This blog is no longer being updated since the close of the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project in November 2012.
To keep up-to-date with the Division of Risk and Disaster Management Seychelles, visit us online:
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Saturday, December 1, 2012
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Developing a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Education Sector – 1st National Workshop.
Last week was a very busy time with the Health Sector workshop on the 9th (see post below) and then the Education Sector workshop on the 11th. The two projects are at comparable stages of implementation and this second workshop was to enable stakeholders to review, refine and finalise the sectoral assessment undertaken by National Consultant Dr. Marie-Therese Purvis.
The workshop was well attended by head teachers and officials from the Department of Education and key responder agencies such as the Police and Fire and Rescue Service. The meeting engendered considerable discussion and productive exchange of views with the assessment being widely endorsed.
The meeting then had the opportunity to help design the format and identify the content for Emergency/Disaster Standard Operational Procedure Manuals which will form part of the final outputs of the Project along with the Sectoral Contingency Plan.
The Nation newspaper printed the below article on the workshop in its 15th March edition. Simply click on the photo below to enlarge and read the article.
The workshop was well attended by head teachers and officials from the Department of Education and key responder agencies such as the Police and Fire and Rescue Service. The meeting engendered considerable discussion and productive exchange of views with the assessment being widely endorsed.
The meeting then had the opportunity to help design the format and identify the content for Emergency/Disaster Standard Operational Procedure Manuals which will form part of the final outputs of the Project along with the Sectoral Contingency Plan.
The Nation newspaper printed the below article on the workshop in its 15th March edition. Simply click on the photo below to enlarge and read the article.
Monday, March 14, 2011
1st National Stakeholder Workshop to Develop a Health Sector Disaster Contingency Plan.
The 1st health sector stakeholder workshop was held at the Red Cross Society Seychelles (RCSS) HQ Providence on the 9th March. The International Consultant Dr Matamba had been in Seychelles for the previous 3 ½ weeks undertaking an assessment of the health sector facilities and capacity on the three main populated islands, ably assisted by the RCSS who have been employed as Local Consultant on the project. The workshop was to review, refine and approve the assessment findings and recommendations. The assessment will provide the basis to elaborate the sectoral disaster contingency plan.
The Nation newspaper reported on the meeting and its article (from the Nation of Saturday 12th March) can be read by clicking on the image below:
The Nation newspaper reported on the meeting and its article (from the Nation of Saturday 12th March) can be read by clicking on the image below:
Monday, March 7, 2011
Praslin and La Digue Research Trip for Education Sector Consultancy
Under the “Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response” project the Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management have contracted Dr. Marie-Therese Purvis to develop Seychelles’ “Disaster Contingency Plan for the Education Sector”.
Amongst a series of activities to be undertaken for this consultancy, is a research on our three main islands; Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. This research comprises of a questionnaire formulated to assess the opinions and knowledge of teachers and disaster managers on the potential hazards and school preparedness in the event of a disaster. After the questionnaire, a tour around the school grounds is carried out to inspect strengths and weaknesses pertaining to the disaster cycle;
o Preparedness
o Prevention
o Response
o Recovery
On the 27th and 28th of January, I had the privilege of accompanying Dr. Purvis on her trip to both Praslin and La Digue respectively.
During those two days, the following schools were visited:
1. Anse Kerlan Primary School
2. Grand Anse Primary School and Crèche
3. Vijay International School
4. Baie St. Anne Primary School
5. Grand Anse Secondary School
6. La Digue School (Primary and Secondary)
In every school visited on both Praslin and La Digue, one thing was particularly evident; everyone we spoke to seemed enthusiastic and willing to do what it takes to ameliorate disaster risk reduction in their schools.
The following is a list of prominent flaws/ weaknesses identified in most schools visited:
- Lack of awareness/ knowledge amongst educators and staff regarding disaster risk reduction
- Lack of funds to purchase necessary safety equipment and/ or maintenance of equipment
- Adequate preparedness but for only one type of disaster (usually Fire)
Although all schools have their strengths and weaknesses, it is worthy to commend the schools that have made strong and proper attempts recognizing the importance of disaster preparedness. Exemplary practices being implemented are:
- Assigned disaster manager
- Strategically placed smoke detectors and smoke alarms situated at key areas (e.g. Kitchen and laboratories) in the school
- Evacuation plans
- Fire blankets
- Maintained Fire hose reels and fire extinguishers
- Fire exit signs
- Designated fire assembly points
- Fire practice drills biannually
Up until now, Seychelles does not have a standard in terms of disaster preparedness in schools and because of this; schools have had to rely on accumulated experiences in order to set their own safety standards.
The first of two workshops will be held on the 11th of March 2011, where the results of this research and quantitative data collected will be discussed and analysed by stakeholders. The objective of this workshop is to present, discuss and finalise an education sector disaster preparedness assessment as the first stage in the development of the sector contingency plan (Contributed by Ms D. Sabino, Project Officer).
Amongst a series of activities to be undertaken for this consultancy, is a research on our three main islands; Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. This research comprises of a questionnaire formulated to assess the opinions and knowledge of teachers and disaster managers on the potential hazards and school preparedness in the event of a disaster. After the questionnaire, a tour around the school grounds is carried out to inspect strengths and weaknesses pertaining to the disaster cycle;
o Preparedness
o Prevention
o Response
o Recovery
On the 27th and 28th of January, I had the privilege of accompanying Dr. Purvis on her trip to both Praslin and La Digue respectively.
During those two days, the following schools were visited:
1. Anse Kerlan Primary School
2. Grand Anse Primary School and Crèche
3. Vijay International School
4. Baie St. Anne Primary School
5. Grand Anse Secondary School
6. La Digue School (Primary and Secondary)
In every school visited on both Praslin and La Digue, one thing was particularly evident; everyone we spoke to seemed enthusiastic and willing to do what it takes to ameliorate disaster risk reduction in their schools.
The following is a list of prominent flaws/ weaknesses identified in most schools visited:
- Lack of awareness/ knowledge amongst educators and staff regarding disaster risk reduction
- Lack of funds to purchase necessary safety equipment and/ or maintenance of equipment
- Adequate preparedness but for only one type of disaster (usually Fire)
Although all schools have their strengths and weaknesses, it is worthy to commend the schools that have made strong and proper attempts recognizing the importance of disaster preparedness. Exemplary practices being implemented are:
- Assigned disaster manager
- Strategically placed smoke detectors and smoke alarms situated at key areas (e.g. Kitchen and laboratories) in the school
- Evacuation plans
- Fire blankets
- Maintained Fire hose reels and fire extinguishers
- Fire exit signs
- Designated fire assembly points
- Fire practice drills biannually
Up until now, Seychelles does not have a standard in terms of disaster preparedness in schools and because of this; schools have had to rely on accumulated experiences in order to set their own safety standards.
The first of two workshops will be held on the 11th of March 2011, where the results of this research and quantitative data collected will be discussed and analysed by stakeholders. The objective of this workshop is to present, discuss and finalise an education sector disaster preparedness assessment as the first stage in the development of the sector contingency plan (Contributed by Ms D. Sabino, Project Officer).
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Key rescue agencies get disaster response equipment
The below article was was printed in the Nation Newspaper of Monday 21st of February. It can also be read with photo at the following site: http://www.nation.sc
Three first responders during an emergency received disaster response equipment recently from the Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM).
The Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Seychelles Police and Coast Guard got their equipment during a ceremony at the Department of Environment’s headquarters in the National Botanical Gardens.
The Education Department also received equipment to help it better carry out its emergency response protocols.
Present were the environment principal secretary Didier Dogley and Alain Decomarmond, Director General of Policy, Planning and Risk Management. Paul Labaleine, Director General of Operations, Education and Communication for the DRDM, was also there.
The Fire and Rescue Services Agency received a wide range of equipment including: two portable generators and cables, two water pumps and a chemical protective suit. The agency also received a chainsaw for cutting steel and concrete, loudspeakers and various lighting sets, including spotlights, so work at emergency sites can continue at night.
The police received protective equipment including chemical splash goggles, gas masks and 100 sets of disposable protective clothing. They also got megaphones, spotlights, torches and two sets of night vision goggles.
The coast guard received six iridium satellite phones and four CAPSAT messengers with recharging solar arrays.
The Department of Education received 36 hand-operated sirens and 36 megaphones.
The equipment was all set out for guests to view and inspect, and they could ask questions about its various applications.
Key first responders also got the chance to take part in a workshop where they presented their core needs and equipment shortfalls. All the partners discussed these and identified the core cross-cutting needs to be used to develop a prioritised procurement plan for the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project.
Three first responders during an emergency received disaster response equipment recently from the Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM).
The Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Seychelles Police and Coast Guard got their equipment during a ceremony at the Department of Environment’s headquarters in the National Botanical Gardens.
The Education Department also received equipment to help it better carry out its emergency response protocols.
Present were the environment principal secretary Didier Dogley and Alain Decomarmond, Director General of Policy, Planning and Risk Management. Paul Labaleine, Director General of Operations, Education and Communication for the DRDM, was also there.
The Fire and Rescue Services Agency received a wide range of equipment including: two portable generators and cables, two water pumps and a chemical protective suit. The agency also received a chainsaw for cutting steel and concrete, loudspeakers and various lighting sets, including spotlights, so work at emergency sites can continue at night.
The police received protective equipment including chemical splash goggles, gas masks and 100 sets of disposable protective clothing. They also got megaphones, spotlights, torches and two sets of night vision goggles.
The coast guard received six iridium satellite phones and four CAPSAT messengers with recharging solar arrays.
The Department of Education received 36 hand-operated sirens and 36 megaphones.
The equipment was all set out for guests to view and inspect, and they could ask questions about its various applications.
Key first responders also got the chance to take part in a workshop where they presented their core needs and equipment shortfalls. All the partners discussed these and identified the core cross-cutting needs to be used to develop a prioritised procurement plan for the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
DRDM seeks to identify national risk and disaster management equipment needs.
DRDM held a meeting of key first responder agencies on the 15th of February at the new offices of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Police Force, Coastguard, Fire Brigade, the Environmental Engineering and Water Section (EEWS) and of course DRDM itself.
The meeting had three main objectives:
• To identify the core cross-cutting needs of Key 1st responder agencies.
• Identify priority listing within project context and budget.
• Identify national priority listing for DRR equipment purchase.
After a brief introduction to the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project (NDPRP) and the objectives of the meeting in that context, each agency gave a brief presentation on their priority equipment needs followed by an opportunity for those present to enquire as to the nature and specifics of the desired items.
Meeting attendees then discussed and sought to identify the core cross-cutting equipment needs this is particularly important as it offers the best return for funds invested in the context of the NDPRP. Once certain items were identified it was important to ascertain whether one model of the equipment type met the needs of the different agencies because the potential, buying in bulk and the standardising of equipment offers, in terms of lowering unit cost and enhancing equipment utility and maintenance respectively is significant.
Interestingly some of the most pressing cross-cutting needs identified pertained to quite basic equipment such as head torches, protective helmets and chemical protection suits giving insight to future budget planning priorities. Other items in high demand include the so-called “rugged” laptops designed for use in harsh environments and mobile/field scenarios and night vision goggles.
Importantly agencies still very much have in mind the “Plan B” approach which is essential in disaster or rough field scenarios. There is a natural temptation in this digital and gadget-filled world to seek out the latest technical solution to DRR issues. In a disaster scenario however one has to assume that normal utility provision and technical support may not be available. In this situation low-tech capacity and solutions are required and interestingly one of the most sought after items of kit was water proof note books. Participants also expressed interest in the acquisition of a number of standard field packs that would provide the necessary wherewithal for personnel to work in the field. The climate and/or terrain in Seychelles can be very physically testing – when responding to disasters such as forest fires or landslides. All agencies agreed a standard kit with items such as a machete, hatchet, length of rope, first aid kit, “camel pack”, hard rations, handheld GPS etc... would be very useful. With consultation the contents of these packs could be developed to suit the main terrestrial field activities and be stored and maintained in a central location for multi-service access and use as required.
The findings of the stakeholder workshop will now be utilised to develop an equipment procurement plan for the NDPRP for submission to the World Bank for approval, whilst the broader national priority equipment listing will assist in future planning and liaison with donors and partners.
The meeting had three main objectives:
• To identify the core cross-cutting needs of Key 1st responder agencies.
• Identify priority listing within project context and budget.
• Identify national priority listing for DRR equipment purchase.
After a brief introduction to the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project (NDPRP) and the objectives of the meeting in that context, each agency gave a brief presentation on their priority equipment needs followed by an opportunity for those present to enquire as to the nature and specifics of the desired items.
Meeting attendees then discussed and sought to identify the core cross-cutting equipment needs this is particularly important as it offers the best return for funds invested in the context of the NDPRP. Once certain items were identified it was important to ascertain whether one model of the equipment type met the needs of the different agencies because the potential, buying in bulk and the standardising of equipment offers, in terms of lowering unit cost and enhancing equipment utility and maintenance respectively is significant.
Interestingly some of the most pressing cross-cutting needs identified pertained to quite basic equipment such as head torches, protective helmets and chemical protection suits giving insight to future budget planning priorities. Other items in high demand include the so-called “rugged” laptops designed for use in harsh environments and mobile/field scenarios and night vision goggles.
Importantly agencies still very much have in mind the “Plan B” approach which is essential in disaster or rough field scenarios. There is a natural temptation in this digital and gadget-filled world to seek out the latest technical solution to DRR issues. In a disaster scenario however one has to assume that normal utility provision and technical support may not be available. In this situation low-tech capacity and solutions are required and interestingly one of the most sought after items of kit was water proof note books. Participants also expressed interest in the acquisition of a number of standard field packs that would provide the necessary wherewithal for personnel to work in the field. The climate and/or terrain in Seychelles can be very physically testing – when responding to disasters such as forest fires or landslides. All agencies agreed a standard kit with items such as a machete, hatchet, length of rope, first aid kit, “camel pack”, hard rations, handheld GPS etc... would be very useful. With consultation the contents of these packs could be developed to suit the main terrestrial field activities and be stored and maintained in a central location for multi-service access and use as required.
The findings of the stakeholder workshop will now be utilised to develop an equipment procurement plan for the NDPRP for submission to the World Bank for approval, whilst the broader national priority equipment listing will assist in future planning and liaison with donors and partners.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Local Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Local Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management in the Department of Environment are seeking applications to fulfil the role of Local Consultant and undertake the following works in partnership with and support of an International Consultant:
• Undertake a risk and disaster preparedness assessment of the Seychelles Industrial Sector at systemic and industrial estate level.
• Develop, through stakeholder consultation, a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Industrial Sector.
Skills/Experience/Qualifications.
Applicants should have:
• A University degree in Industrial management, environmental management, engineering, Strategic Planning or related field.
• At least 5 years experience working in the Seychelles Industrial sector.
• Experience in strategic planning and workshop facilitation,
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
Suite 3, Block B,
Global Village Building,
Mont Fleuri, Seychelles.
Telephone: 670470 Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: 28th February 2011
Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Consultancy to Develop an Industrial Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management in the Department of Environment are seeking applications to fulfil the role of International Consultant and undertake the following works in partnership with and supported by a Local Consultant:
• Undertake a risk and disaster preparedness assessment of the Seychelles Industrial Sector at systemic and industrial estate level.
• Develop, through stakeholder consultation, a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Industrial Sector.
Skills/Experience/Qualifications.
Applicants should have:
• Higher degree in Industrial management, environmental management, engineering or other pertinent field.
• At least 10 years experience in Industrial governance preferably with an international or regional agency.
• Experience in industrial strategic planning.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
Suite 3, Block B,
Global Village Building,
Mont Fleuri, Seychelles.
Telephone: 670400 Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: 28th February 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New National Disaster Management Policy Approved
The National Assembly recently discussed and approved the Seychelles National Disaster Management Policy: Building the Resilience of Country and Communities to Disaster. The policy following approval by the Cabinet of Ministers was presented to the National Assembly by Minister Morgan on the 23rd of November 2010.
Increasing development and the trends of global climate change coupled with the constraints and vulnerabilities inherent in being an isolated small island archipelago dictate that the building of resilience to disaster at community, district and national level in Seychelles is an increasingly important component of the national pursuit of sustainable development.
The Government of Seychelles, with the assistance of the World Bank, has therefore developed this national policy to meet the national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) scenario in line with the United Nations framework as set out in the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).
The policy sets out a Mission and five primary objectives
Objectives
1). Provide a strong institutional basis for the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction at local and national levels.
2). Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning.
3). Develop a culture of safety and resilience at all levels through the targeted and effective dissemination of information.
4). Reduce underlying risk factors.
5). Enable effective response capacities by strengthening disaster preparedness at all levels.
This policy is intended to provide the parameters for the subsequent development of detailed action plans, procedures and protocols to address DRR needs in the various sectors and scenarios present in Seychelles. The Policy is to be reviewed as circumstances may require but regardless not less than every 5 years.
Increasing development and the trends of global climate change coupled with the constraints and vulnerabilities inherent in being an isolated small island archipelago dictate that the building of resilience to disaster at community, district and national level in Seychelles is an increasingly important component of the national pursuit of sustainable development.
The Government of Seychelles, with the assistance of the World Bank, has therefore developed this national policy to meet the national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) scenario in line with the United Nations framework as set out in the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).
The policy sets out a Mission and five primary objectives
Mission Statement
“To establish and continually review and improve capacities, mechanisms and procedures to enable the optimal reduction of disaster risk and vulnerability in the context of the people of Seychelles, their security, health and socio-economic well being”.
Objectives
1). Provide a strong institutional basis for the implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction at local and national levels.
2). Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning.
3). Develop a culture of safety and resilience at all levels through the targeted and effective dissemination of information.
4). Reduce underlying risk factors.
5). Enable effective response capacities by strengthening disaster preparedness at all levels.
This policy is intended to provide the parameters for the subsequent development of detailed action plans, procedures and protocols to address DRR needs in the various sectors and scenarios present in Seychelles. The Policy is to be reviewed as circumstances may require but regardless not less than every 5 years.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
DRDM Open Day - Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction
The Department of Environment held a public open day at the National Library on December 21st. The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management were present with an impressive and colourful display consisting of various educational materials, banners, policy documents, plans and equipment.
The display materials, developed by Mrs. Sharon Ernesta the Education and Sensitisation Officer, included:
The DRDM stand attracted a lot of attention in particular the various equipment that was out on display. This included:
The President of Seychelles, Mr James Michel – accompanied by the Minster of Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Mr Joel Morgan - stopped at the display and spent several minutes in discussion with DRDM staff and asking questions about the equipment and its practical applications. Ministers Adam and Sinon also took the time to speak to staff and inspect the stand.
The Public Education and Awareness materials are designed to be readily set out and packed up. They will serve DRDM well in the various public and educational events that it undertakes each year as part of its open-ended commitment to raise awareness and mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction in Seychelles.
The display materials, developed by Mrs. Sharon Ernesta the Education and Sensitisation Officer, included:
- new DRDM folders including information on the Divisions their mission statement and objectives for dissemination to the public,
- large calendars and bookmarks depicting the national colour code for warning alerts for free distribution,
- a poster setting out the national disaster chronology – a time line of the various disasters that have befallen Seychelles through its human history such as the great landslide of 1862 and the tidal waves of 1883, following the eruption of Krakatoa, and 2004 Asian earthquake disaster,
- various posters depicting subjects such as: the structure and role of the National Emergency Operations Centre, different disaster scenarios and potential mitigation measures etc...
“To establish and continually review and improve capacities, mechanisms and procedures to enable the optimal reduction of disaster risk and vulnerability in the context of the people of Seychelles, their security, health and socio-economic well being”.
“Dan Sesel : etablir, revwar dan en fason kontinyel e amelyor kapasite, mekanism ek prosedir pour redwir risk dezas e vilnerabilite dimoun, zot sekirite, lasante e osi byennet sosyal e ekonomik”.
The DRDM stand attracted a lot of attention in particular the various equipment that was out on display. This included:
- loudhailers, with various alarm signals for different disaster scenarios,
- an INMARSAT satellite phone,
- a Codan SSBHF radio – this portable radio can be powered by car or battery pack and send text messages, e-mails and faxes as well as voice radio communications over long distances thanks to its collapsible whip antenna,
- a functioning mass texting communication network operated through a notebook computer to mass text all first responders (i.e. key emergency response agencies), and
- an example of the hand wound sirens (purchased under the current IBRD/GFDRR project - Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project) for distribution to all schools as part of the national school emergency preparedness programme, was particularly popular.
The President of Seychelles, Mr James Michel – accompanied by the Minster of Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Mr Joel Morgan - stopped at the display and spent several minutes in discussion with DRDM staff and asking questions about the equipment and its practical applications. Ministers Adam and Sinon also took the time to speak to staff and inspect the stand.
The Public Education and Awareness materials are designed to be readily set out and packed up. They will serve DRDM well in the various public and educational events that it undertakes each year as part of its open-ended commitment to raise awareness and mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction in Seychelles.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Making Cities Resilient Campaign
The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management have been holding a series of stakeholder workshops over the last few weeks in order to address this International Campaign, launched by UNISDR, in the context of the Seychelles Capital, Victoria.
The Vision of the campaign is:
To Achieve Resilient Sustainable Urban Communities
This vision is to be realised through the attainment of the following three Objectives:
• Know more – raise the awareness of citizens and governments, at all levels, of the benefits of reducing urban risks.
• Invest wisely – identify budget allocations within local government funding plans to invest in disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities
• Build more safely – include DRR in participatory urban development planning and processes and protect critical infrastructure.
The DRDM workshops have received coverage in the national press – click on the photo below to enlarge and read the whole article:
For more information on the international campaign and to download the campaign kit simply follow the following link: http://www.unisdr.org/english/campaigns/campaign2010-2011/
Is Your City Getting Ready?
The Vision of the campaign is:
To Achieve Resilient Sustainable Urban Communities
This vision is to be realised through the attainment of the following three Objectives:
• Know more – raise the awareness of citizens and governments, at all levels, of the benefits of reducing urban risks.
• Invest wisely – identify budget allocations within local government funding plans to invest in disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities
• Build more safely – include DRR in participatory urban development planning and processes and protect critical infrastructure.
The DRDM workshops have received coverage in the national press – click on the photo below to enlarge and read the whole article:
Is Your City Getting Ready?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
DRDM on the move...
Following its incorporation into the Department of Environment in July the former department has been re-structured into the Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management with two Director General posts covering the portfolios of Policy Planning and Risk Management and Operations, Education and Communications respectively.
This restructuring reflects a refinement of the national approach to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and accompanies the development of a new Policy for National Disaster Management which sets all national objectives and activities into the globally recognised context of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). The proposed policy was presented to the National Disaster Committee in September and is now going through the standard Government approval procedures - as and when the Policy is finalised and endorsed will return to that subject on the project Blog.
DRDM has also, as of November, moved offices to the new “Global Village” complex at Mont Fleuri in the first of a two step transition. The change in location offers various benefits:
1) The primary one is strategic positioning for emergency response. The former offices in the town centre posed potential limitations as the frequent traffic congestion there could serve to greatly lengthen response times whilst adequate parking for DRDM vehicles was also a constant problem.
2) The new location also brings the Divisions much closer to their new administrative centre of the Department of Environment in the Botanical Gardens, whist being strategically placed at the centre of key roads to La Misere, Sans Soucis and of course the east coast highway.
The construction of a temporary Emergency Operations Centre is to start early 2011 in the Botanical Gardens at which time the Division of Operations, Education and Communications will move to that location to enable day-today DRR operations.
So a time of transition and evolution for DRR in Seychelles, check back periodically to see how the ongoing project contributes to this process...
This restructuring reflects a refinement of the national approach to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and accompanies the development of a new Policy for National Disaster Management which sets all national objectives and activities into the globally recognised context of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). The proposed policy was presented to the National Disaster Committee in September and is now going through the standard Government approval procedures - as and when the Policy is finalised and endorsed will return to that subject on the project Blog.
DRDM has also, as of November, moved offices to the new “Global Village” complex at Mont Fleuri in the first of a two step transition. The change in location offers various benefits:
1) The primary one is strategic positioning for emergency response. The former offices in the town centre posed potential limitations as the frequent traffic congestion there could serve to greatly lengthen response times whilst adequate parking for DRDM vehicles was also a constant problem.
2) The new location also brings the Divisions much closer to their new administrative centre of the Department of Environment in the Botanical Gardens, whist being strategically placed at the centre of key roads to La Misere, Sans Soucis and of course the east coast highway.
The construction of a temporary Emergency Operations Centre is to start early 2011 in the Botanical Gardens at which time the Division of Operations, Education and Communications will move to that location to enable day-today DRR operations.
So a time of transition and evolution for DRR in Seychelles, check back periodically to see how the ongoing project contributes to this process...
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Consultancy to develop a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Education Sector
Children are one of the sectors of society most vulnerable to disaster events. The education sector has therefore been identified as one of priority for the mainstreaming of Disaster Risk Reduction.
The objective of this work is the development of a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Education Sector that integrates Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at the systemic and institutional level.
The advert for this work is reproduced below:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Consultancy to Develop an Education Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management are seeking applications from consultant(s) to undertake the following works:
Skills/Experience/Qualifications. Candidates should have:
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
MS Complex,
Revolution Avenue,
P.O. Box 55
Victoria, Seychelles.
Telephone: 322979
Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: 29Th September 2010
The objective of this work is the development of a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Education Sector that integrates Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at the systemic and institutional level.
The advert for this work is reproduced below:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Consultancy to Develop an Education Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management are seeking applications from consultant(s) to undertake the following works:
- Undertake a disaster preparedness assessment for the Education sector at systemic and key institutional level.
- Prepare an Education Sector Disaster Contingency Plan that addresses the findings of the preparedness assessment.
- Develop emergency standard operational procedure manuals for the 3 categories of education facility (i.e. Creches, small schools and large schools).
Skills/Experience/Qualifications. Candidates should have:
- At least five years of management/administration experience in the Seychelles education sector.
- Good educational background e.g. a higher degree in field relevant to proposed works.
- Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
MS Complex,
Revolution Avenue,
P.O. Box 55
Victoria, Seychelles.
Telephone: 322979
Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: 29Th September 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Consultancy to Develop a Health Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The health sector is a key national service in the effective implementation of the disaster management cycle in any country. In Seychelles, however, it is even more essential that Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is effectively integrated into the health sector as the country’s isolation means there may be significant delay before substantive aid would be received from overseas in the case of a serious disaster event.
The objective of this work is the development of a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Health Sector that integrates DRR at the systemic and institutional level.
The advert for this work is reproduced below:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Consultancy to Develop a Health Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management are seeking applications to undertake the following consultancy:
Skills/Experience/Qualifications. Candidates should:
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
MS Complex,
Revolution Avenue,
P.O. Box 55
Victoria, Seychelles.
Telephone: 322979
Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: 29th September 2010.
The objective of this work is the development of a Disaster Contingency Plan for the Health Sector that integrates DRR at the systemic and institutional level.
The advert for this work is reproduced below:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Consultancy to Develop a Health Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management are seeking applications to undertake the following consultancy:
- Undertake a disaster preparedness assessment of the Seychelles Health sector at systemic and key institutional level.
- Prepare, through stakeholder consultation, a Health Sector Disaster Contingency Plan that addresses the findings of the preparedness assessment.
Skills/Experience/Qualifications. Candidates should:
- be an MD , with at least ten years working experience,
- have experience in disaster preparedness/response and management,
- have excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management
MS Complex,
Revolution Avenue,
P.O. Box 55
Victoria, Seychelles.
Telephone: 322979
Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: 29th September 2010.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
National Media Coverage
The Seychelles Nation newspaper this morning carries an article regarding the opportunity for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) that the ongoing devevelopment of the country's 3rd generation environmental management plan provides. The article seeks to raise awareness about the importance of integrating DRR into this strategic national document.
Simply click on the image below to enlarge and read the article submitted by the Project Management Unit.
Simply click on the image below to enlarge and read the article submitted by the Project Management Unit.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction
2010 seems to have seen a procession of global disasters of biblical proportions. The horror of the Haiti earthquake, mudslides in Brazil and Rwanda, flash floods in Madeira, the earthquake in Chile and now the terrible floods in Pakistan and to a lesser extent China, just to name a few. The fatalities and devastation stack up while the global 24 hour news media rush from one disaster scene to the next to fill our TV screens with the suffering of others.
What is apparent is that one event is soon subsumed and eclipsed by the next and after a few months all but the every largest events are forgotten by the world at large and certainly by the media. The assistance that devastated areas can expect to receive from other countries is also on the wane due to the global economic situation. Likewise international NGO aid organisations can expect to receive declining contributions from the public due to economics but also due to “disaster fatigue”.
The terrible famine in Ethiopia in 1984-85 shocked the developed world and resulted in a massive outpouring of aid from regular people – subsequent famines however did not gain the same amount of attention. How much public assistance has there been for the starving, displaced multitudes in the Sudan? The 2004 Tsunami again had enormous media and emotive impact with massive global response, the same was true of Haiti this year. Will this still be the case for Pakistan?
There are only so many disasters that an individual can take on board, inevitably people become inured to the shocking images and tragedy or succumb to the sense of futility of attempting to address such large and recurrent problems.
All of the events cited in the first paragraph above will require long term measures and efforts to enable communities to recover and even further investment to mitigate against repeat events... yet most are already out of the global spotlight and will largely have to look within to achieve their goals.
This only serves to underline the importance of the thorough and comprehensive mainstreaming of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in national and sectoral activities. This is far from easy - people and agencies are always reluctant to devote a portion of already limited resources to eventualities that are in the short term unlikely to, and in the opinion of many never will, happen. Efforts in this regard need to be strategic and yet targeted, and above all persistent.
The Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response project has as a primary objective: “the integration of disaster and risk reduction issues into national strategic documents and processes” . Works to promote this have included an assessment of ongoing national initiatives that offer scope for the mainstreaming of DRR and outreach to facilitate said mainstreaming.
The domain of environmental management is very active nationally at the current time with several GEF funded programmes in place, such as the Biodiversity Mainstreaming and Sustainable Land Management projects. Also of considerable significance and recently in the news is the project to develop the 3rd generation Environment Management Plan for Seychelles 2011-2020 (EMPS).
The EMPS is the main national strategic document that seeks to integrate environment into the development sectors. The EMPS is also moving towards becoming a more complete national approach to the pursuit of sustainable development. Sound environment management is a key component in many aspects of DRR, whilst disaster risk reduction is itself a component part of national sustainable development. The EMPS drafting process therefore offers a key, once in a decade, opportunity to mainstream DRR.
The Project Unit took the opportunity of the national EMPS inception workshop last week to propose DRR as a cross-cutting issue for incorporation into the proposed EMPS thematic areas. This represents a new concept for the EMPs and may not be easily incorporated.
Do check back periodically for updates on the ongoing activities to mainstream DRR.
What is apparent is that one event is soon subsumed and eclipsed by the next and after a few months all but the every largest events are forgotten by the world at large and certainly by the media. The assistance that devastated areas can expect to receive from other countries is also on the wane due to the global economic situation. Likewise international NGO aid organisations can expect to receive declining contributions from the public due to economics but also due to “disaster fatigue”.
The terrible famine in Ethiopia in 1984-85 shocked the developed world and resulted in a massive outpouring of aid from regular people – subsequent famines however did not gain the same amount of attention. How much public assistance has there been for the starving, displaced multitudes in the Sudan? The 2004 Tsunami again had enormous media and emotive impact with massive global response, the same was true of Haiti this year. Will this still be the case for Pakistan?
There are only so many disasters that an individual can take on board, inevitably people become inured to the shocking images and tragedy or succumb to the sense of futility of attempting to address such large and recurrent problems.
All of the events cited in the first paragraph above will require long term measures and efforts to enable communities to recover and even further investment to mitigate against repeat events... yet most are already out of the global spotlight and will largely have to look within to achieve their goals.
This only serves to underline the importance of the thorough and comprehensive mainstreaming of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in national and sectoral activities. This is far from easy - people and agencies are always reluctant to devote a portion of already limited resources to eventualities that are in the short term unlikely to, and in the opinion of many never will, happen. Efforts in this regard need to be strategic and yet targeted, and above all persistent.
The Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response project has as a primary objective: “the integration of disaster and risk reduction issues into national strategic documents and processes” . Works to promote this have included an assessment of ongoing national initiatives that offer scope for the mainstreaming of DRR and outreach to facilitate said mainstreaming.
The domain of environmental management is very active nationally at the current time with several GEF funded programmes in place, such as the Biodiversity Mainstreaming and Sustainable Land Management projects. Also of considerable significance and recently in the news is the project to develop the 3rd generation Environment Management Plan for Seychelles 2011-2020 (EMPS).
The EMPS is the main national strategic document that seeks to integrate environment into the development sectors. The EMPS is also moving towards becoming a more complete national approach to the pursuit of sustainable development. Sound environment management is a key component in many aspects of DRR, whilst disaster risk reduction is itself a component part of national sustainable development. The EMPS drafting process therefore offers a key, once in a decade, opportunity to mainstream DRR.
The Project Unit took the opportunity of the national EMPS inception workshop last week to propose DRR as a cross-cutting issue for incorporation into the proposed EMPS thematic areas. This represents a new concept for the EMPs and may not be easily incorporated.
Do check back periodically for updates on the ongoing activities to mainstream DRR.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
DRDM launches logo
Public recognition of and support for the Department of Risk and Disaster Management's role in disaster risk reduction is vital for it to successfully fulfill its function. Both of these aspects of public recognition were highlighted yesterday on national TV and in today's Nation newspaper.
The Principal Secretary Mme Lucie Athanasius launched the DRDM logo representing a new initiative to raise the Department's profile whilst local company JHC International trading donated a special heavy duty chainsaw capable of cutting through construction materials and sheet metal a vital tool for certain disaster scenarios.
Simply click on the images below to enlarge and read more about the above or to see the new logo in detail.
The Principal Secretary Mme Lucie Athanasius launched the DRDM logo representing a new initiative to raise the Department's profile whilst local company JHC International trading donated a special heavy duty chainsaw capable of cutting through construction materials and sheet metal a vital tool for certain disaster scenarios.
Simply click on the images below to enlarge and read more about the above or to see the new logo in detail.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Consultancy to Develop a Tourism Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Tourism sector is a major component of the national economy and a major national employer. The sector has developed extensive infrastructure and typically hosts between 2,000 and 4,000 tourists at any particular time.
As such an important and widespread sector, it is essential that all reasonable contingency measures are undertaken to ensure the safety of tourists and tourism workers alike in the case of disaster.
The objective of this work is the development of a National Tourism Disaster Contingency Plan that integrates Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at the systemic and institutional levels of the sector.
The advert for this work is reproduced below:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Consultancy to Develop a Tourism Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Department of Risk and Disaster Management is seeking applications from consultant(s) to undertake the following works:
• Undertake a disaster preparedness assessment of for the Tourism sector at systemic and key institutional level.
• Prepare a Tourism Sector Disaster Contingency Plan that addresses the findings of the preparedness assessment.
• Develop Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) guidelines for large and small residential tourism operations respectively.
Skills/Experience/Qualifications. Candidates should have:
• At least five years of management experience in the Seychelles tourism industry.
• Good educational background e.g. a degree in Tourism, Management, Business, Strategic Planning or related fields.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
Previous experience of strategic planning and related consultancy work is advantageous.
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Department of Risk and Disaster Management
MS Complex, Revolution Avenue,
P.O. Box 55, Victoria, Seychelles.
Telephone: 322979
Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: Monday 24thof May.
As such an important and widespread sector, it is essential that all reasonable contingency measures are undertaken to ensure the safety of tourists and tourism workers alike in the case of disaster.
The objective of this work is the development of a National Tourism Disaster Contingency Plan that integrates Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at the systemic and institutional levels of the sector.
The advert for this work is reproduced below:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSULTANCY
The Government of Seychelles in partnership with the World Bank and funding from the Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR) is implementing the Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project aimed at enhancing Seychelles’ disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Consultancy to Develop a Tourism Sector Disaster Contingency Plan
The Department of Risk and Disaster Management is seeking applications from consultant(s) to undertake the following works:
• Undertake a disaster preparedness assessment of for the Tourism sector at systemic and key institutional level.
• Prepare a Tourism Sector Disaster Contingency Plan that addresses the findings of the preparedness assessment.
• Develop Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) guidelines for large and small residential tourism operations respectively.
Skills/Experience/Qualifications. Candidates should have:
• At least five years of management experience in the Seychelles tourism industry.
• Good educational background e.g. a degree in Tourism, Management, Business, Strategic Planning or related fields.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
Previous experience of strategic planning and related consultancy work is advantageous.
Detailed Terms of Reference and further information is available from the address below.
Applications, including covering letter and full CV should be sent to:
The Project Management Unit
Department of Risk and Disaster Management
MS Complex, Revolution Avenue,
P.O. Box 55, Victoria, Seychelles.
Telephone: 322979
Email: jnevill@statehouse.gov.sc
Closing Date for Applications: Monday 24thof May.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Manmade or Natural Disasters
It is often difficult to distinguish between what constitutes a natural and a manmade disaster. In truth it is often a combination of the two. The landslides in Uganda covered in the post below were caused by heavy rains but clearly aided and abetted by man’s clearance of land on such steep mountain slopes. Hurricane Katrina would generally be considered a natural disaster but it is widely recognised that the frequency and intensity of such storms has been increased by man’s impact on the global climate. Couple this with a city built on land much of which is below sea level surrounded by dykes that were improperly maintained and the circumstances become more complex.
International news has recently been covering what is very clearly a manmade disaster in the making, namely the oil leak off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. The Deepwater Horizon rig undertaking exploratory drilling for the British Petroleum (BP) exploded and sank on the 22nd April killing 11 people in the process.
Initially believed to be leaking the equivalent of 1,000 barrels of oil a day that estimate was yesterday increased to 5,000 a day. That is an enormous amount of oil and there is no end in sight at the moment, the problem being the extreme depth of the sea bed being worked. The leakage from the drill pipe is at a depth of 5000 ft below the sea surface and attempts to activate the blowout preventer with submersible robot have failed. The latest from BP is that the leaks will take some three months to close.
This leak threatens a major environmental disaster in what is known as the Fertile Crescent for fishing in the region worth approximately US$2.5 Billion per annum in particular for shrimp, crab and oyster fisheries. Worse still vitally important marsh habitats of the Mississippi delta are threatened when the slick comes ashore these areas serve as the main nursery habitats for the regions fisheries as well as supporting habitat for animals and migrating birds. Add to this the likely impact upon dolphin, turtle and seabird populations of such a volume of oil and an environmental catastrophe of potentially long lasting impact looms.
Oil spills are an issue of concern in Seychelles too. Aldabra, the largest raised atoll in the world and one of Seychelles World heritage sites lies not far from a major oil tanker lane. Small shipping-related spills in Port Victoria are not uncommon and oil exploration continues in Seychelles’ waters. Seychelles has a detailed plan and established capacity to address small spills in the Port and east coast area of Mahe and ongoing regional project is reviewing that plan and seeking to improve regional cooperation and capacities in case of a larger spills.
This project will also be seeking to improve capacity to deal with, and minimise the risk of, terrestrial spills. As development continues rapidly in Seychelles increasing amounts of fuel are “tankered” round the island either to petrol stations or to large facilities with their own storage facilities such as hotel complexes etc... spills on the steep roads of Mahe or into freshwater sources could have very serious consequences whilst fire risk at private storage facilities also needs to be considered - just another aspect of the work being enabled by this GFDRR/IBRD grant. Accidents will always happen this is inevitable minimising their occurrence and impact and increasing resilience to them is where the focus must be.
International news has recently been covering what is very clearly a manmade disaster in the making, namely the oil leak off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. The Deepwater Horizon rig undertaking exploratory drilling for the British Petroleum (BP) exploded and sank on the 22nd April killing 11 people in the process.
Initially believed to be leaking the equivalent of 1,000 barrels of oil a day that estimate was yesterday increased to 5,000 a day. That is an enormous amount of oil and there is no end in sight at the moment, the problem being the extreme depth of the sea bed being worked. The leakage from the drill pipe is at a depth of 5000 ft below the sea surface and attempts to activate the blowout preventer with submersible robot have failed. The latest from BP is that the leaks will take some three months to close.
This leak threatens a major environmental disaster in what is known as the Fertile Crescent for fishing in the region worth approximately US$2.5 Billion per annum in particular for shrimp, crab and oyster fisheries. Worse still vitally important marsh habitats of the Mississippi delta are threatened when the slick comes ashore these areas serve as the main nursery habitats for the regions fisheries as well as supporting habitat for animals and migrating birds. Add to this the likely impact upon dolphin, turtle and seabird populations of such a volume of oil and an environmental catastrophe of potentially long lasting impact looms.
Oil spills are an issue of concern in Seychelles too. Aldabra, the largest raised atoll in the world and one of Seychelles World heritage sites lies not far from a major oil tanker lane. Small shipping-related spills in Port Victoria are not uncommon and oil exploration continues in Seychelles’ waters. Seychelles has a detailed plan and established capacity to address small spills in the Port and east coast area of Mahe and ongoing regional project is reviewing that plan and seeking to improve regional cooperation and capacities in case of a larger spills.
This project will also be seeking to improve capacity to deal with, and minimise the risk of, terrestrial spills. As development continues rapidly in Seychelles increasing amounts of fuel are “tankered” round the island either to petrol stations or to large facilities with their own storage facilities such as hotel complexes etc... spills on the steep roads of Mahe or into freshwater sources could have very serious consequences whilst fire risk at private storage facilities also needs to be considered - just another aspect of the work being enabled by this GFDRR/IBRD grant. Accidents will always happen this is inevitable minimising their occurrence and impact and increasing resilience to them is where the focus must be.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Environmental degradation, natural disasters and refugees....
We have heard a lot in recent years a lot about economic migration... the problem of illegal immigration in Europe with boat loads of desperate people risking everything to get into the EU. In the states it largely relates to people from Latin America attempting to get into the perceived promised land of the USA. Just last week tough new immigration laws were passed in the US state of Arizona in attempt to combat an estimated half million illegal residents in a state with a population of 7 million.
One concern however, that is increasingly coming to the fore, is the role of environmental degradation as a driving force behind what is broadly termed economic migration. A poorly managed and degraded environment provides fewer services and supports less life and resources that can in turn support viable incomes for people. Environmental disasters also play their role and certainly can greatly exacerbate the situation in already poor circumstances and even make life untenable in certain areas.
The earthquake in Haiti is requiring the decampment and relocation of hundreds of thousands of people, the same will doubtless be true though on a smaller scale in Quinghai province, China after the recent quake.
Another quite extreme example of this has been the mudslides last month in Uganda. The mudslides on 1st March in the east of Uganda on the slopes of Mount Elgon swept away three villages killed up to 300 hundred people and rendered several thousand homeless. It has further raised concerns about outbreaks of cholera and malaria due to submerged pit latrines and pools of stagnant water.
Uganda has one of the highest population growth rates in Africa which has driven people ever higher up the mountainsides in search of land to eke out a subsistence living. The resulting deforestation and land clearance has left large areas vulnerable to landslides. The recent landslides have been labelled a ”wake-up call” by the Ugandan Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Mr. Musa Ecweru, and prompted him to state that some half-a-million people will need to be moved from their homes in mountainous areas because of the risk of landslides.
For such a statement to be made and only a year before national elections shows how serious the situation is being viewed. It remains to be seen however where provision can be made to re-settle so many people in such a relatively small and poor country.
The terrain of the main populated islands of Seychelles also means that landslides are a risk that needs to be mitigated. The heavy rains of 1997/98 saw several roads being washed out and gradual shifting of soil on some slopes has been and remains a problem in some areas. The most infamous disaster in Seychelles – the 1862 La Valasse - was a landslide. This too was likely coupled with significant environmental degradation of the time with several contemporary writers referring to the extensive deforestation that was prevalent in the 19th century. Today the mountainsides are generally quite heavily forested, though not necessarily by the most desirable species. Nevertheless the Seychelles Disaster Preparedness and Response Project will be, as one of its activities, undertaking a geological risk assessment of the three main islands in order to identify areas where mitigation actions or precautionary measures are required.
One concern however, that is increasingly coming to the fore, is the role of environmental degradation as a driving force behind what is broadly termed economic migration. A poorly managed and degraded environment provides fewer services and supports less life and resources that can in turn support viable incomes for people. Environmental disasters also play their role and certainly can greatly exacerbate the situation in already poor circumstances and even make life untenable in certain areas.
The earthquake in Haiti is requiring the decampment and relocation of hundreds of thousands of people, the same will doubtless be true though on a smaller scale in Quinghai province, China after the recent quake.
Another quite extreme example of this has been the mudslides last month in Uganda. The mudslides on 1st March in the east of Uganda on the slopes of Mount Elgon swept away three villages killed up to 300 hundred people and rendered several thousand homeless. It has further raised concerns about outbreaks of cholera and malaria due to submerged pit latrines and pools of stagnant water.
Uganda has one of the highest population growth rates in Africa which has driven people ever higher up the mountainsides in search of land to eke out a subsistence living. The resulting deforestation and land clearance has left large areas vulnerable to landslides. The recent landslides have been labelled a ”wake-up call” by the Ugandan Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Mr. Musa Ecweru, and prompted him to state that some half-a-million people will need to be moved from their homes in mountainous areas because of the risk of landslides.
For such a statement to be made and only a year before national elections shows how serious the situation is being viewed. It remains to be seen however where provision can be made to re-settle so many people in such a relatively small and poor country.
The terrain of the main populated islands of Seychelles also means that landslides are a risk that needs to be mitigated. The heavy rains of 1997/98 saw several roads being washed out and gradual shifting of soil on some slopes has been and remains a problem in some areas. The most infamous disaster in Seychelles – the 1862 La Valasse - was a landslide. This too was likely coupled with significant environmental degradation of the time with several contemporary writers referring to the extensive deforestation that was prevalent in the 19th century. Today the mountainsides are generally quite heavily forested, though not necessarily by the most desirable species. Nevertheless the Seychelles Disaster Preparedness and Response Project will be, as one of its activities, undertaking a geological risk assessment of the three main islands in order to identify areas where mitigation actions or precautionary measures are required.
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