Disaster Preparedness And How It Mitigates The Negative Effects

By Amy Butler


During the early times, man always had to bear the suddenness of unforeseen fortuitous event. Storms, volcanic eruptions and other calamitous occurrences brought about by the force of nature were always disastrous and have a very adverse effect on humans. No more is this more greatly than in present times as the world condition has deteriorated because of human activities. Business is not exempted from this phenomenon and top executives are safer in the environment with the help of Crisis Management services.

World leaders are currently facing a serious number of crises that happen unexpectedly and coming from none traditional sources. The effects recognize no borders and these can bring about severe economic collapse. Studies indicate that these are vulnerabilities that are interrelated and its impact is global. Crises in finance during the past few decades has the population becoming more cognizant of its economic, social, and political impact.

The modern crisis involves the participation of many individuals over and beyond that of emergency services. This requires effective communication and coordination to achieve a successful resolution. This is why governments have disaster coordinating agencies that coordinate activities in times of financial or natural disasters. The agencies manage the activities of various sectors. This responsibility will test government ability to give the needed response.

Recent natural incidents have given governments and risk manager a big headache because of the sudden unexpected circumstances that resulted in the failure of information flow. A few examples of these disasters are the bird flu, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, the tsunami in the Indian ocean, and the Katrina hurricane. The worst of these was the tsunami that damaged Japan and which compromised a nuclear reactor.

The crises mentioned above differed greatly from those in the past in more than one aspect. First, they were very large scale wiping out entire towns and cities. Second, these were unprecedented as there has been no known comparison from the past. Third, these were a lethal combination of two or more events like an earthquake and a tsunami. The last but not the least is its cross boundary effect.

The calamitous events having been mentioned have governments and risk managers arrive at the conclusion that more deadly and costly natural disasters are bound to happen in the twenty first century. Modern societies have not only become more interconnected and complex but also more exposed and vulnerable to new emerging threats that can happen and spread very quickly across boundaries.

In addition to the above, the role of national authorities is now changing towards more participation from the citizenry and media outlets. While risk reduction management will retain their usual responsibility, the increased role of the private sector and the decentralization of mitigating measures have reduced the capability of civilian authorities. They have to initiate straightforward actions that can prevent risks in critical sectors for a well functioning society.

The only constant thing in this world according to some people is change. On this premise, the role of crisis managers is challenged at the level of government and private none profit organizations. Present events require the government to adapt their tools, procedures, machinery, and structures to make an impact in mitigating the ill effects of a disaster. Mentioned below are a few things that they now have to confront.

First is dealing with the relatively unknown. The unexpected will always come as a surprise. Second is dealing with government, other countries, and international associations. The third is the reduced capability of the governments as a result of privatization and decentralization. Fourth is the entry of new entities who have different agenda and methods. Fifth is the never ending scrutiny of the public and media through the internet. Lastly is the higher expectations that the citizens demand.




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