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Risk Reduction

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Baseline Data and Information

There is still something of a paucity of accurate baseline data and information to support informed decision-making on matters of disaster risk reduction and by extension on sustainable national development. While some attempts are being made by DRP supported by the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science, New Zealand AIR Worldwide and the Pacific Disaster Center, to establish national and regional risk databases there must be more support from partners and relevant national agencies.

Scientific and Technical Assessments

In relation to the provision of baseline data and information there is a need to expand the knowledge base regarding DRM and climate change in the Pacific through risk assessments, modelling and mapping, post-disaster physical, socio-economic, and environmental damage and loss assessments across all sectors such as agriculture and tourism and lifeline services such as water, to inform decision making and build resilience. In this connection there is also need to incorporate best practices and lessons learned from traditional DRM practices with applied scientific and technical methodologies and approaches.

Early Warning Systems

The PICTs continue to be challenged by the physical remoteness of many communities in terms of developing and supporting end-to-end multi-hazard early warning systems appropriate and sustainable within the region. In this regard there is a need for increased investments in community preparedness, and to continue support for relevant technical agencies such as national meteorological and hydrological services, and as well to identify new and innovative approaches through dialogue and exchanges with our partners.

For more information, contact:

1. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Senior Advisor Risk Reduction

2. Mereoni Ketewai
Assistant Risk Mapping Officer



Last Updated on Thursday, 05 February 2015 07:10  


Newsflash

6 August 2013 – Secretariat of the Pacific Community - A moving closing ceremony took place on 2 August in Mata ‘Utu. It celebrated achievements made possible through a two-year partnership between the European Union (EU), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the French territory of Wallis and Futuna.

The three institutions brought together their comparative assets to deliver an integrated programme to reinforce the safety of people and infrastructure against natural disasters.

Wallis and Futuna, like its Pacific neighbours, is facing costly natural disasters: it is still reeling from the devastation brought by Cyclone Evan in December 2012, and the impacts of the Tonga earthquake and tsunami in September 2009 (not to mention a previous tsunami in 1993) are still being felt.

Recognising that knowledge is key to disaster planning, the government led by the Administrateur Supérieur commissioned a study of the tsunami hazard faced by the entire territory, including the islands of Wallis, Futuna and Alofi.