1
Post-Disaster Assessments in Fiji
Situation analysis for strengthening DIMS in Fiji
Workshop on Strengthening DIMS for Fiji
2-4 September 2009, Suva
Joe Chung
Post-disaster surveys identify
The extent of the impact of the disaster
and the damage caused;
Emergency relief needs and priorities; and
Relief and recovery needs and priorities
for operations
.
2
Emergency Phases & Data Needs
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Month 2 onward
2) Rapid multiͲsectoral
3) Expanded multiͲsectoral
4) InͲdepth sectoral
1) Preliminary
Ev
en
t
Information needed after an emergency
comes from two main sources:
z
Surveys of the immediate impact, which vary in their
depth according to the emergency phase (Accurate
multi-sector overview is required asap; Detailed
sector specific information after first life-saving needs
are dealt with. )
z
Baseline data compiled from multiple sources, such
as digital maps, population data, and key social
infrastructure such as health clinics, schools and
airfields. These data must be pre-positioned and
readily accessible.
3
Present Situation
z
Many independent surveys using incompatible
formats – each ministry collects its own data, other
agencies also.
z
Even among the Divisions, different survey formats
were used during the 2009 nation-wide floods –
making compilation by NDMO difficult.
z
No clear strategy to collate, use information or
maintain detailed records.
z
Limited data management capacity at NDMO.
Assessment management issues in Fiji
z
Limited capacity of NDMO to facilitate and
coordinate post-disaster assessments;
z
The need for a common and agreed
system/methodology and format for assessments
and data collection;
z
The need for effective strategies for data
compilation, analysis, sharing and use;
z
The need to tap the potential of meaningful
community participation.
4
The need to strengthen the capacity of
National Emergency Operations Centre
(NEOC)
z
Strengthen their capacity to receive data, interpret it
and act on it (operating procedures, software,
information management systems and tools, training,
communication technology etc)
z
Strengthen their capacity to store data for analysis
and policy formulation (draw out lessons learned)
The assessment process
DISASTER
Design/
modification
of disaster
response
Survey and
data
collection
Analysis,
interͲ
pretation &
forecasting
Reporting
Preparedness
planning
DISASTER
Design/
modification
of disaster
response
Survey and
data
collection
Analysis,
interͲ
pretation &
forecasting
Reporting
Preparedness
planning
DISASTER
Design/
modification
of disaster
response
Survey and
data
collection
Analysis,
interͲ
pretation &
forecasting
Reporting
Preparedness
planning
5
Communications technology in Fiji
z
Mobile phones send data immediately from almost anywhere in
Fiji to a data centre (No coverage in centre of large islands and
some remote islands.)
z
GIS are a powerful analytical and reporting tool in many
government agencies, but these systems need to be better
linked into coordinated national reporting systems.
z
GPS technology and hand-held data collectors allow an area to
be quickly surveyed, households identified by a GPS code and
data collated from separate surveys that use these codes.
z
Remote sensing technology at SOPAC at a high international
standard.
Sum-up
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Damage assessment in Fiji is the responsibility
of Government with Acts to govern it.
z
Fiji has regional and international agencies,
NGOs, etc in-country to assist if needed.
z
Decentralised assessment system requires
strong coordination and effective tools.
6
Thank you