By
Divina Gracia M. Baclig
CARE Philippines
Disasters and climate change cannot be escaped. It has now become an integral part of our lives. In the Philippines, for instance, an average of 20 typhoons enter its area of responsibility and it has become a way of life. The only way we can survive these disasters is to prevent and mitigate by reducing disaster risk through careful planning. This message was emphasized in the lectures given today by Dr. Sandy Budi Wiboro, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seca Gadaseca, and Dr. Estuning Tyas Wulan Mei.
Environmental degradation has caused stresses to the ecosystems, and has increased the risk for disasters. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gadaseca stressed the importance of acquiring knowledge and developing plans for disaster risk reduction. He mentioned the importance of having comprehensive plans that engage different stakeholders coming from a variety of disciplines – physical, economic, management and institutional, societal, and engineering and construction. Decentralization of elements at risk, population control, diversification of livelihoods, and capacity building for organizations and communities are just a few of the important aspects to be included to produce a comprehensive disaster plan.
In order to reiterate the vital role of planning in disaster preparedness, Dr. Wulan Mei further discussed disaster planning adding the demographic, socioeconomic, sociocultural, functional, and institutional aspects. The contingency plans and warning systems specific to the volcanic hazard was explained in detail. The shortcomings of the contingency plans were identified. Even with the presence of contingency plans, there was a lack of IDP camps, evacuation signs, evacuation drills, and trainings in crisis management. The reason for this is the miscalculation of the extent of the eruption. Capacity building activities were concentrated within the 10km circumference of the Merapi volcano. However, communities beyond the 10km range south of the volcano were also severely affected. And, because they were not capacitated, they were not able to properly prepare for the disaster thereby increasing their vulnerability.
The circumstances surrounding the Merapi volcano eruption in November 2010 illustrates the significance of understanding the hazards and it risks. Awareness of the nature of the hazard contributes to more efficient and effective plans. Remote sensing tools could help in painting a more accurate picture and nature of the hazard. Dr. Wibowo discussed the different remote sensing types, platforms, and resolutions. Active remote sensing, maybe using LiDAR technology, that could measure topography – which in the case of Merapi volcano, could help calculate the depth of gullies where lahar and pyroclastic materials will flow and affect communities. As illustrated by the Merapi volcano eruption experience, planning is not enough. Planning must be informed by accurate, scientific data in order to correctly develop scenarios, so that strategies on how to react to, manage, and prepare for future disasters will be properly formulated. Accurate knowledge is but a single step towards effective and proper planning with the aim of safeguarding properties, livelihoods, and human lives.
