Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Capacities in Uzbekistan

Transcription

1 Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Capacities in Uzbekistan Newsletter. Issue 1, September 2012 Dear Friends! We are proud to present the first newsletter of the UNDP Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Capacities in Uzbekistan Project. The project has been launched in Through the Project an attempt is being made to achieve the targets set up under Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) : Building the Resilience for Nations and Communities to Disasters. The HFA calls upon the United Nations system and other international organizations to undertake concrete tasks within their mandates, priorities and resources. It also emphasizes strengthening of the United Nations system to assist disaster-prone developing countries with disaster risk reduction initiatives and to support States own efforts with technical assistance and capacity development. UNDP is supporting more than sixty countries to develop strategies for disaster risk reduction. UNDP s commitment to make resilient countries is clearly visible from the recent statement of UNDP Administrator, Helen Clark, that the agency intends to double its overall support for disaster reduction over the next five years and will add five countries per year to the "growing list of countries on track to becoming champions in disaster resilience." The newsletter will provide you with information about the progress, recent achievements, and important forthcoming activities related to the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Uzbekistan. We hope this will be a good start, our first Newsletter. Hope you will enjoy reading it. And, please, do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you! Highlights of our project: July 2010 Launch of DRM Project in Uzbekistan Main Partner: Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan Total Budget: $ Disaster Management starts with D but begins with YOU In this issue: Project brief Knowledge sharing what is Earthquake? The Action Plan to support the Public Awareness Strategy on DRR Can your house withstand the earthquake? Young journalists and DRR and essay competition: Prevention Pays new website of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan Learning hour for UN Disaster Preparedness Group Further plans PREPAREDNESS IS BETTER THEN RESPONSE

2 Project brief UNDP Uzbekistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan is implementing a project on Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Capacities in Uzbekistan. The Project is aimed on strengthening country capacity to prepare for and respond to natural and human induced disasters. The objective of this project is to build upon and expand the UNDP Uzbekistan assistance to create sustainable mechanism for disaster risk reduction as per the Hyogo Framework for Action ( ). This project is directed to increase the disaster risk reduction capacities of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and other stakeholders. The project is working on the following directions: Strengthening the capacities of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and other disaster risk reduction stakeholders in Uzbekistan to mitigate, reduce disaster and climate risks and respond in a timely and strategic manner to any major catastrophic life threatening event in Tashkent, and at a later phase, in other high risk locations. Expand community based disaster and climate risk reduction activities in accordance with national guidelines on preparedness, mitigation and response activities to natural disasters. Strengthening the capacity of the United Nations Country Team to create a DRR strategy to support the Republic of Uzbekistan in the event of a catastrophic disaster. For every dollar invested in minimizing risk, about seven dollars will be saved in economic losses from disasters, Helen Clark. Pilot region for 2012: TASHKENT CITY Current focus: EARTHQUAKE Risk Mitigation

3 A little bit of knowledge sharing... So, what is an earthquake? An earthquake is what happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another. The surface where they slip is called the fault or fault plane. The location below the earth s surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called the epicenter. Sometimes an earthquake has foreshocks. These are smaller earthquakes that happen in the same place as the larger earthquake that follows. Scientists can t tell that an earthquake is a foreshock until the larger earthquake happens. The largest, main earthquake is called the mainshock. Mainshocks always have aftershocks that follow. These are smaller earthquakes that occur afterwards in the same place as the mainshock. Depending on the size of the mainshock, aftershocks can continue for weeks, months, and even years after the mainshock! / / The First Seismograph A seismograph is an instrument that records the shaking of the earth's surface caused by seismic waves. The first seismograph was invented in 132 A.D. by the Chinese astronomer and mathematician Chang Heng. He called it an "earthquake weathercock." Each of the eight dragons had a bronze ball in its mouth. Whenever there was even a slight earth tremor, a mechanism inside the seismograph would open the mouth of one dragon. The bronze ball would fall into the open mouth of one of the toads, making enough noise to alert someone that an earthquake had just happened. Imperial watchman could tell which direction the earthquake came from by seeing which dragon's mouth was empty. /

4 The Action Plan to support the Public Awareness Strategy on DRR Considering the seismic vulnerability of the capital city of Uzbekistan Tashkent, UNDP Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of the Republic of Uzbekistan have developed an Action Plan to raise awareness among population of Tashkent on disaster risk reduction. It is aimed to build a culture of preparedness and response. Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) activities are targeted to empower people to help themselves to identify and deal with risks in their own communities and plan for disaster response. The implementation of the Strategy is comprised of number of activities which are planned to be conducted based on international experiences to promote a culture of behavior in natural disasters of community, particularly in earthquakes. As a result of conducted campaign, information about disasters will be disseminated through various trainings, educational materials and through mass media. An Action Plan comprising of Public Awareness Strategy has been developed through broad consultation and involvement of stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction process.

5 Newsletter. Issue 1, September 2012 CAN YOUR HOUSE WITHSTAND THE EARTHQUAKE? Photo credit: DRM Project Hot discussion of two guru s on traditional architecture. Looking into the history of construction and combining with modern techniques. Mr. Saidiy Saidislom and Ms. Zamira Saidova The architecture of Uzbek private houses has thousand years of development history. Most houses are made of mud, clay and wood. Generally houses are built to withstand the downward pull of gravity, however earthquakes shake the building in all directions up and down, but most of all, sideways. There are several common issues that can limit a building's ability to withstand this sideways shaking. As practice shows, most houses are not as safe as they could be. In the framework of the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 208 dated 19 July, 2011, On the statement of the complex program on preparation of the population for actions at emergencies (natural and anthropogenic character) arisen owing to earthquakes, towards providing maximum safety conditions during earthquake, the project has developed two Practical Guidelines for house owners on seismic safety construction. One is for those houses which were already built: Can your house withstand the earthquake?. This publication provides tips to evaluate seismic safety and the practical advice to strengthen the houses for minimal expenses. Second one - How to build a seismic safe house? comprises tips that home owners, can do to improve the structural integrity of own home during construction. Earthquakes don t hurt people, buildings do! FACTS: The last earthquake that had happened in Uzbekistan was on July 2011 in Fergana Valley. The epicenter of the earthquake was in Kyrgyzstan. The earthquake happened at night and caught most of people unprepared. The earthquake caused wide spread damage in the Valley. The housing practices in the valley are such that they could not uphold the severe shaking of the earthquake and resulted in either collapse or damage.

6 YOUNG JOURNALISTS AWARE ABOUT DISASTER RISK REDUCTION Learning hour at the International Journalism Faculty of Uzbek State University of World Languages on April 25, 2012 In making disaster safe communities, media have an important role and a huge responsibility. Media have to play a vital role at every stage of disaster management i.e. before a disaster strikes, during a disaster and in post disaster phase. To make a lasting impact, media needs to understand its social responsibilities in disaster risk reduction. The event created much needed awareness among the students and faculty on topics related to disaster risk reduction and disaster risk management. The students, young journalists, had never came across such an experience where they were discussing, analyzing and making a difference between different terminology related to DRR like - what is disaster, hazard and vulnerability. Upon completion of the lecture the project announced an essay competition among the students of the department on the topic Prevention Pays. Top 3 winners of the essay competition will be provided an opportunity to undergo on-line training on disaster risk management organized by World Bank Institute (WBI), Washington, though National Institute of Disaster Management of India. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Amir Ali Khan, National Disaster Reduction Advisor, UNDP I didn t know that journalists should inform community about disaster prevention. I thought that it is the scientists who do forecast and we, the journalists, are there to make news reports said II course student of international journalism faculty.

7 Meeting of the UN Disaster Preparedness and Response Group A learning hour was conducted by the Project Team for the United Nations Disaster Preparedness and Response Group on June 22, The learning hour was attended by the focal points of all UN agencies and NGOs like ACT- ED, ICRC, MSF and National Red Crescent Society. The topic of the learning hour was Basic Concepts and Process of Disaster Risk Reduction. What could happen in a disaster situation?, - trying to find an answer of this question, National Disaster Reduction Advisor, Dr. Amir Ali Khan, gave a full explanation of implications of disaster outcomes based on several case-studies and focused attention on the relevant data and statistics. The learning hour resulted in a lively discussion on various aspects of disaster management in the country. At the end it was decided to organize similar lectures/learning hour in future on topics of common interest.

8 Newsletter. Issue 1, September 2012 New Website of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan is developed Now population of Uzbekistan can find useful information about disasters and rules of behavior during disasters and emergency situations on the web site of the MOES

9 Further plans Forming of the behaviour culture of children in preschool age during earthquake. The project is working on creation of the Cartoon Film In the Rescueland. The aim of the cartoon is to formulate the culture of correct behaviour in case of disasters. Genre of the cartoon is chosen taking into account features of perception of children s age and wide opportunities of giving of a material by facilities of animation. Through animated game children will obtain practical instruction on how to behave in a case of earthquake. On the basis of the animated cartoon the booklet for children of school age (4-7 years old) is being developed and it is about rules of behaviour before, during and after an earthquake. Documentary educational film For increasing of awareness of the population, about earthquakes and formation of behaviour culture during earthquakes, there is a process of creation of a documentary educational film Rules of behaviour during earthquake. In the future, this film will be broadcasted through state and nongovernmental television channels of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and also during training seminars throughout the Republic. Mobile Application Mobilephones are used by all groups population students, schoolboys, adults and old age people. With the help of this application it is possible to raise awareness of people about emergencies and by that to reduce the number of tragical consequences caused by them. Mobile center of preparation population to emergecies. On the basis of Otoyol minibus of the Tashkentcity branch of the MES Mobile center for increasing preparedness of population to emergencies modernized, which is intended for increasing awareness of the population, living in regions difficult of access, and also for vulnerable groups, (elderly people and people with disability) about disasters and rules of behaviour during emergencies. Maps of seismic risk zones of Tashkent city At present day Project is providing technical assistance to Institute of Seismology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan with a view of creation of maps of seismic risk of Tashkent city and contiguous territories. These maps will allow to effectively conduct preventive activities on reduction of seismic vulnerability of structures, and also efficient rescue-recovery works. In the framework of joint activity it is planned to create training centre on the basis of Insitute of Seismology for the purpose of preparation of experts in the field of seismology. International day for disaster risk reduction International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is observed throughout the globe to raise the profile of disaster risk reduction. The main objective of the IDDR is to promote a global culture of disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness. In the day of conducting of IDDRR it is planned to organise several activities with the participation of many stakeholders.

10 Family Disaster Plan Newsletter. Issue 1, September 2012 Basic DO s and DON T s before, during and after an earthquake Before an earthquake During an earthquake What to do after an earthquake Construct your house using building During the earthquake shaking the Be prepared for aftershocks codes on firm ground. If purchasing a house, ascertain that the building is earthquake resistant. Check and improve earthquake safety of your existing house in consultation with engineer. Take necessary and proper advice before renovations and alterations in the house. Do not remove walls of existing building without consulting architect/ engineer. If ground floor of your building is open, it has higher probability of damage. Get it checked. False ceilings and electrical fittings must be properly anchored to avoid economic losses and injuries even during the minor earthquake. Fix up your TV and computers sets with table, heaters, refrigerators, bookcases and almirahs to walls to avoid free fall during the earthquake, which is very common. Do not keep racks in the passage in your office, schools factories, hospitals, as they will block the exit routes during emergency. Don t hang heavy mirrors or pictures above where people frequently sit or sleep. Teach members of your family how to turn off electricity and gas at main switches and valves. Learn where the main turn-off are for goal is to protect yourself from falling objects. Remain calm and try to calm and reassure others. Do not run outside in panic, falling sunshades, parapet and other projecting parts of the building may hurt you. Never use lifts. You may get trapped inside. If indoors, watch for falling objects like plasters, bricks/stones, lighting fixtures, high bookcases, shelves and other cabinets. They may slide or topple. Always cover your head with a pillow or cushion to save you from falling objects. Get under a table, desk or bed to avoid injuries or stand in a strong doorway or take shelter near an inner wall, as maximum damage occurs in outer wall. Stay away from a glass windows, mirrors, chimneys and other projecting parts of the building. Switch off gas and electric connections. If you are cooking, turn off the stove and take cover. If outside, avoid being close to high buildings, walls, power poles and other objects that could fall. If possible, move to an open area away from buildings. If you are driving, slow down smoothly and stop on the side of the road. Avoid stopping on or under bridges and overpasses, or under power lines, trees and Check house for damages, evacuate if it s damaged. Don t enter damaged buildings. Try to help close fires in case you see it. Wear shoes in all areas near debris and broken glass. Check services lines and appliances for damage. Don t use matches or lighters until it has been established that there is no gas leak. Don t crowd damaged areas unless help has been requested. Keep clear the roads for emergency operations. Don t spread rumors. Save water as it may be required for firefighting. DO NOT use telephones, EXCEPT for a medical or fire emergency. You could tie up the lines needed for emergency response. Of the phone doesn t work, send someone for help. Avoid taking help from firefighters, police or paramedical until it is essential. Their services may be required for more emergent duties. Know what to do and where to meet your family after an earthquake. Identify one relative in other city to provide information about your safety. Make emergency kit comprising of torch, fire extinguisher, water, money in cash. Portable radio, first aid kit candles, extra batteries for radio and torch, food items/ this kit may be checked from time to time to keep it up to date. Identify emergency exit of your house and always keep it clear. Hold earthquake drill at regular interval and know what to do during an earthquake. Discuss with family members about what everyone does at school and at work in case of an earthquake.

11 Basic DO s and DON T s before, during and after an earthquake

12 Project Site Please don t hesitate to contact any of our staff at: Tel.: ( ) A Bunyodkor Street, Tashkent, , Uzbekistan Those who work the Disaster Management way, live to work another day. We will be glad to answer your questions, share experience, accept support and just keep in contact with you! Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt