KOROR (Palau Horizon, Oct. 28, 2010) - President Johnson Toribiong has signed an Executive Order adopting the 2010 Palau National Disaster Risk Management Framework (PNDRMF) on Tuesday. Executive Order (EO) No. 287 repeals the existing EO 166-99 that was adopted on the Sept. 18, 1998 as the Republic of Palau National Disaster Management Plan.  It was issued on May 10, 1999.

That plan addressed a comprehensive response and recovery arrangement. It acts as the mechanism for incorporating disaster risk reduction and mitigation measures to achieve sustainable national development planning mandated in the 2020 Palau National Master Development Plan.

Alonzo Kyota, National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) coordinator, in an interview said, “The difference between the EO 166-99 and the new EO 287 is the new commitment locally and regionally. It needs to acknowledge new threats of climate change and their impact.”

The accelerated global warming exacerbates climate variability that increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters in the Pacific. The dangers arising from disasters and national emergencies imperil a wide range of interests and require an equally broad response.

Under the new Executive Order, all Ministries and Agencies of the Executive Branch must be prepared to coordinate efforts and cooperate in order to effectively meet the challenges posed by disasters and national emergencies.