Without international assistance, no country can master
sufficient resources to effectively respond to disasters. However each nation needs to have
in place some institutional preparedness for initial rapid response and systems
to mobilize follow-up.
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis are "acts
of God” and are mostly unpredictable in location, timing and magnitude.
Other "lesser" nature -caused disasters include
hurricanes, floods, severe droughts and famines which have a habit of recurring
in the same locations.
This category of disasters has usually been associated with
the impacts of global warming. These can, to some extent be predicted and basic
response prepared.
Other lesser nature costs disasters include hurricanes
floods severe droughts and famines and famines which have a habit of recurring
in the same locations.
These category of disasters has usually been associated with
the impacts of global warming. this can to some extent be predicted and basic
response prepared.
Others are attributable to human negligence (errors of omission
or commission) and which can be pre vented or minimized if due care and compliance
are emphasized, this preventable incidents include fire, collapsing buildings, and
transport related incidents and also disease epidemics.
Finally, we have incidents which are associated with
"human" ill intentions.
These includes include terrorist incidents which can either
involve real time shooting (Garissa, west gate, for example) or sabotage such
as the 1998 US embassy bombing.
This group of emergencies also includes civil unrest and
ethnic skirmishes which have socio-political origins and can be prevented
through political engagements.
The list above is what can go wrong in Kenya. It is such an
analysis of potential disasters that should inform preparation of our national
disaster preparedness plan.
From observations, Kenya is frequently caught unawares by
disasters and for this reason, misses many opportunities to minimise loss of
life and property.
Repeat disasters have happened at the same time or different
locations, mostly because of failing to learn from experience.
One can bet that the recent floods in Nairobi and Narok will
repeat themselves in the same location and with similar destructive impact. This
will be the case unless corrective actions are taken.
A typical emergency preparedness plan identifies potential
disasters and puts in place institutions, systems and resources to either
prevent such disasters or reduce their destructive impact. An effective plan
should always be ready.
The nature and location of readiness should be as varied as
there are different potential disasters.
To implement a disaster preparedness plan, we need as Kenyans
a legally established disaster management institution that is sufficiently
funded and resourced.
