National Disaster Plan

2.1.- National Disaster Plan.

The National Disaster Plan (NDP) involves the mobilization of human and material
resources of the country in planning, training and managing the various aspects of a disaster
or major emergency in order to return the country to a state of normality as quickly as
possible. It includes:

  1. the establishment of national and local disaster management organisations and its structures, the role and functions of Government Ministries and key departments, Public Utilities, Statutory bodies, nongovernmental and other voluntary organisations.
  2. classification and cataloguing of resources at all levels.
  3. the role and functions of all agencies before, during and after a disaster.
  4. the need for emergency telecommunications network.
  5. the need for the assessment of loss.
  6. the co-ordination between the various committees within the operation.
  7. the post-disaster relief and rehabilitation mechanisms.

2.2.- Pre-disaster Planning

The main function of the National Disaster Organisation is to ensure that the country is in a
state of preparedness at all times to deal effectively with any disaster, which may occur. Its
areas of planning include:

  • Co-ordination of comprehensive disaster management activities in the country.
  • Collaboration with regional and international disaster management organisations
    (CDERA, ECDG, etc.)
  • Warning systems, warning dissemination, responsibility and control of broadcasting.
  • Anticipatory orders under the Emergency Powers Act.
  • Storage and control of reserve equipment, fuel, drugs medical equipment, food, radios and other relief supplies.
  • Public information and press briefings.
  • Evacuation plans, shelter and refuge areas, including promulgation of the plans.
  • Arrangements for relief aircraft and ships, including customs and visa clearance for
    relief supplies and personnel.
  • Transport and equipment requirements.
  • Direction of labour.
  • Entry control of non-essential visitors.
  • Post-disaster reconnaissance and reports.
  • Post-disaster demolition and repair.

The successful implementation of the National Disaster Plan depends on public awareness
of the disasters, which are likely to affect the country, and the roles, which everyone is
expected to play in the event of the country being threatened or hit by a hazard.

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