Strategic planning in disaster management
As the occurrence of natural disasters shows no signs of abating, Mostafa Mohaghegh outlines the vital components of a disaster risk management strategy, and calls for a greater focus on mitigation of risks.
Despite the relatively successful emergency response to some natural disasters in recent years (for example the earthquakes in Iran and Pakistan in 2003 and 2005 respectively), a more comprehensive vision of coping with hazards and disasters on national and international levels is still missing. This vision would help us to better understand why natural hazards cause such an impact, and should also help us to develop sustainable and effective plans including short and long term mechanisms.
Disaster risk management requires a multi-sector process through which all relevant political, social, economic, cultural and educational aspects of risk management and reduction are strategically considered together.
In order to minimise the impact of hazards and prevent disasters, reducing vulnerabilities should be considered as a high priority. Moreover, people play the essential role in disaster prevention and response. Disaster risk management should also include plans for training the public and promoting civil participation.
The full text appears in Volume 3 Issue 1 of the Crisis Response Journal.
Click here for further details