Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
May 01, 2013 News
Disaster response consultation…
There are various agencies in Guyana responsible for and consequently equipped to determine factors such as heavy rainfall or extreme high tides that could have disastrous outcomes, but their efforts are not coordinated.
The National Early Warning System (EWS) policy would enable the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to analyze data received from these agencies and issue warnings. However, the policy does not stop the various agencies from issuing their own warnings.
The importance of the EWS in a coordinated approach was emphasized yesterday by CDC’s Director General, Colonel (Retired) Chabilall Ramsarup. The EWS is one of eight documents that will outline the country’s ability to respond to disasters and reduce risks in a coordinated effort – something that is currently not being done.
Some of the hazards that Guyana is exposed to include flooding by excessive rainfall, overtopping of sea and river defences, intense storms and winds, wild fires and diseases such as gastroenteritis.
The CDC is working to finalize its policy outlining national and local capacities to respond to and reduce risk of these and other specific disasters. Concluding its consultations on the EWS in Guyana to have the final version presented to Cabinet soon, the Commission held a public consultation at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Club at Carifesta Avenue.
Ramsarup during his delivery referred to several disasters in Guyana, including the memorable 2005 floods that saw a significant portion of the East Demerara being affected; and the 2010 flooding of several Region 10 communities.
He also commented on the recent overtopping of the Georgetown seawall that resulted in sandbags being placed on the Rupert Craig Highway to prevent water from the Atlantic Ocean inundating Subryanville and other adjacent areas. Several communities on the East Coast Demerara, Essequibo Coast and Berbice, were flooded.
Incidentally, CDC had sent out invitations for this consultation days before the overtopping.
Using the Region 10 flood as an example, the Director General pointed out how uncoordinated approaches could result in disasters. He recalled that the Hydrometeorological Office and Public Works Ministry had separately announced heavy rainfall in hinterland areas and high tide, respectively, but because they did not synchronize information, some communities including Coomacka and Three Friends along the Demerara River and Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary were not alerted.
According to Ramsarup, one of the vital components of disaster management is early information, which allows individuals exposed to take necessary precautions to reduce risks and vulnerability. Response to the first hour of any disaster could determine the effects of the impact of the disaster that has struck.
Major Kester Craig, Senior Official of CDC who delivered a presentation on the EWS, reinforced the need for data to be coordinated, and emphasized the need for the early dissemination of information for the public to act accordingly.
He said that the EWS is important, because it will allow a formal policy outlining roles and responsibilities, particularly with agencies and at the technical levels. It will include the dissemination of information in interior locations.
Technology such as telecommunication and social networks could be a useful tool in informing residents of the disaster that lurks ahead. Early information would help to protect the economy, environment and social impacts.
Like Ramsarup, Craig emphasized that the uncoordinated approach of the relevant agencies needs to be rectified. He zeroed in on community perception of warnings being issued and the timeliness of information being fed to residents.
Craig enlightened that the EWS’s early warning preparedness response main components are: monitoring and warning, dissemination and communication, preparedness and response. He said that the CDC is working with the Inter-American Development Bank to develop a public awareness campaign to get the message over and receive information.
Some of the agencies that had representations at the consultation included the Guyana Fire Service, Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, Red Cross, Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and several media houses.
Though, attendees have until the end of the week to submit their comments to the CDC, several pertinent recommendations and issues were raised such as the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge; training community leaders to be first responders; and CDC’s plan should be included in the Ministry’s projects, especially infrastructural development.
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