Disasters might happen suddenly and without warning, such as earthquakes and tsunamis. Since some disasters are very harmful and many people might lose their lives, the government response to natural disasters is required to save them and ensure their environment is better.
The government has resources to use. The local authorities also can collaborate with other parties. There are many ways as parts of the response from the government when a disaster occurs and the aftermath of it. What can they do to minimize the risks and save many lives?
Components of Government Response to Natural Disasters
1. Preparing mitigation
Some disasters might not come just once. Usually, it makes a pattern in a certain area. So, the government can predict if the same disaster may happen in the future. Thus, they can decide which mitigation and preparation are the best for the people.
Recently, most governments have used an early warning system that has been integrated to announce and inform people about natural disasters. It needs a high budget to maintain, but for nations that have many types of disasters, this system brings advantages.
Another preparation that can be part of government response to natural disasters is raising public awareness about the disaster itself. The people should know what to do in an emergency situation. They also can decide which actions that might work best to avoid some loss when the event occurs.
2. Giving Response after Disaster
Mobilization after the disaster itself is very important. The government should do this at a critical time. The emergency team should be ready for any kind of situation. They should help people who are affected and treat them with medical care during the evacuation process.
Some people may be missing because of the disaster. The government also should provide a well-trained rescue team. The rescue missions should be coordination, so they can be more efficient. Rescue teams can be from different organizations, both local and international.
Another response after giving shelter and relief supplies. A shelter, even though it is temporary, should be a proper place for everyone, including the elderly, disabilities, and children. Relief supplies such as clothing, food, and water are basic needs that should be available in the shelter.
3. Collaboration
With good coordination, the government response to natural disasters can be more efficient. They can set up better management by collaborating with different organizations. Proper communication should be transparent to the public, so people also can spare a thought to help.
There are many international organizations that can help quickly and they are humanitarian based. Local NGOs in the country also can go to the disaster area to give assistance before the large-scale ones come. This partnership can be happening if the government is good at communicating about it.
4. Recovery Planning
Recovery planning should be under local and national authorities. People will not get their lives better unless the government fixes the infrastructure and restores other things. Thus, they also should reconstruct safer buildings and houses, so people can be less vulnerable after a disaster.
An accountable government also should provide greater support, especially psychological and financial support. This is usually done by agencies appointed by the government. The trauma that people have after a disaster has a great effect that may be a big stone to having a proper life in the future.
5. Preparing better programs
It is better if the government prepares some programs that bring many advantages for people to adapt during a disaster. There are some adaptations that they should learn, including water management and climate change issues. It helps people to be more aware and get more knowledge.
Through this program, the government can educate many people. It is because some people are easier to educate from the same people among them. They also should learn to adapt to the latest technology.
6. Fixing Policies
Policies that are concerned about disaster management should be reviewed. It is important for long-term strategies and protection. This development might need a long run to review and amend.
The latest technology such as an SMS broadcaster can help the government work faster. The device sends a warning message to many users at one time to inform them about the recent situation. With this device, the government response to natural disasters can be more accountable.
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