Stop a disaster? Prevent a crisis.

Dr Unni Krishnan, our global Disaster Response Policy Co-ordinator.

By Dr Unni Krishnan, our global Disaster Response Policy Co-ordinator.

The massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan should serve as a wake-up call to governments across the globe, as well as donors.

Within hours of the earthquake striking Japan, 53 countries went on tsunami alert. The disaster has caused widespread devastation in Japan and its impact has been felt in several countries around the world.

The unfolding crisis is further complicated by the potential damage and fallout from nuclear reactors. Japan has declared a “nuclear emergency” at an atomic plant north of Tokyo after cooling systems failed following the country’s largest recorded earthquake. The Japanese Prime Minister stressed that no radiation had leaked from the facility. But residents living within 3km of the plant were being evacuated by the military, and those within 10km told to stay in their homes.

Three types of disasters have been recurring and dominating the news in recent years: earthquakes (and subsequent tsunamis), perennial floods, and typhoons, cyclones and hurricanes - Queensland and Christchurch being among the most recent high-profile examples. Other challenges that don't tend to make headlines include droughts and food insecurity.

There is an increasing pattern and predictability to some of these disasters, except perhaps in the case of earthquakes. The world has advanced technology and knowledge available about when and where these disasters are going to happen, and to a great extent how to deal with them.

We may not be able stop a disaster from happening, but we can very well stop a disaster from becoming a humanitarian crisis.

The worst affected people in these disasters are always the poorest. Most developing countries do not have the infrastructure and housing to withstand the impact of earthquakes or fires. Earthquakes don’t kill people, bad buildings do. Grinding poverty and climate change only multiply and worsen the effects of such disasters.

And regardless of wealth or poverty, it is always vulnerable groups such as children who bear the brunt of these disasters the most. Plan knows this all too well from experience working with children and communities for the past 70 years.

With all this knowledge, the world should be improving its ability and capacity to save lives and protect assets and livelihoods. Unfortunately, recent experiences show that good intentions to save lives are not being translated into practical actions.

So what needs to be done?

Local communities are always on the front line and need to be prepared and equipped for dealing with disasters. Only a very few lives are rescued by internationally deployed teams during massive disasters. The role of local communities, especially children and youth, in saving lives during the first few hours after a disaster are critical.

Plan works with children and communities to devise the best ways they can protect themselves from the worst when a disaster strikes. We start by asking children to identify the kinds of disasters that happen most frequently in their area or country and the factors that make them more vulnerable. We then help them to identify a plan of action around the likely disasters. This approach has saved lives.

But much more needs to be done to help such local initiatives. Money matters; planners and governments in most developing countries are yet to invest adequately in disaster risk reduction and preparedness, but we know that $1 invested is $1000 – and many lives - saved. Governments and donors must start investing money in disaster preparedness now, realising that it requires a long-term commitment.

The media also needs to play a stronger role in informing and educating vulnerable communities. While entertainment and news are needed, the ability of the media to educate and empower people in harm’s way is not being harnessed.

While the media can play a role in boosting preparedness, it can play an equally important role in informing children and families about their entitlements and rights. Governments often respond with relief measures after a disaster, but this information frequently doesn’t reach affected communities.

But we’re not just talking about traditional media; the power of social media is still untapped. You only have to look at the recent use of this critical medium in Egypt to show how it can empower, inform, connect and contribute to important movements. Connectivity is a life saver in emergencies and aid co-ordination. Appropriate information at the appropriate time can save lives and empower communities.

The challenge of preparing communities and dealing with the aftermath of disasters is primarily a government responsibility, with help and expertise from disaster response teams and humanitarian organisations.

Irrespective of time zone and latitude, countries can learn from each other. Lessons learned from Japan’s disaster need to be applied urgently to countries around the globe.

Debate, commitment and co-operation are key if we are to avoid the potential devastating impacts of natural disasters that will continue to plague the earth.

No life should be lost in vain. There are lessons to be learnt. Now is the time to act.

To contribute to Plan's developing response to the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami call 13 75 26.