Fix accountability for disasters, gaps in response: NDMA panel

Terming as "major problem" the implementation of disaster management guidelines, an NDMA panel today emphasised on the role of fixing accountability of stakeholders in case of a disaster and gaps in its response.
The assertion was made during meeting of the Advisory Committee of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) that met here to discuss the road ahead for the 10-point agenda for disaster risk reduction, outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Underlining that the implementation of guidelines and advisories was a major problem, the Committee members emphasised on the role of fixing accountability of stakeholders in case of a disaster and gaps in response, preparedness and information dissemination, both in terms of early warning messages and community awareness.

"This will help in improving coordination thus enabling better response," a press release issued by Home Ministry said.
The panel stressed on the importance of strengthening communities to act as effective first responders during disasters and involvement of educational institutes and universities to spread awareness and also to offer courses in disaster education.
A detailed discussion on the need for multi-hazard preparedness, given the fact that a primary event brings with it an increased risk of secondary events, such as landslides following an earthquake, was done.

The need for sharing of resources, leveraging technology, ensuring last mile connectivity, sharing best practices and success stories and involving the common man was also discussed, it said.

The 15-member Advisory Committee consisting of experts from various areas of disaster management and allied disciplines has representatives from academia, governments, Non-Governmental Organisations and civil society members.
The Prime Minister had listed the 10-point agenda during his inaugural speech at the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction 2016, held in November last year here.
It included encouraging greater involvement and leadership of women in disaster risk management, and utilisation of opportunities provided by social media and mobile technologies, among others.