About
NDPPM
The National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Month (NDPPM), observed annually in the month of May, is a call to action for all persons to get involved in disaster prevention and preparedness activities prior to the commencement of the Atlantic Hurricane and Wet Seasons. As part of its mandate to drive advocacy for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Emergency Management Association (EMATT) in collaboration with Cipriani College of Labour & Co-operative Studies (CCLCS), will be hosting a national webinar entitled
“Community Resilience: Working Together to Mitigate Flood Risk”.
Let's
Discuss
Flood Emergency Response and Preparedness
Flooding in Trinidad and Tobago is the most frequent natural disaster that has had a significant economic and social impact on the country over the last five years. According to the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) during the period 2018- 2022 approximately $556.7 million was spent on measures to mitigate flooding in low lying areas. Flood preparedness and response require the involvement of actors at the national, local
government and individual household levels. This presentation provides an insight into the actions taken at the state and local government levels to prepare for and respond to the flood
hazard.
Urbanisation
and Flood Risk
Overall effective flood management in urban areas requires a comprehensive approach addressing both the built infrastructure and the natural environment. The presentation seeks to examine the impact of urban development on flood risk and explores possible mitigation measures such as:
- storm water management
- drainage management
- public education and engagement
Community Participation
in FloodRisk Reduction
This presentation begins with the writer’s admission of bewilderment at the widespread disregard of the perennial flood risk, the availability of flood risk information from many sources notwithstanding. The writer then moves quickly into a discussion of flood preparedness, touching superficially on preparedness at the national and local government levels. The presentation then focuses on its main theme – flood preparedness at the individual/household level. The writer laments the fact that significant personal losses continue to be experienced by
communities across the country because of widespread inappropriate response to the reality of the flood risk. A brief video on the use of sandbags in building a flood defense for a house forms part of the presentation.