Disaster RISK Management : Bhutanese Scenario

Transcription

1 Disaster RISK Management : Bhutanese Scenario Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on Geo-referenced Information Systems for Disaster Risk Management (Geo-DRM) and sustaining the Community of Practice (COP), Bangkok, Thailand Presented by: Boby Pradhan Survey Engineer National Land Commission Bhutan pradhanboby@yahoo.com Presentation Outline 1. Country Profile : Bhutan 2. Background on Disaster Management Institution in Bhutan 3. Disaster Risks in Bhutan 4. GIS for Disaster Risk Management 5. DRM Challenges in Bhutan 6. Support role of ESCAP 7. Conclusion

2 Small, mountainous, landlocked country in South Asia located in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by India and China Government: Constitutional Monarch Development Philosophy: Gross National Happiness Size: about 46,000 Sq. Km with 70% forest cover Population: about 0.7 Million Capital City: Thimphu Altitude : Varies from 150m to 7570m above MSL National Language :Dzongkha Climate: Four seasons (Spring, summer, Autumn & Winter)

3 2. Background on Disaster Management Institution 2005 establishment of DM Division, MoHCA 2006 National Disaster Risk Management Framework adopted ; guiding policy for DM 2007 Drafting of DM Bill 2008 Dept. of Disaster Management, MoHCA 2013 (February) DM Act enacted Guiding Philosophy of DM Act, 2013 Pre-planned vs Adhoc reactive approach Multi-Agencies vs Single Agency approach Decentralized vs Centralized approach 2.1 Disaster Management Institution organogram (DM Act,2013) National Disaster Management Authority Ministries/Agencies Inter Ministerial Task Force Dept. of Disaster Management National Emergency Operation Center District Disaster Management Committee Sub District DM Committee Village/Block DM Committee Municipal DM Committee

4 Earthquake September 21, 2009 Earthquake (M=6.1) Impacts: Affected 6 eastern districts out of 20 in Bhutan 12 lives lost 3. Disaster Risks in Bhutan Over 7000 people left without adequate shelter Estimated loss of over US$54 Million: UNDP/World Bank Assessment Report Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) & Monsoon floods GLOFs: the most serious natural hazard with 25 lakes, few potentially dangerous. Hazards due to GLOF & monsoon floods are likely to increase in intensity with the impacts of climate change. Settlements downstream are most vulnerable Trans boundary issues

5 Natural/artificial Dam formation & dam burst Land slides Too many HPP : at least one or more HPP in main rivers Landslide Occurs in summer triggered by heavy monsoon rain Road maintenance being one of the largest expenditure to Govt.

6 Fire Over 20,000 acres of forest were destroyed this winter Wangdi Dzong gutted by fire Windstorm/hail storm private houses & schools in five districts were destroyed Crops & other vegetation

7 Epidemics, Pests, Diseases Army worm attack in 2012 Frequent bird flu out break Road Accidents Reckless & drink driving Poor road & weather conditions Human error & Mechanical failure

8 4. GIS for Disaster Risk Management Disaster Phases Before Disaster (Mitigation & Preparedness Disaster Management Plan) During Disaster (Response & Relief Disaster Contingency plan) After Disaster (Reconstruction & Recovery) GIS Applications Risk assessment, Identification of evacuation route and shelter, Early warning system, Cost/Benefit relationship to justify measures oriented for disaster risk reduction, Damage scenarios to be prepared for emergency response, Clear direction for SAR (with GPS), Identification of suitable evacuation route & area for rehabilitation Damage assessment (based on high resolution satellite image) identify the type & amount of damage, Identification of suitable location for reconstruction 5. DRM Challenges in Bhutan Illiterate population, inadequate awareness Difficult terrain Lack of coordination among stake holders inadequate resources - financial - professionals data redundancy

9 6. Support Role of ESCAP Technical expertise and financial assistance towards building capacity at local level Share Success stories, international best practices Regional collaboration towards Strengthening Coordination among Relevant Agencies Sensitization/Awareness on the benefits of GIS, Geo- Portal for DRM Sensitize policy/decision makers 7. Conclusion Combating disaster is a common responsibility Preparedness & Planning is a must Effective Sensitization/Awareness programs Collaboration & Capacity development

10 Thank you!