the workshop implementation at the local level.

Comoros seek to improve disaster preparedness, contingency planning

Mr. Mohamed Abchir technical support from UNDP-BCPR each other and their respective agencies’ Programme Officer (Bureau for Crisis Prevention and capacities and needs; and discuss UN/ISDR Secretariat, Geneva Recovery), UN/ISDR and UNICEF. coordination arrangements in relation to preparedness and contingency planning. Following the most recent volcanic threat The main objective of the March 2004 of the Karthala volcano and a request workshop was to improve disaster Prevention also discussed preparedness and contingency planning from the Government of the Union of the A draft of disaster preparedness and in the Comoros. Comoros to establish a UN/ISDR national contingency plans has been produced platform to improve national disaster The workshop was well attended with 38 and a Task Force established to complete management, the UN/ISDR had organised highly motivated participants: 12 and update the plan. a workshop on the reinforcement of participants from the government of the This Task Force comprises national capacities in disaster Union, 11 from the three islands (Ngazidja representatives of the government and a management. Moheli and Anjouan) that make up the focal point in the UN system in each of Comoran archipelago, 10 from UN During the workshop, which was held in the identified sectors. The Task Force is agencies, 2 from the National Red the Comoran capital, Moroni, on 4 and 5 co-chaired by the Director of civil Crescent Society, 2 from the civil society, December 2003, the Comoran Ministry of protection and a designated member of and 1 participant from the media. Defence, which is in charge of disaster the UN system. management, introduced to the Specific objectives of the workshop were, Even though the main focus of the participants a contingency planning among others, to introduce participants workshop was on preparedness and proposal. to the principles of emergency planning response, the participants, with the and management; discuss the concepts of support of the facilitators, identified To improve disaster emergency preparedness and response; concrete measures for prevention in each preparedness, contingency consider the concepts of early warning, of the identified sectors such as food planning needs assessment, contingency planning security, early warning, water and As a follow-up action to this initiative, and operations planning; begin the sanitation, etc. another workshop was held in the contingency planning process which will This really represents a major Comoros on 17 and 18 March 2004 by culminate in the preparation of a achievement they can build on in the UNDP-Comoros, together with the UN contingency plan for a possible future for any activity related to Office for the Co-ordination of emergency; provide an opportunity for prevention. Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and with participants to familiarize themselves with

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Main follow-up actions ƒ UNDP-BCPR and UN/ISDR to • Completion of disaster preparedness consider the possibility of a support UN agencies’ support very and contingency plans by the Task for national capacity strengthening fruitful Force established. and the completion of the disaster Due to many factors including poverty • National authorities, with support from preparedness and contingency plans. (Comoros are one of the poorest country UNDP-Comoros, expected to Some activities that could be in the world), governance and political undertake the development of a plan undertaken by UNDP-BCPR and UN/ instability, the Comoros Islands are of action as a follow-up to the ISDR, upon availability of resources, highly vulnerable to natural disasters recommendations of the UN/ISDR could be: (volcano, cyclones, etc.). workshop of December 2003 on public awareness and education, development of institutional and legal As recent initiatives taken by different national capacity building for disaster UN agencies - after the most recent management. frameworks for disaster management, support to early warning system through volcanic threat in 2003 - to support the ƒ UN System expected to ensure the country and UNDP-Comoros were very integration of disaster management the Volcanic Observatory, community- fruitful, they should be continued in a into the UNDAF (UN Development level risk management, DMTP (Disaster Assistance Framework). Management Training Programme), coordinated manner for the benefit of the ƒ OCHA and UNICEF to provide support to the integration of disaster population. technical support to UNDP-Comoros management in the PRSP (Poverty for the completion and update of the Reduction Strategy Paper) and UNDAF, plans. and support to national coordination.

KENYA: Towards women’s active participation in disaster management

UN/ISDR Africa Nairobi, Kenya Even though there is growing interest in gender concerns and mobilizing African disaster reduction on the continent, it women. A Workshop on Mobilizing Women remains gender-blind. National to Participate in Disaster Risk authorities in Africa have not involved Women’s service club management was held in Nairobi, the participation of women in developing determined to help Kenya, on 1 and 2 March 2004, country policy positions on disaster risk The Nairobi club of Soroptimist attended by 38 participants - women management. International (SI) reiterated its and men - brought together from determination to work in cooperation with The different impact of disasters on NGOs, government organizations UN/ISDR Africa and Drought Monitoring women has not yet received proper and disaster-prone areas. The two- Centre Nairobi (DMCN – previous name attention, nor women’s potential role in day workshop was organized by the for ICPAC) to mobilize women to actively disaster reduction acknowledged. Soroptimist International1 Club of participate in disaster risk management Women in Africa are the main force for Nairobi, ICPAC (IGAD2 Climate and to address gender concerns in community development and household Prediction and Application Centre) disaster risk management. and UN/ISDR Africa. welfares, but women are still a marginalized social group in disaster It was to this end that the Soroptimist Women marginalized in disaster reduction. International Club of Nairobi, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre reduction Women are under-represented at (ICPAC) and UN/ISDR Africa organized Africans are increasingly affected by decision-making level in disaster the two-day workshop on Mobilizing disasters, especially drought and floods. reduction and management, and women Women to Participate In Disaster Risk The increased disasters threaten people’s have less or no access to information management. lives and livelihoods, damage crops and related to disaster reduction. Yet, it will infrastructures, interrupt social services be impossible for Africa to achieve The workshop, which was held in Nairobi, and cause economic losses. sustainable progress in disaster risk Kenya, on 1 and 2 March 2004, was management and sustainable Consequently, disasters have deprived attended by brought together 38 development without addressing millions of people of food, portable water participants - women and men - from and shelters each year.

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Mobilizing Women to Participate in Disaster Risk Management Recommendations

Recognizing that gender concerns involve both men and women, both men and women should therefore be actively engaged in the disaster risk management process.

PUBLIC AWARENESS / ADVOCACY • Accessing national draft policy on disaster management to identify if it is gender-sensitive and responsive; and recommending a national workshop with other stakeholders (religious organizations, government, NGOs, CBOs, women MPs, etc.) to discuss disaster management policies from a gender perspective. • Lobbying for national budget allocation for disaster risk management within constituency development fund, notably in the framework of the PRSP (Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper). • Integrating a gender perspective in the design and implementation of disaster management initiatives like tree planting, dyke construction, use of climate predictions and early warning systems, and establishing mechanisms to review such initiatives. • Establishing a mechanism to support elderly and handicapped persons. • Initiating literacy programmes to overcome societal challenges caused by illiteracy. • Proposal submitted to ongoing Bomas Constitutional Review talks for one third of women representation in local development committees should be supported and mainstreamed. • As informed individuals, recommending to policy makers to ensure access to resources, in particular land and property ownership, and take measures to empower women as producers and consumers to enhance their capacity to respond to disasters. • Both women and men be trained and sensitized on land rights and inheritance. • Women to be more assertive about the top management role they play in individual households and use their skills towards societal management of disaster issues.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT • In creating awareness, religious organizations and local groups should be used as for a to reach women. • Educating women on disaster risk management through mobile sensitization units and centres. • Information sharing with communities and leaders. • Developing educational materials with a gender perspective on disaster reduction. • Introducing disaster awareness and preparedness in school curricula. • Using mobile phones to disseminate early warning information for effective disaster risk management. • Be culturally informed and custodians of traditional knowledge to be brought on board and the knowledge be identified and documented: analyze all aspects of culture, select what is relevant and applicable and set aside what is retrogressive. Need for sensitization to certain negative cultural aspects and develop role models. • Use of media in advocacy to play a major role in highlighting the role of men and women working together for change in disaster risk management. Editors should be sensitized on the importance of disaster management, climatology, hydrology, etc., and the importance of disseminating information on early warning. • Utilizing local radio stations to discuss early and timely disaster management. • Disseminating information on disaster reduction in mother tongues or any languages understood by a community. • To get radio sets distributed to users in some priority areas as a pilot project. • Need for a FM gender radio station run by Soroptimist International Union of Kenya, which will deal concretely with gender concerns in disaster risk management.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT • Capacity building for women to cope when disaster strikes, empowering women through mobilization, and working towards set goals related to disaster risk management, coping skills.

COOPERATION / PARTNERSHIP • Forging partnerships and networks between governments, international organizations, private sectors and NGOs in integrated and gender-sensitive sustainable development to reduce risks, and with relevant organizations in civic education to get women into decision-making bodies. • Women to liaise with district disaster management committees and incorporating existing Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) as focal points to train women. • Networking all Soroptimist International members in Africa and elsewhere, ICPAC (IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre) and UN/ISDR Africa to address all issues pertaining to mainstreaming gender concerns in disaster reduction.

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NGOs, government organizations and differently, and what kind of roles roles that women can play in disaster disaster-prone areas. women have played in disaster risk reduction; management; • Consensus on areas of priorities in The event paved the way for enhanced • understand women’s needs in their mainstreaming gender concerns in collaboration and networking between active participation in disaster risk disaster reduction. the SI Union of Kenya and UN/ISDR management at community level; and Africa. It also marked the launching of a • identify areas of priorities to The workshop ended with some series of gender-oriented events that UN/ mainstream gender concerns in disaster recommendations made by the ISDR Africa planned to carry out in reduction. participants (please see Box for full text cooperation with partners like UN- of recommendations). They said the Habitat, UNIFEM, AU/NEPAD and Output and recommendations forum provided by the workshop had to Soroptimist International clubs all over be extended to grassroots levels. This, Africa. • Better knowledge of hazards, risks and they said, would help to build women’s vulnerability; capacity in disaster reduction as an Workshop’s objectives • Better understanding of disaster risk integral part of sustainable development. The objectives of the workshop were to: management process; • increase women’s understanding of • Good grasp of basic elements of disaster risk management; effective early warning systems; • provide a forum for women to discuss • Better understanding of disaster impact how disasters affect women and men on men and women and the potential

The story of Budalangi and its annual floods invariably make newspaper headlines every year, in April and August, in Kenya. Two residents of Budalangi recount the story…from a gender perspective.

KENYA: Women’s, girls’ plight during Budalangi twice-a-year floods Pamella A. Wakho & Hellen Okello Budalangi residents

Budalangi Division is one of the six divisions of Busia District in western Kenya. Flooods are common in the division around the months of April and August.

Rainwater from some areas in Kitale (northwestern Kenya), which is carried down in River Nzoia, causes the floods in Budalangi.

The flood strikes mostly at night or at dawn. The waters travel at a very high speed and cause huge loss of family property. The floods strike mostly when men are away from home fishing in the inland waters of Lake Victoria (western Kenya). Women and children are the most affected, and are charged with the responsibility of rescuing family property.

Women and children start transporting things they consider important, like utensils, pots, chicken, etc. to safer grounds. Livestock like cows, goats, sheep are likely to be washed away by the rapidly flowing waters.

Upon reaching safer grounds, women are forced to build temporary structures to keep their property and children safe. Mostly, these shelters are made of grass and sticks before the government and other humanitarian organizations provide tarpaulins. People settle in camps at higher grounds until their lands dry up.

The farmland is submerged in water. The staple food which is cassava goes to waste since it is spoilt with too much water in the land. The waters start smelling because of the death of animals and other creatures in the bushes. This causes diseases like diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia.

Women and girls affected in these camps are with the following problems: insufficient foodstuff, early marriages, high school drop-out rate, high pregnancy rate, high rate of STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) and HIV/AIDS infection, rape case, domestic violence (wife beating), divorce.

Focusing on the problems encountered when there are floods in Budalangi, it is important that the community, and especially the women, be trained in early warning and disaster management at grassroots level, so that the community will have strength and skills to manage the floods.

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REMOTE SENSING: African association’s bi- annual confenrence slated for October 2004

Introduction (ITC), United Nations Economic hyperspectral; high to low resolution The African Association of Remote Commission for Africa (UNECA), Maps data) in resources assessment, Sensing of the Environment (AARSE) Geo-systems Ltd among others. The management and monitoring. It will also was founded in 1992 and was registered venue of the conference will be at UNEP explore the challenges and options for as a Regional Member of the International Headquarters, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya. bridging the information technology gap Society for Photogrammetry and Remote that currently exists on the continent. Sensing (ISPRS) in 1994. The primary The theme of the conference objective of the association is to increase The theme of the 5th AARSE Conference The thrust of the conference the awareness of African governments is “Geoinformation Sciences in Support will be on and their institutions, the private sector of Africa’s Development”. Information The current development status of Geo- and the society at large, about the technology and knowledge are the main information technologies (Remote Sensing, empowering and enhancing benefits of engines of development for the 21st GIS, GPS and ICT). The application of developing, applying and utilizing century. The New Partnership for Africa’s geoinformation technologies in the responsibly, the products and services of development (NEPAD) initiative aims at assessing and management of: Geoinformation Technology. creating a common vision and strategic Agriculture and forestry, soil, geology, framework within which all-existing water resources, biodiversity, rural and To achieve its objective, AARSE African development initiatives (both urban, coastal and marine resources, conducts bi-annual international national and regional) can be pursued in disasters, climate change and variability, conferences across Africa a part from an integrated and coordinated fashion. environmental Database development and other awareness and capacity building management, GIS and predictive modeling, activities. To-date, AARSE, with the Furthermore, it lays out a set of goals and development of geo-spatial data support of local and international objectives to be accomplished by the infrastructure, education and training in organizations, has successfully organized year 2015 that includes the eradication of geo-information sciences and earth four of such conferences in Harare poverty, putting Africa on sustainable observation, national, regional and (Zimbabwe) in 1996, Abidjan (Cote growth and development path and to international polices on space technology D’Ivoire) in 1998, Cape Town (South harness the benefits of information development and application, space Africa) in 2000 and Abuja (Nigeria) in technology and globalization for the technology and gender. 2002. The respective themes of these continent. For NEPAD to achieve its set conferences were as follows: objectives there is an urgent need to Who should attend the The Application of remotely Sensed Data bridge the current information technology gap that exists in Africa. In particular, the conference? and Geographic Information Systems The AARSE conference is a premier forum (GIS) in Environmental Resources development and application of geo- information technology in Africa is crucial in Africa which brings together scientists, Assessment in Africa; Lessons of practitioners, educators, developers and Experience and the Way Forward for for its sustainable development and future prosperity. vendors and policy and decision makers Integrated Development and Application to discuss advancements (Latest of Remote Sensing and GIS for The technology is vital for optimizing the developments), applications, capacity Sustainable Development in Africa; productive use of a country’s human and building and promotion of geo- Information for Sustainable development; natural resources, communicating the information technologies in sustainable and Geo-information for Sustainable country’s comparative investment by development of Africa. It is a forum in Development in Africa. reducing investor risk and lowering costs, which participants learn and exchange The 5th AARSE Conference will be held in improving governance, empowering of ideas on the latest advancements in the Nairobi in October 18 – 21, 2004 and will local communities to directly participate technologies and their applications in be jointly hosted by the Regional Centre in development and creating business different fields. Strategies for promotion for Mapping of Resources for opportunities in the provision, analysis and use of the technologies in Africa are development (RCMRD), Ministries of and presentation of information. also discussed. Environment, Natural Resources and The main goal of this conference is to For more information, please contact: Wildlife and of Lands and Settlement in AARSE 2004 Secretariat promote the use of geo-information and C/o Dr W.K. Ottichilo Kenya, EIS-Africa and UNEP and ICT technologies in sustainable RCMRD UNESCO Offices, Nairobi. P.O. BOX 18118, 0500 development and management of Africa NAIROBI and its environment. Tel: 254-020-860653, 803320/2/9 It is also supported by United Nations of Fax: 254-020-802767 OR 861673 Office for Outer Space Affairs The conference will put strong emphasis E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected] (UNOOSA), International Institute for on the applications of various remotely For Updates Please Check at: www.rcmrd.org and Geo-information and Earth Observation sensed data (e.g., optical, microwave, www.itc.nl

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Experts agree on “Common Alerting Protocol”

Ms. Christian Sikandra concerns about compatibility and CAP is also compatible with alerting operational complexity that have been systems designed for multilingual and A new standard for public warning has stifling development. special-needs populations. By reducing been approved. It provides a common the barriers of technical incompatibility, way to express alert messages for all CAP is a breakthrough standard that CAP creates the foundation for a manners of emergency situations: a opens the door to new alerting systems technology-independent national and “universal adaptor” for alert and technical innovation. For example, international “warning internet”. messages. location-aware receiving devices can use the standardized geo-spatial information A further benefit of CAP for emergency Experts have agreed on a standard for in a CAP alert message to determine managers is that standardized warnings hazard warnings across all manners of whether that particular message is from various sources can be compiled in communications channels. The Common relevant based on the current location of tabular or graphical form as an aid to Alerting Protocol (CAP) standard the device. situational awareness and pattern addresses the long-standing need to detection. When CAP is applied coordinate the wide variety of Alert sender can activate extensively, managers will be able to mechanisms used for warnings and alerts. multiple warning systems monitor at any one time the whole picture The CAP inter-operability standard was A key benefit of CAP for sending alert of local, regional, and national warnings agreed upon in the Emergency messages is that the sender can activate of all types. Management Technical Committee of the multiple warning systems with a single CAP alert messages can also be used at international Organization for the input. Using a single input reduces the sensor systems as a format for direct Advancement of Structured Information cost and complexity of notifying many reporting of relevant events to centres for Standards (OASIS). warning systems. A single input message collection and analysis. also provides consistency in the A breakthrough standard information delivered over multiple CAP format systems. People receive exact towards new alerting systems Effective warning systems need to reach corroboration of the warning through With adequate warning, people can act to everyone who is at risk, wherever they multiple channels. reduce the damage and loss of life caused are and whenever the event occurs. Yet, by natural and man-made hazard events. This is very important for research has one must not alarm people unnecessarily. The key is to get timely and appropriate found that people do not typically act on Systems must be easy to use, reliable and alerts to everyone who needs them and to the first warning signal but begin looking secure. An effective warning message only those who need them. Yet, for confirmation. Only when convinced delivered by such a system must be appropriate and complete alerting is a that the warning is not a false alarm, do accurate, specific, and action-oriented. complex challenge. A great variety of they act on it. And warning messages must be warning systems exists: many are understandable in terms of language and specific to certain types of disaster such CAP is designed to be compatible with all special needs, with attention to the prior as earthquakes or typhoons, or to certain kinds of information systems and public knowledge and experience of the channels for delivering the warning such alerting systems, including broadcast receivers. as sirens or television announcements. radio and television as well as public and The diversity of the systems, which were private data networks. It is also critical that times, places and developed independently, is now a instructions are easily understood. The Rather than being defined for one challenge to effective coordination. CAP CAP format is designed to contain a particular communications technology, provides a means of addressing this broad range of information about the alert CAP is essentially a “content standard”: problem. message, the specific hazard event and a digital message format that can be appropriate responses. CAP serves as a universal adaptor for applied to all types of alerts and alert messages. CAP defines one message notifications. In this way, CAP is Each CAP message includes information format with the essential features to compatible with emerging technologies that describes the message itself. handle existing and emerging alert such as Internet Web services, and with Messages have unique identification systems and sensor technologies. This existing formats such as the US National numbers and may reference other related standard format can replace a whole Emergency Alert System and the Specific CAP messages. Identifying information range of single-purpose interfaces among Area Message Encoding (SAME) used about the message also includes the warning sources and dissemination for NOAA (National Oceanic and status and time sent, allowing messages channels. From the perspective of Atmospheric Administration) Weather to serve as updates and cancellations of warnings technology, CAP addresses the Radio in the US. previous messages.

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In addition, messages are identified by the potential for a major explosion. The CAP has been endorsed by the US source, and are compatible with digital incident commander needs to specify National Emergency Management encryption and signature techniques that several components: evacuation of the Association’s Preparedness Committee, ensure the reliability and security of the area within half a mile of the fire, shelter- the Partnership for Public Warning, the message. in-place instruction for the dispersion ComCARE Alliance, the Emergency plume, and a request for media and Interoperability Consortium and the The information about an event in a CAP aircraft to remain above 2,500 feet in the Capital Wireless Integrated Network message may be contained in multiple vicinity of the fire. Using CAP, the (CapWIN). Applications using CAP have informational segments. Each incident commander can send one been deployed in multi-vendor events informational segment includes a message including the appropriate and field trials in Washington, D.C., description of the event in terms of its message elements for each area. The Virginia, Florida, Nevada and California. urgency, severity, and certainty. CAP has incident commander supplies the separate descriptions for each of these geographic descriptions, expressed using Implementors of CAP already include the three characteristics. “Urgency” latitude, longitude and altitude, by US Department of Homeland Security, the describes how much time is available to outlining a polygon on a displayed map US National Weather Service, California prepare; “severity” describes the as he enters the CAP message. Office of Emergency Services, Virginia intensity of the impact; and “certainty” is Department of Transportation, Capital a measure of confidence in the CAP development, Wireless Integrated Network (CapWIN), observation or prediction being made. GeoDecisions Inc., E Team, Blue292, implementation Warning Systems Inc., Comlabs Inc., The event may be assigned to a category The information provided in CAP format mobileFoundations, Ship Analytics, (e.g., geophysical, meteorological, safety, reflects best practices for effective MyStateUSA, Integrated Environmental security, rescue, fire, health, warnings identified through academic Management Inc., Hormann America Inc., environmental, transport, infrastructure) review and real-world experiences. In 2001 Oregon RAINS and NDS Ltd, among and is also described in text. CAP also and 2002, Art Botterell led the initial others. supports the inclusion of associated design of CAP through an international digital images and audio. The inclusion of working group of more than 120 audio messages, for example, allows References: emergency managers and emergency • Common Alerting Protocol Version 1.0. warnings to be broadcast directly on information technologists. The Edited by Art Botterell (Partnership for radio without requiring an announcer to Partnership for Public Warning, a US Public Warning). Committee Specification. read the message text aloud. Multiple public-private partnership of agencies, From the OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information informational segments allow the vendors and academic experts, then Standards) Emergency Management message to be transmitted in multiple sponsored CAP to the OASIS Technical Committee. 10-February-2004. languages or to multiple audiences. (Organization for the Advancement of Document available on the Internet at: http:/ Structured Information Standards) /www.oasis-open.org/committees/emergency/ Because each segment is associated with Emergency Management Technical . 32 pages a geographic description, the multiple • See also the accompanying CAP v1.0 XML Committee. Working with Art Botterell, segments may also be used to convey Schema. other technical experts refined and tested information about bands of intensity. For CAP throughout 2003 and approved CAP example, an industrial fire might develop version 1.0 standard in 2004.

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