emse232

Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management

Crisis and Emergency Management

April 2005 Volume 8 - Number 3

Preparedness Updates...

Summary of the UN report on; “Environmental Management and Disaster Preparedness: Lessons Learnt from the Tokage Typhoon”

By, Aaron Morningstar

The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) recently conducted a survey to evaluate Japans preparedness, response and recovery capabilities in a post disaster situation namely after a typhoon, the UNEP also explored the linkage between environmental management and disaster management. Japan makes up only .25 percent of the worlds land mass but given the threat of earthquakes, typhoons, active volcano and numerous other natural threats it is susceptible to a large volume of natural disasters. Therefore Japan has developed and implemented a working emergency management program at all levels of government.

The survey focused primarily on Toyo-oka City which sustained a high volume of damage during the Tokage Typhoon (Typhoon No. 23 of 2004). Toyo-oka is a small city of approximately 48,000 people. Toyo-oka City was primarily a farming community but in recent years commercial development has grown. The attractive natural environment and the migration of the Oriental White Storks an endangered bird spawned a thriving tourist industry in the region. UNEP made several observations, related to disaster management as to why Toyo-oka City sustained so much damage.

The extreme rainfall (16-40 mm/hr) over a 7-8 hour period was the main reason for damage. Failure of the river’s pump system allowed for over flow. Most of the dyke system was made of soil, causing it to collapse under pressure. As a result buildings and infrastructure sustained considerable damage. Most of the rainfall came during the night making search and rescue difficult. Many people didn’t adhere to the early evacuation warning. Coordinated efforts were effective with managing relief materials. Effective volunteer coordination and management, volunteers were used effectively with clean-up and in the neediest areas. Effective psychological/mental care, counselors and entertainment was brought to the area to relieve the stress of the disaster.

UNEP made several observations related to the environment. Landslides occurred due to inappropriate vegetation management. There was a high level of waste and debris after the disaster including electrical waste, residents didn’t know they could recycle and reuse appliances. Silting of river and waste systems caused major damage. Logs from landslides caused barriers in the rivers adding to flooding. The effects on the natural environment threatened wildlife such as the endangered White Oriental Storks. Programs were put in place to repair the environment. Much of the local economy relies on tourism; it will take a lot of time and effort to revitalize the economy after the event.

The UNEP evaluated their observations and categorized the lessons learned from the Tokage Typhoon. UNEP categorized three major areas of concentration;

1.) Infrastructure management

2.) Policy, strategy, and planning

3.) Community activities

UNEP determined that infrastructure management needed to be prioritized. Infrastructure needed to be inspected on a regular basis, and design policy needed to be improved so that the built environment could withstand inclement weather. UNEP suggested that community leaders concentrate more on urban and land use management, areas near the river should be preserved as there natural form, this allows tourists to enjoy the natural environment and reduces loss when flooding occurs. UNEP saw forest management as an important issue. Proper management of trees and plants will reduce landslides and soil erosion. River basin management was linked to forest management because of the vegetation runoff, and the effects logs have on rivers and flooding.

The lessons learned from Tokage produced the need to evaluate the regions policy, strategy and planning. The UNEP survey determined there was an inter-linkage between disaster preparedness and environmental management policies. They determined disaster preparedness plans should incorporate environmental issues (example forest or river management). Incorporating the two principles in policy and practice will help lessen loss. Clearing the built environment from the floodplain should be incorporated in the disaster preparedness, environmental management, and city management strategy. UNEP determined that a strong training program needed to be implemented for city mayors and planners so they could be more effective in the policy and planning process.

In an event of a disaster the community is directly affected and must play an important role. The mayor of Toyo-oka City called for the residents to evacuate in anticipation prior to Tokage striking. However many residents ignored the warning. UNEP suggested the need for city officials to organize evacuation simulations and designate evacuation gathering sites. UNEP pointed out that public awareness was important. Educating the public on the importance of things such as waste management will ultimately reduce pollution and expedite the proper disposal of debris in an event.

UNEP overall program goal is to address the long term affects of environmental emergencies, and to help communities develop comprehensive plans to lessen loss and strengthen response and recovery efforts.

Source:

UNEP report “Environmental Management and Disaster Preparedness: Lessons Learnt from the Tokage Typhoon”

http://www.unep.or.jp/ietc/wcdr/unep-tokage-report.pdf