"Strengthening of local government systems through capacity building, awareness and coordination of all concerned officials and stakeholders is the key to seeing strategies and plans deliver the results on the ground." -
It was a normal Sunday when the Tsunami struck. At first there were many
rumors such as an entire island having sunk. Our communications were down
and our team went around checking critical infrastructure in the city like
hospitals. Finally more information started pouring in, and then survivors
who were evacuated from remote islands were brought to Port Blair and housed in
relief shelters here.
Eventually a lot of good work was done, including preparation of city disaster management plan, handbook, standard operating procedures, training and drills. PBMC prepared a ward wise disaster management plan, which is still active.
The biggest challenge we still face is that disaster risk reduction is not taken as seriously as emergency response. Actions are planned, but not all officers are aware of the larger picture and what role they have to play.
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