Patong, Thailand. Local progress report on the implementation of the 10 Essentials for Making Cities Resilient (First Cycle)

Transcription

1 Patong, Thailand Local progress report on the implementation of the 10 Essentials for Making Cities Resilient (First Cycle) Mayor: Pian Keesin Name of focal point: Nasikarn Nitiprapathananun Organization: UNISDR - ROAP Title/Position: UNISDR address: nitiprapathananun@un.org Telephone: Reporting period: First Cycle ( ) Last updated on: 29 March 2013 Print date: 06 May 2013 Reporting language: English A Local HFA Monitor update published by PreventionWeb First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 1/28

2 Essential 1 Put in place organization and coordination to understand and reduce disaster risk, based on participation of citizen groups and civil society. Build local alliances. Ensure that all departments understand their role to disaster risk reduction and preparedness. How well are local organizations (including local government) equipped with capacities (knowledge, experience, official mandate) for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation? The municipality has assigned a budget for educating the public about / promoting a public awareness campaign on global warming reduction, nominated personnel to participate in related trainings and provided evacuation drills to students and the public of which the drill schedule has been scheduled regularly. Civil defense volunteers have been trained annually as well as the municipality s staff especially those who work in disaster prevention team. However, we clearly define role and responsibility for our staff. Also, we set up the coordination mechanism with our own departments and outside stakeholders such as the private sector, community, related departments in provincial level. The Patong Municipality of Phuket (PMP) has set up a Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Sub-division under its Office of Municipal Clerk. The Subdivision has 68 staff and is operated 24 hours a day to manage emergencies in addition to disaster prevention and mitigation tasks. They collect data and prepare hazard and risk map for major hazards in the city landslide, Tsunami, fire and landslides and inundation. They prepare Disaster Management Plan with scenarios of disasters and plan for actions before, during and after each disaster and/or emergency. The Plan includes clearly assigned responsibilities including individual responsibilities and contact of the Municipal Government leaders. They conduct fire drill every week to maintain their skill as well as implement drills for tsunami, landslide and fire more than once a year for communities, civil defense volunteers, schools and a hospital, private sectors and municipal personnel. + Additional related documents(documents can be attached online)- Disaster Management Plan Patong Municipality of Phuket (the roles and responsibility have been clearly defined in this plan), Patong organization chart To what extent do partnerships exist between communities, private First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 2/28

3 sector and local authorities to reduce risk? All relevant sectors in municipality are willing to participate in trainings and drills regarding public disasters. Action plans for public disasters e.g. tsunami, fire and landslides are in place. There is a plan in the future to improve the participation of all private hotels to set the drill schedule in regular plan. There is an existing mechanism to form the coordination among local authorities, private sector and other districts including communities. The Disaster Management Plan of Patong Municipality includes clear responsibilities of different divisions of the Municipality, local offices of national agencies (Phuket provincial office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department) and private sector (such as Hotel Society) with mechanisms for communication and coordination among them. We have set up its Disaster Rapid Team Response on Disaster comprising of municipality staff and Civil Defense Volunteers who are ready for all calamities. Patong municipality also renders help to other neighboring districts during disaster time; although no any agreement has been written. Previously, Patong Municipality has worked effectively with Kassetsart University, Department of Mineral Resources, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) for mapping of hazard zone and risk assessment of landslides. Also, Patong Municipality has cooperated with Tourism Association of Phuket, hotels and other private businesses to disseminate practical example of DRR in tourism destinations. Patong has involved in several activities regarding disaster risk reduction such as the documentation on its practice and the distribution of Disaster risk reduction: a tool kit for tourism destinations practical examples from coastal settlements in Asia in partnership with UNEP and other national and international organizations in For Fire emergency planning, Patong associates with various organizations as below: The Provincial Electricity Authority The Provincial Waterworks Authority Katu Police Station Patong Hospital Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket Office Other nearby fire stations Non Profit Organizations Royal Thai Navy Maritime Security Center Civil Defense Volunteer Center Phuket Red Cross How much does the local government support vulnerable local communities (particularly women, elderly, infirmed, children) to actively participate in risk reduction decision-making, policy making, planning and implementation processes? First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 3/28

4 The Patong Municipality has established mechanisms for the representatives of residents to have direct influence on decision-making, policy making, planning and implementation process of the Disaster Management Plan, other contingency plans and other issues including disaster risk reduction. This is in line with Regulations of the Ministry of Interior on the development plans of local organization B.E 2548(2005), enacted by Department of Local Administration that requires approval by committees consisting of community representatives of any activity and budget plan as well as master plans. The community committee has been designated their roles and responsibilities for providing assistance to children, women and the elderly during public disasters. During disasters, civil defense volunteers shall assemble at the civil defense volunteer center in order to be designated their roles and responsibilities. We organize the meeting for elderly every month as the forum to exchange and share information between the member and the municipality. In addition, the elderly will receive the subsistence allowance every month in accordance with national laws. In terms of social welfare for elderly, children and disables, the municipality have allocated the budget for housing and child care centres. The municipality has allocated the budget every year, for example, in the 2011 budget plan, we allocated 3,672,000 Baht for elderly, 270,000 Baht for disables and 6,000 Baht for people living with HIV/AIDS to assist these vulnerable people to improve their health care and livelihoods. To what extent does the local government participate in the national DRR planning? In addition, the mayor and the deputy mayor of Patong have been active in sharing Patong experience with other cities at meetings organized by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the National Municipal League of Thailand (NMT). Some examples can be provided as on December 22-23,2010 Patong Municipality has participated in the training and evacuation drill for the Marine and Aircraft crisis from Tsunami Disaster and; Patong Municipality has participated in the 2nd International Conference on Disaster Preparedness for Person with Disabilities on May 12 13, First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 4/28

5 Essential 2 Assign a budget for disaster risk reduction and provide incentives for homeowners, low-income families, communities, businesses and public sector to invest in reducing the risks they face. How far does the local government have access to adequate financial resources to carry out risk reduction activities? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Every year, Patong Municipality assigns a budget of 4,000,000 THB (US$ 134,000) for disaster prevention and drills regardless of possible reduction in its budget revenue. This represents 1.41% of total expenditure in the fiscal year of Not only the internal fund, but there are some assistance directly goes to the victims in Patong. For example, TV stations such as itv (owned by ITV Public Company Limited) supported renovation of three-storey building of Ban Kalim school, and support the poor victims for 16 houses located on Pak Bang Canel Coast. There are many projected implemented by Patong municipality such as sea-bouyance Project (200,000 Baht), Civil Defense Volunteer Training (200,000 Baht), Mudslide emergency drills and how to help the victims (40,000 Baht) Tsunami Evacuation Plan Practice Project (300,000 Baht) If the allocated budget has not been used, it will be accumulated for next fiscal year. People have more awareness and better understanding about disaster so that they are not too panic and able to evacuate timely. + Additional related documents(documents can be attached online)- Municipal Law on the Budget, Memorandum of project proposals on building infrastructure for DRR and on tackling city expansion (such as establishing water pumps to prevent flood, building wall to prevent mudslide and building road to minimize the traffic congestion) To what degree does the local government allocate sufficient financial resources to carry out DRR activities, including effective disaster response and recovery? First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 5/28

6 The Patong Emergency Fund includes provision for cash aid or soft loans to be provided to people in need. Patong Municipality could pay from the saving account for emergency case which Patong Municipal Council has to approve. The authority also distributes fire extinguishers to the respective communities and provides cash aid to affected households including the elderly and the disabled. What is the scope of financial services (e.g. saving and credit schemes, macro and micro-insurance) available to vulnerable and marginalised households for pre- disaster times? Every year, Patong Municipality assigns a budget of 4,000,000 THB (US$ 134,000) fordisaster prevention and drills regardless of possible reduction in its budget revenue. This represents 1.41% of total expenditure in the fiscal year of 2011, 1.47%; in 2009 and 1.58% in Not only the internal fund, but there are some assistance directly goes to the victims in Patong. For example, TV stations such as itv (owned by ITV Public Company Limited) supported renovation of three-storey building of Ban Kalim school, and support the poor victims for 16 houses located on Pak Bang Canel Coast. To what extent are micro finance, cash aid, soft loans, lone guarantees etc available to affected households after disasters to restart livelihoods? The municipality has distributed cash immediately after the disaster to affected households. Social welfare department is responsible for assisting the affected How well established are economic incentives for investing in First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 6/28

7 disaster risk reduction for households and businesses (e.g. reduced insurance premiums for households, tax holidays for businesses)? After the Tsunami in 2004, Patong Municipality gave incentive to the business sector with the 3 months extension for Local Development Tax payment. Besides, municipality also issues the credit guarantee letters for private sectors for business recovery loan from banks. To what extent do local business associations, such as chambers of commerce and similar, support efforts of small enterprises for business continuity during and after disasters? Level of Progress achieved: 3 There are also some helps from chambers of commerce but it is not outstanding. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 7/28

8 Essential 3 Maintain up-to-date data on hazards and vulnerabilities, prepare risk assessments and use these as the basis for urban development plans and decisions. Ensure that this information and the plans for your city's resilience are readily available to the public and fully discussed with them. To what degree does the local government conducted thorough disaster risk assessments for key vulnerable development sectors in your local authority? The authority has assigned the Prevention team to conduct and promote a public awareness on disaster risk reduction to the general public and communities. In addition, trainings and drills are regularly offered, in particular at the high-risk areas of dense buildings and high-rises. Also, high-risk areas are identified and informed to the public.?the landslide risk map was completed in 2009 showing seven risk areas with number of households, population. Past landslide events were put on the maps. Safety places including schools were indicated. Moreover, a map with exposure of buildings to landslides was also prepared. Seven Tsunami-prone areas were identified by the Patong Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Sub-division in 2006 based on the damages caused by the 2004 Tsunami (in terms of death, economic damage and populated area) and estimates population/vendors and tourist/visitors in each risk zone. Eight fire risk zones were identified by the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Sub-division based on risk factors that would cause fire such as populated areas with small paths, wooden houses, old electricity network and equipments and big tanks of flammable fuel. Tourism is the main economic sector for Patong and source of income for many people in the city. The Patong Municipality recognizes the vulnerability to landslides of hotels and guesthouse and their staff and guests, located near the end of the hill. Similarly, vulnerability of hotels and shops on the beach to tsunami is well recognized and assessed. To what extent are these risk assessments regularly updated, e.g. annually or on a bi-annual basis? First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 8/28

9 The authority has conducted safety plan based on the executive's policy e.g tsunami / landslides evacuation plan. Especially, tsunami evacuation drills have been offered annually. Local people have been clearly identified safety areas and high-risk areas. However, the plan has not been updated annually. How regularly does the local government communicate to the community, information on local hazard trends and risk reduction measures (e.g. using a Risk Communications Plan) including early warnings of likely hazard impact? Information related to natural disaster and risk reduction measures are regularly communicated to communities and public via different channels: local radio, text messages, public announcement, local press, warning towers, amateur radio, walkytalkies, etc. Patong Centre VHF Radio MHZ has been use as a communication on Tsunami and trainings. However, climate change information related has yet widely publicized. It is acceptable that during emergency, the telephone system cannot work. Therefore, the municipality has to update risk information to the prevention team for further informing to the community radio and amateur radio to ensure that local communities shall keep informed the messages. Moreover, the municipality established CCTV to monitor the situation so that decision making for assistance can be made properly. Staff of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Sub-division distributes brochure on disaster risks in Thai and English languages to all residents and tourists. The Municipal Division of Public Relations uses vehicles with loud speaker to promote information on disasters. 10,000 brochures have been printed and more copies are being made as requested) for distribution to tourists explaining about Tsunami early warning, risk and safety zones and evaluation routes in Patong. The hotels and tourism association helps in this dissemination work. There are also signs on hazard information, evacuation routes and sites on the beach and along the way to evacuation sites for tourists and residents. In the future plan, the municipality will coordinate with the private hotel to set up warning calls directly to guest s rooms. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 9/28

10 How well are local government risk assessments linked to, and supportive of, risk assessments from neighbouring local authorities and state or provincial government risk management plans? The municipality in collaboration with provincial agencies as well as neighbouring local authorities has regularly participated in drills for evacuation/ other related risk management plans to ensure well preparedness of both local people and the tourists. There are the corporation plans among organizations and the procedure of communicative radio. In addition, all municipalities in Phuket province has to comply with the provincial prevention plan. So far, we haven t had the plan to do risk assessment with neighboring districts. How well are disaster risk assessments incorporated into all relevant local development planning on a consistent basis? Level of Progress achieved: 5 The executive team and members of council have already assigned the budget for risk management plans e.g. provision of equipment needed to deal with the hazards and also the budget for recovery operation after disasters. We prepared prevention plans in relation to nature disasters like tsunami, landslide, flood and etc. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 10/28

11 Essential 4 Invest in and maintain critical infrastructure that reduces risk, such as flood drainage, adjusted where needed to cope with climate change. How far do land use policies and planning regulations for housing and development infrastructure take current and projected disaster risk (including climate related risks) into account? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Housing Communication Transportation Energy Yes No Yes No When we began to plan for any infrastructure project, we have to study the land use and process the risk assessment to prevent any disasters. Also, we have to ensure that the project might not create the crucial impact the environment and/or the community. The budget FY 2012, Patong has set a budget for a dam construction (Wang Ki-On Canal) for improving water drainage systems and reducing flooding in the municipality. The estimated total amount of this project is Baht 42,000,000 from municipal revenue and bounty (Central Budget). Another drainage pipe project Bang- Pru-Riean Canal, was planned FY2013. Estimated cost of the project is Baht 25,000,000 from municipal revenue and bounty (Central Budget). Patong also has planned many activities on drainage systems and cleaning canal within these 3 years period in the Master Plan ( ) to improve municipal infrastructures and prevent on hazards. However, climate related risks have not been taken into account yet. How adequately are critical public facilities and infrastructure located in high risk areas assessed for all hazard risks and safety? First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 11/28

12 Level of Progress achieved: 5 The landslide risk assessment includes hazard areas for buildings and roads. Enforcement is in place to ensure that all buildings for housing follow the Earthquake Law (Building Act B.E [1979], Section 5 and Ministerial Regulation B.E [2007]). The Division of Public Works in Patong Municipality carries out regular inspection. To protect roads from landslide, Division of Public Works checks the threat of landslides by GPS with support from Kassetsart University, Department of Mineral Resources, ADPC and build the landslide walls. Sanitary Works Division excavates the canal twice a year, contributing to protection from floods. Moreover, before rainy season, the Division sacks sand on drainage pipe by the car shown in the right and side to protect flood, which comes from beach and construction site. How adequate are the measures that are being undertaken to protect critical public facilities and infrastructure from damage during disasters? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Public works and Sanitary departments have inspected covers of drainage and ditches annually. Patong repairs and reconstructs schools, youth centers, public toilets and early warning towers. Sanitary department would clean up and remove all waste in canal including ditch draining. Road construction and maintenance is the main responsibility of Public Works department. For the wall protecting roads against landslide, Division of Public Works checks walls every 6 months by observation for cracks and Mechanical Concrete Test Humber (See the picture). For a water sanitary facility in Patong Municipality, staff of Sanitary Division checks cracks by observation twice a year. The life of concrete buildings in water sanitary is around 20 to 30 years so it is not time to renovate buildings. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Sub-division is the center for emergency operation. With 68 staff, it operates 24 hours. The centre has VR for emergency communication systems, apart from SMS, phone, fax and 7 voice lines for early warning. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 12/28

13 Essential 5 Assess the safety of all schools and health facilities and upgrade these as necessary. To what extent have local schools, hospitals and health facilities received special attention for "all hazard" risk assessments in your local authority? Schools Hospitals/ health facilities Yes Yes The municipality has conducted the school inspection annually regarding the criteria from the the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA) which emphasizes on quality and efficiency in functioning and quality enhancement. In addition, all public infrastructure such as buildings and roads have regularly been inspected for safety. In addition, we have assessed high-rises for fire protection. We ensure that building s infrastructure is safe and beneficial to the crippled. Before Tsunami in 2004, schools were only one-story buildings. From the lesson of 5-6 meters Tsunami hitting Patong, now every school has three- or fourstories buildings and classrooms are assigned to upper than first story for avoiding damage of tsunami. How safe are all main schools, hospitals and health facilities from disasters so that they have the ability to remain operational during emergencies? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Schools Hospitals/ health facilities Yes Yes First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 13/28

14 After tsunami in 2004, the municipality inspected all the health facilities and schools to ensure that they locate in safe area and are well prepared for disaster prevention. We also ensure that services can be provided during disaster. The municipality s staff, especially in disaster prevention team, are prompt for rendering efficient services. To what degree do local government or other levels of government have special programs in place to regularly assess schools, hospitals and health facilities for maintenance, compliance with building codes, general safety, weather-related risks etc.? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Schools Hospitals/ health facilities Yes Yes Waste water treatment is put in place and it is planned to further improvement. There are building control laws and regulations and be enforced by engineers at both local and provincial levels. Every building has to get approval from the municipality for safety check before construction. However, there is still law violation since the municipality cannot entirely enforce. Some families are found to build their house in the restriction areas. We do not initiate the assessment with respect to weatherrelated risk. How far are regular disaster preparedness drills undertaken in schools, hospitals and health facilities? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Schools Hospitals/ health facilities Yes Yes First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 14/28

15 Drills / training are continuously provided at all levels of local agencies, schools and the public. Disaster risk reduction has been integrated into formal education programs in all public and private schools / hospitals. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Subdivision conducts fire and tsunami drills in schools. In schools, students are taught to evacuate including in case of 5-6 meter hit by Tsunami as experienced in Besides, hotels in Patong and outside district have requested the municipality to provide the trainings and drills. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 15/28

16 Essential 6 Apply and enforce realistic, risk compliant building regulations and land use planning principles. Identify safe land for low-income citizens and develop upgrading of informal settlements, wherever feasible. How well are risk-sensitive land use regulations and building codes, health and safety codes enforced across all development zones and building types? In Patong, there are 5 laws regulating land use and building construction: 1. Building Act B.E. 2522, Section 5(3) and Section 8 (10), Ministerial Regulation B.E. 2532: National law for landscape considers for open space,such as walk way etc, for smooth evacuation. Building Act B.E. 2522, Section 5(3) and Section 8 (10), Ministerial Regulation B.E. 2529: National Law for landscape, such as Building control 2. Town Planning Act B.E. 2518, Ministerial Regulation B.E. 2548: City Planning Law about Phuket for Zoning 3. Enhancement and Conservation of National Environment Quality Act B.E. 2535, Ministerial Regulation B. E. 2553: Environmental Law considering about Building structure, such as height, areas, etc 4. Building Act B.E. 2522, Section 5(3) and Section 8 (10), Ministerial Regulation B.E. 2529: National Law for landscape, such as Building control 5. In case of to dig more than 3 meters or to construct buildings with more than 10,000-square-meter land, they have to get checked by engineers of Division of Public Works of Patong Municipality according to Land Code Act B.E Law on Earthquakes (Building Act B.E. 2522, Section 5, Ministerial Regulation B.E. 2550): Regulating some areas in Phuket with the threat of earthquake Process of construction: To construct buildings, request for construction with all details should submitted to the Division of Public Works in Patong Municipality to check on compliance with laws and regulations. An architect checks its layout (height, setback, types of buildings, etc) and an engineer goes to the site to check if the construction is in line with the submitted details. There are 7 engineers to check different areas on daily basis if constructions follow the regulations. Moreover, inspection takes place again before the open of the buildings. Inspection the Division of Public Works is separate from internal checking by the construction companies. How strong are existing regulations (e.g. land use plans, building First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 16/28

17 codes etc) to support disaster risk reduction in your local authority? Level of Progress achieved: 5 According to the National Act of Building Construction B.E (1979), big business and commercial buildings (shopping mall, hotel with more than 80 rooms, condominium with more than 2,000 square meters, buildings higher than 50 meters) have to submit reports the Division of Public Works in Patong Municipality for regular inspection. For smaller buildings, the inspection is carried out by provincial inspection team on annual basis. Although the authority strictly enforces the rule and regulations, the violation still exits. Hotels might do any construction work without asking the permission or the local people have built their dwellings in the restricted or disaster prone areas. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 17/28

18 Essential 7 Ensure education programmes & training on disaster risk reduction are in place in schools and communities. How regularly does the local government conduct awarenessbuilding or education programs on DRR and disaster preparedness for local communities? Programs include cultural diversity issues Programs are sensitive to gender perspectives No No The authority always conduct and promote a public awareness to local communities by means of both offering training and in-house broadcasting about disaster preparedness. Additionally, drills for risk management plan have been regularly undertaken by provincial agencies in collaboration with neighbouring local authorities. To what extent does the local government provide training in risk reduction for local officials and community leaders? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Local people and all relevant agencies has recognized the past situations and experiences they faced. They have already raised awareness on initial risk reduction. In addition, the authority has continuously conducted awareness - building or educated local communities and schools about disaster risk reduction by means of disseminating related documents and nominating its staff to provide training for better understanding and well preparedness during emergencies. Patong municipality set up First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 18/28

19 its own Disaster Rapid Team Response on Disaster. The team comprises of Patong Staff and 552 civil defense volunteers who are willing residents. For the volunteers, Subdivision of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation conducts five-days training once a year. The training for volunteer in 2010 was held in January comprising of 2 days training for fire, 1 day for primary health care, 1 day for regular rules, half a day for tsunami and half a day for communication method (VR). The Subdivision of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation also organizes training for communities once a year. The trainees are residents selected by leaders of communities. The number of trainees in each year depends on the available budget but from about 100 to 3000 people are trained every year. Teachers also receive training on disaster management once a year. To what degree do local schools and colleges include courses, education or training in disaster risk reduction (including climate related risks) as part of the education curriculum? Level of Progress achieved: 3 At present, disaster risk reduction has yet regularly been included in the school curriculum. However, the authority has assigned its staff to conduct and promote public awareness on disaster risk reduction to students in schools in Patong municipality twice a year and tsunami evacuation drill has been included. After Tsunami in 2004, a school text book of Tsunami Preparedness was first published in 2004 with the support from UNESCO/IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission) and United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) under the agreement with the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC). The Ban Sai Nam Yen School in Patong has integrated disaster risk reduction lessons in their curriculum for grade 4-6. Classes are taught once a week for 1 semester during the school year. Climate risk reduction and climate change have also been integrated in geography and social science lessons but not having been set in the regular curriculum. The school not only has the course in the classroom but also provides a self-study on disaster risk reduction on the computer-aided instruction. The Division of Education provides the education curriculum namely the Tsunami Evacuation for all students that starts from grade 1 in the municipal schools to ensure the students will learn and get ready for the disasters. How aware are citizens of evacuation plans or drills for evacuations when necessary? First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 19/28

20 Evacuation signs / routes have been put in place. Safety areas have been clearly identified. Moreover, the authority has also cooperated with local hotels to ensure disaster preparedness to the tourists especially the evacuation route. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 20/28

21 Essential 8 Protect ecosystems and natural buffers to mitigate floods, storm surges and other hazards to which your city may be vulnerable. Adapt to climate change by building on good risk reduction practices. How well integrated are local government DRR policies, strategies and implementation plans with existing environmental development and natural resource management plans? Level of Progress achieved: 5 There are clear policy and strategy plans including the projects regarding the environmental development. The municipality has integrated plans with the strategy plan at both provincial and national levels. As landslide is one of the frequent disasters in Patong, the authority raises awareness to the public and educates those whose dwellings are built in exposure areas. Also, there is a campaign for cutting-tree prohibition and fire protection in forests. To what degree does the local government support the restoration, protection and sustainable management of ecosystems services? Forests Coastal zones Wetlands Water resources River basins No No No No No First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 21/28

22 Fisheries No The municipality has regularly conducted public campaign on forestation near mountainside and seashore. Also, there are several projects which are initiated to protect marine environment such as the cleaning-up projects on beach and at sea. Project to plant 999 trees in Patong Park supports reforestation and enhance the ecosystem. There are native plants that have very strong roots and grow well on beach. It contributes to wave impact reduction as a natural defense line. How much do civil society organizations and citizens participate in the restoration, protection and sustainable management of ecosystems services? Level of Progress achieved: 5 The municipality has initiated and participated in environmental recovery / prevention of sustainable ecosystems. Enterprise and hotel owners are obligated to submit the report on the environment impact every three months to the municipality. How much does the private sector participate in the implementation of environmental and ecosystems management plans in your local authority? The number of private sectors puts in place the activities / environmental conservation plan at local level. There is a project on ecosystem-based green hotels. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 22/28

23 Essential 9 Install early warning systems and emergency management capacities in your city and hold regular public preparedness drills. To what degree do local institutions have access to financial reserves to support effective disaster response and early recovery? The authority has already allocated budget derived from the municipal council and from emergency budget. We have facilitated the procedure to access to financial reserves for disaster response and early recovery. Early Warning system is provided by the National Disaster Warning Center, which set buoys for tsunami early waning to residents by 3 towers along the beach which were build in 2005 with support from Governments of Sweden and Germany. Its sound reaches up to 1.5 miles and therefore it can reach those far from shore. The warning message is translated into six languages for tourists: Thai, English, Chinese, German, Japanese and Swedish. In addition, Subdivision of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation also sends warning signs by 7 voice line (amplifiers and automatic wireless warning sirens) and cars with siren as shown in the flow chart below. As mentioned before, the Subdivision is operated 24 hours a day. When the 3 towers for early warning were built, they were tested for 4 months with playing National Anthem at 9am everyday. The 7 Voice Lines, supported by UA Thai Company Limited, are used everyday. Patong Municipality cooperates with Thai Meteorological Department Southern West Coast for weather forecast and surveillance. Radio frequency megahertz is used for disaster communication. For landslide warning, each community has rain gauge for rainfall measurement in the risk area for disaster surveillance. They were trained by Weather Department belonging to the central government which set the gauges. In case of threat of landslide, community leaders inform residents by siren located in each community. To what extent are early warning centres established, adequately staffed (or on-call personnel) and well resourced (power back ups, equipment redundancy etc) at all times? First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 23/28

24 The authority's officials are prompt around the clock. Also, early warning radar, CCTV and early warning station will help assess hazard risk. (when and what time will tsunami occur.) The municipality has been well equipped with equipment for disaster prevention and response such as fire engines, fire extinguishers, rescue tools and device. How much do warning systems allow for adequate community participation? The authority has already appointed Mr. Warning. During the emergency, he shall be keep informed about risk information for further communication to local people. Additionally, civil defense volunteers shall help spread risk information. Moreover, installation of rain gauge is carried out at the high-risk areas to ensure well preparedness. To what extent does the local government have an emergency operations centre (EOC) and/or an emergency communication system? Patong Municipality has set up EOC before and during disaster. Mayor will be the commander and deputy mayor will monitor the situation at the center. We work closely with National Disaster Warning Center to monitor the natural hazard which may occur such as earthquake warning. During the emergency, the communication to local community radio, amateur radio and in-house broadcasting can be made to update risk information. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 24/28

25 How regularly are training drills and rehearsal carried out with the participation of relevant government, non-governmental, local leaders and volunteers? Drills in collaboration with local government officials have been offered to ensure that all sectors know what they should do during the emergency. Drills are organized annually for different types of hazards as follows: - Tsunami: Evacuation drill is conducted once a year for residents, schools and hospitals, private sectors, etc. From the beach to the safe evacuation places, trainees run with the guide of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division. The drill is held in front of tourists so that they would recognize the evacuation process. In the drill, better knowledge on earthquake is also provided to participants. - Fire: drill is conducted once every year. - Mud slide and flood: drill is conducted once every year. - Landslide: Patong had recently conducted not only a landslide drill but also simulation on rescue operation by using Incident Command System (ICS) which is about Command, Control and Coordination to help coordination among organizations. There is the Incident Commander to guide Command Staff and units: Liaison Officer, Information Officer, Safety Unit, Operation Unit, Logistic Unit, Planning Unit, Finance and Administration Unit. How available are key resources for effective response, such as emergency supplies, emergency shelters, identified evacuation routes and contingency plans at all times? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Stockpiles of relief supplies Emergency shelters Safe evacuation routes identified Contingency plan or community disaster preparedness plan for all major hazards Yes Yes Yes Yes First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 25/28

26 We have arranged stockpiles of relief supplies, food, water and so on. During disaster, Social Welfare department also provide freshly cooked food at evacuation center and at the affected communities. First Aid kits warehouse, shelters, evacuation route and emergency plan are in place. Emergency shelters are clearly assigned and informed to the community. The safety places for evacuation, for example, are at Wat Suwan Kiriwong temple, schools and the municipal office. Alarming devices were installed at schools and Patong hospital. First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 26/28

27 Essential 10 After any disaster, ensure that the needs of the survivors are placed at the centre of reconstruction with support for them and their community organizations to design and help implement responses, including rebuilding homes and livelihoods. How much access does the local government have to resources and expertise to assist victims of psycho-social (psychological, emotional) impacts of disasters? The municipality assigns a budget for vocational training for the community. Therapy from psychologist is provided to build up and strengthen mental health to the disasteraffected population. Emergency relief e.g. home improvement, consumer donation is provided to the disaster-affected population. Public relations officials and psychologists are assigned to provide mental treatments to help and create victims confidence (see Disaster Management Plan). Each hospital in Phuket including Patong Hospital has DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistant Team) for psycho-social worker, providing food, water, clothes, etc. The Municipality considers good public health care is an essential factor for people to be resilient to disasters. After Tsunami in 2004, for post disaster response, Patong Municipality established an assessment team to inspect and investigate the damage in order to provide immediate assistance to the disaster victims by following the Thailand Ministry of Finance rules and regulations. Based on Patong's record, 96 households had been provided financial assistance for housing renovation and for sustainable livelihood. How well are disaster risk reduction measures integrated into postdisaster recovery and rehabilitation activities (i.e. build back better, livelihoods rehabilitation)? After Tsunami in 2004, Patong municipality established an assessment team to First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 27/28

28 Powered by TCPDF ( inspect and review the construction. The results of this report are used in post-disaster reconstruction. The post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation plan after Tsunami are used as the base-line for future construction and disaster risk reduction. Adequate budget, personnel, tools and equipment are in place and prompt to respond to the emergencies. Public sector is involved in recovery process. We rehabilitate livelihood for those in the disaster-affected area. In addition, we restore and recovery the public utilities. To what degree does the Contingency Plan (or similar plan) include an outline strategy for post disaster recovery and reconstruction, including needs assessments and livelihoods rehabilitation? We assign a budget for emergency relief and distribute food and drink in timely manner. Financial assistance has been provided to the disaster-affected population. The budget has also assigned for vocational trainings and infrastructure recovery. Any assistances depend on community's demands and situations. After tsunami in 2004, our municipality has formulated the system to help those affected in disasters during emergency time and post-disaster First cycle of Local HFA ( ) 28/28