South Sudan calls for effective disaster management mechanisms
September 3, 2010 (JUBA) – The regional government of Southern Sudan has urged for effective and timely disaster management mechanisms in the region in the wake of natural disasters including the ongoing flooding in the region.
James Kok Ruei, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management told Sudan Tribune from Juba on Friday that his ministry has held a series of meetings with international relief organizations in order to organize training on disaster response preparedness and response to emergency in the region.
“I have held [a] series of meetings with international relief organizations in order to help us plan and educate our people on how to manage natural disasters,” Ruei said.
The minister revealed his ministry in collaboration with the Epidemiology and Disease Control unit of Ministry of Health and Social Welfare are planning to organize a four-day training workshop on disaster preparedness and response to emergencies in the regional capital of Juba.
“This is an essential step towards disaster management including prevention, response and rehabilitation of victims. “Disaster, including floods, is becoming a global phenomenon and South[ern] Sudan is no exception. Over the years, the world has witnessed numerous floods not only causing social disruptions but often associated with disease outbreaks such as water borne, water related and water washed diseases,” he said.
He revealed that as flood victims are often displaced, their temporal residence may not be appropriate causing other forms of health challenges.
Ruei who recently paid a visit to the floods swamped town of Aweil, the capital of Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, said the region has witnessed incidences of flood in 2007, 2008 and now 2010 in various areas including Bor town, capital of Jonglei state and parts of Upper Nile and Unity states in greater Upper Nile region.
He said in 2007, cases of cholera, a killer disease, were reported from Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap states after the two areas witnessed severe flooding.
“The incident not only caused panic but consumed huge resources particularly from the local authorities and the health sector in particular. Thus efforts geared towards the prevention and effective response to incidence of flood is timely and cherished.
“The plan and activities we have at the ministry encourage giving priority to preparation so that our people learn how to be responsive and effective as flood can be an important barrier to economic growth and development. We should not lose sight that floods are major contributing factors to poverty as often victims lose property,” he said.
He pointed out that as far as flooding and disease outbreaks are concerned, people from the affected areas like in Aweil are vulnerable, considering its population’s density.
Urging all concerned and stakeholders to fully participate in plan development process and to adopt simple, practical and cost effective plans meant to improve the quality of life of the population; he noted the importance of the training on emergency and response plan to flood.
“If such a plan to address issues relating to flood is to be developed, I believe it is a step in the right direction and a plus for that matter,” he stated.
The disaster management minister pointed out that his ministry has been in the forefront in disaster preparedness and mitigation over the past weeks which saw the birth of the disaster management committee and that a budget line has been set aside geared towards disaster mitigation.
He said that with the assistance of their dynamic partners and also the tremendous efforts by the President of the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), General Salva Kiir Mayardit, they were poised to make a difference in disaster preparedness and management.
(ST)