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Once again good Disaster Risk Reduction strategies prove to be crucial

Once again good Disaster Risk Reduction strategies prove to be crucial. It highlights the need of forums such as the global platform for risk disaster reduction. Tornado in Oklahoma State and Cyclone in Myanmar are two recent examples for DRR actions and DRR advancement. All stakeholders can learn from these situations. Every time, there is a natural catastrophe, better DRR must be thought. DRR management is a dynamic instrument and should always be remodeled to comply with real life conditions and prevent future tragedies. Action for DRR must be pursued.

This morning a tornado hit the city of Oklahoma in West South State, north of Texas. The tragic event caught the lives of 20 children and 31 adults as well as injured about 145 victims. People are still missing. Despite the presence of monitoring groups like Storm Prediction Center or Warning Decision Training Branch, deaths were not impeached.

The tornado was registered as very strong and other factors were involved in this tragedy. The tornado touched the city for a long period when most people were working and children at school. Lack of preparedness could probably explain the consequences of the storm, so American authorities can question DRR program and improved them for the future. Good DRR management and regular revision of management are crucial to minimise losses.

The Oklahoma region experiences permanently extreme weather conditions, high temperature difference and strong precipitation. West South State is located in a zone where tornadoes are very frequent due to cold and warm air interaction; the zone is named the Tornado Alley. In addition, meteorological forecasts can severely change in a short time. Thus, natural disasters are likely to occur at any moment.

source:wikipedia image. Oklahoma, West South State

Every country/region has its own characteristics and every disaster happens in particular circumstances. However, good news should be underlined in order to promote sustainable DRR management.

The young democracy Myanmar was able to response quickly and effectively to the tropical storm Mahasen. In 2008, Myanmar was devastated by cyclone Nargis causing over 100’000 deaths and uncountable collateral damages. At that time, the military government in place failed in responding successfully to the catastrophe.

Myanmar Hydrology and Meteorology Department announced the arrival of storm which was classified as red level, so to say emergency level. The early alert system evidenced its importance when it comes to DRR. Other measures can reinforce the effect of the early alert system: adequate evacuation plans, building of local cyclone shelters and close cooperation between local authorities and local communities. In addition, the Burmese government must include DRR approach in building infrastructures due to increasing of cyclone risks due to human activities and climate change.

During the past week, the authorities demonstrated their ability to proactively collaborate with aid organization and local communities to minimise the damages to properties and lives. Communities at risk were identified, relocation site were prepared and evacuation assistance was provided. People in vulnerable region such Rahkine State, located on the Burmese coast, were able to evacuate.

Every year, the Asian region faces monsoon which is a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by heavy rains. It is caused by a difference in temperatures between sea and continent in the area of Cancer and Capricorn tropics. Countries in the South Asia are highly exposed to meteorological risks. Therefore, governments of the region should take into consideration risks management and disasters prevention.

source: wikipedia image Rakhine State, Myanmar

Reported by Vanessa Esteves