Challenges & Risks
DISASTER MANAGEMENT, RISK MONITORING AND EARLY WARNING
In 2009, the UN System supported the Committee of Emergency Situations to launch a local appeal for Humanitarian Assistance to communities affected by the Vanj Earthquake, effectively placing Government in the drivers seat. Within eighteen hours, tents, stoves and other relief items had been released from the UN Emergency Reserve (UNERT, operated by UNDP) and transported to displaced families, while WFP responded with food supplies.
The RC’s Office and OCHA secured cash grant assistance and approval from the Norwegian and Polish Governments for additional relief items that were airlifted from the UN reserve in Brandisi, Italy aboard UNHAS aircraft, offloaded by the French military and transported by COES and REACT teams to the disaster area.
Assessments teams led by UN, Government and NGO agencies were deployed in record time to prepare a longer term recovery plan ($8 million), including earthquake resistant housing, fuel efficient stoves/heaters, etc. The UN is now assisting Government to obtain plans for low-cost, winterized and earthquake proof housing.
Finalization of the Disaster Risk Management Strategy and National Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan, originally scheduled for mid-2009, is now expected to be completed 1st quarter of 2010. UNDP/DRMP has already made headway in integrating DRM into District Development Plans in pilot locations, and DRM has been mainstreamed in all UN agency programmes under the UNDAF.
In close collaboration with UNDP, ISDR laid the groundwork for a Disaster Management Platform, outlining the institutional arrangements for disaster management planning and detailing specific functions of ministries and departments as well as lines of command, control and communication.
Pursuant to the Central Asian Regional Risk Assessment (CARRA), UNDP established an Early Warning and Risk Monitoring (EWRM) system with a team of several national experts which now have over twenty Government, UN, and IFI information sources. The EWRM now produces monthly reports including key indicators of main risks/threats facing the country and allowing users to access all in one consolidated document. Ad hoc reports are also prepared by the unit. The EWRM was shifted to the RC office to function as an inter-agency programme. The President’s Office has delegated authority to Ministry of Economic Development and Trade to coordinate the system and make it an integral part of Government. Very successful results here with scope for further refinement on the technical and procedural side.
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