Summary of actionable steps
I think The Disaster Council is getting better at managing post-disaster response. I may not like the committee approach, but they have enough case studies under their belt that they seem to have a good idea of how to deal with organization and funding of relief.
Sure, it can always improve. But recovery is not going to save lives as well as good pre-planning and preparation.
From the discussion, we have identified the following possible action steps:
- A national publicity campaign to place responsibility for preparedness with the people. For trash disposal discipline and awareness of evacuation steps.
- A deep discussion for what “safe distance†in the national building code means, with stringent standards applied consistently across all municipalities.
- Separate the building code particulars from the national law so that it can be flexibly revised and strengthened without returning to Congress for amendments. Enforce the code rigorously.
- Develop a national standard for the required level of flood protection: against a 100-year flood? A 500-year flood? I’d say, at minimum, a 300-year flood.
- Develop a national zoning code. This should require restrictions on construction along the coast, or on vulnerable river banks and hillsides.
- Introduce mandatory evacuation orders to be implemented when storms approach.
- Establish safe, well-stocked evacuation centers. Enforce orders with fines.
- Relocate vulnerable informal settlers whether they like it or not.
- Dedicate ships, helicopters and medical gear to the battle, on standby 24/7.
- Continue to learn and build rescue and rehabilitation resources and skills.
Compile local playbooks and issue commands. Committee consensus is not required.
Zero tolerance for loss of life is the correct approach.
Develop policies by committee, fine. But fight the battle with individual accountability, a clear chain of command, and decisive action. Tolerate mistakes made in the heat of battle. Learn from them.
Complacency and equivocation are not acceptable when the next disaster is on the march and heading in our direction. – KDM, GMA News
Joe America is a blogger who writes about the cross-cultural experiences and observations of an American living in the Philippines. He is based in Biliran Island. This piece originally appeared in his blog on October 21. We are re-posting it here with his permission.Linkback:
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