Earthquake, a natural-born killer

 

NATURAL disasters that have occurred on our shores over the past have been responsible for the loss of many lives, damage to infrastructure and property, and displacement or homelessness of people.

Solomon Islands is exposed to natural disasters such as earthquakes with many parts of the country also vulnerable to tsunamis, cyclones, floods and active volcanoes.

Disaster occurs when a hazard results in injuries, loss of lives, damages to infrastructure and property, and displacement or homelessness of people.

It is usually an adverse event that exceeds the response capability of an affected individual or community.

These naturally occurring disasters had made enormous adverse impacts on the livelihood of people living in the affected communities, and the country as a whole.

Poor health, economic loss, environmental damages and absence of poor quality relationships with family and friends are the furthermost vulnerabilities that have subsequently occurred.

The country has experienced a spate of earthquake and aftershocks over the last month and weeks that sends shockwaves throughout the country.

World Vision has reported that 3,000 people have been affected by the recent 7.8 magnitude quake that struck the country last month December 9, 2016 with many buildings reported damaged in parts of Makira, South Malaita, east and south Guadalcanal, as a result from the quake and tsunami waves.

In the Shortland Islands, dozens of families were reported homeless after more than 30 homes in Maleai village were destroyed by the 7.9 magnitude PNG-centered earthquake on December 17, 2016.

Just at 12.16pm yesterday, an earthquake of magnitude 5.8 occurred near Latitude 13.7 Degrees South, Longitude 166.4 Degrees East, approximately 224km North-Northwest of Santo (Luganville), Vanuatu.

There was no tsunami threat as issued by the Solomon Islands Meteorological services.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Dr Melchior Mataki in a recent interview said: “We can do all the actions within our capacity to reduce our vulnerability to disaster.”

He said the recent earthquake that affected Makira and parts of Malaita and Guadalcanal and the Shortland islands points a need to look at designs of our buildings so that they can withstand certain category of cyclones and earthquakes.

“When building homes, people must take into considerations the potential risks of natural hazards. That is the first step without waiting for disaster to occur; people must make sure houses are properly built,” he said.

He said construction of buildings throughout the country must be up to required standard building code, to withstand natural extreme events.

Dr Melchior said it is important the standard building code must also be enforced by municipal authorities throughout the country.

“We can have a new building code but it needs to be enforced. We really need to strengthen that so that the designs are resistant, not only to resist cyclones but also earthquake.”

Dr Melchior pointed out that this must have to be addressed holistically.

“This is important to reducing the risks well before a disaster strikes, and this is our collective responsibility,” he said.

Dr Melchior said people should not build on places that are on high risks.

“We can do all the actions within our capacity to reduce our vulnerability to disaster,” he said

National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Director, Loti Yates has told the media that “the natural disaster is stronger than us all, so we must not under estimate the power of nature”.

Therefore, for us to save ourselves and our loved ones, there is most important need to educate ourselves on disaster preparedness plans or emergency response plans, to enable us to be effectively response for ourselves when disaster strikes.

Thus, it is important that we must adapt to such plans to decrease the chances of our communities and ourselves from being affected by disasters, such as earthquake or tsunami.

Disaster preparedness plans are organised set of plans ahead; required for us to carry out to prepare for a possible disaster, while an Emergency response plan is a plan of action needed for us to carry out when the disaster strikes.

People should be reminded of the key measures on what to do before an earthquake occurs.

It is also of paramount importance to be reminded of key messages on what to do when an actual earthquake strikes, such as identify safe places where you can protect your head and avoid heavy falling objects.

Earthquake can cause a tsunami. If you feel a strong earthquake, go quickly on higher ground and listen to the radio for warnings.

An earthquake is unpredictable, your family and community must be prepared at all times. Keep an emergency kit at home for your family.

If you are travelling on the road, pull off the road to a clear area and stop the car. These are the key safety messages supplied by the NDMO.

NDMO Director, loti Yates has told the media that the power of nature can kill, be prepared at all times.

The national government has developed a new disaster management plan, one of the purpose of the plan is to provide for the promotion and development of disaster management in villages, wards and communities.

The plan is in its final stages and expected to go Plan to go before cabinet for endorsement early this year.

In disaster risk management, the plan aims to supporting communities to understand and manage hazards and disasters for safeguarding lives, property and livelihood through the performance of all forms of activities for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction to manage and lessen the impacts of natural, man- made, environmental and technological disasters.

In Risk reduction, the plan is taking action to reduce the risks from disaster and climate hazards and the potential impacts of disasters within the broad context of sustainable development including land use, livelihood/economic activity and infrastructure.

As the phrase “prevention is better than cure” may align to the context of this article, consider yourself, your family, your community as vulnerable to disaster and prepare your disaster preparedness and emergency response plans – ‘what to do’ as the country continue to experience tremor and aftershocks.

Remember; reduce the risks by building strong quake proof homes.

Earthquake can cause a tsunami, if you feel a strong earthquake, go quickly on higher ground and listen to the radio for warnings.

The power of nature can kill! Be Prepared!