The Executive Yuan’s Office of Disaster Management held the 2014 National Disaster Rescue Maneuver Seminar on June 13th. During his address at the opening ceremony, Premier Jiang Yi-huah stated that normal disaster work should be approached from a preventative perspective. When faced with possible disaster prevention challenges during flood or typhoon season, Chiang said that the central and local governments should work together to assure the safety of people and their property.

Premier Jiang further stated that the main purpose of the government hosted Disaster Rescue Maneuver Seminars annually since 2010 is to strengthen exchange and cooperation between central and local governments on the implementation of disaster prevention measures. As Taiwan is prone to disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons related prevention and response measures are extremely important. After Typhoon Morakot, the government established a set of stringent disaster prevention protocols. Both the central and local governments have seen marked improvements in disaster prevention responses. However, as the impact of extreme climate change and complex disasters has increased in recent years, government departments at all levels must remain alert so as to provide an even higher standard of responses.

Dr. Chern Jenn-Chuan of the Reconstruction Council was invited to be a keynote speaker during the seminar. The title of his talk was Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Experiences and Vision. He used this occasion to share his experience with various local governmental heads or their representatives as well as related disaster rescue and prevention personnel from various governmental departments. Chern pointed out that disaster prevention, rescue and reconstruction are inseparable elements which are often carried out by different personnel and departments within government organizations. Although disaster rescue and prevention has become more standardized, various government departments are still ill-prepared when it comes to the implementation of reconstruction work. Chern quoted data from the United Nations and Asian Development Bank to point out how climate changes have led to continual natural disasters. Indeed, the strength and frequency of large complex disasters is increasing. Many nations suffer major short and long term economic losses after disasters that in some cases can even exceed annual GDP growth. While we cannot prevent the occurrence of natural disasters, it is possible to introduce better disaster rescue and prevention measures to minimize the impact of disasters, fortifying reconstruction capabilities to effectively and rapidly implement post-disaster reconstruction measures. This approach ultimately reduces extended economic losses over the long term.

Chern also reminded everyone that reconstruction should begin with a comprehensive analysis of the reasons and scale of disaster damage. Organizations should be activated according to the size of the disaster, providing emergency relief and consolidated funding, drafting reconstruction plans and fortifying communications. He suggested that related reconstruction organizations should cooperate with NGOs and charitable corporations on a regular basis, while also establishing mutual aid relationships with neighboring counties and cities. In addition, regular drills should be carried out. In essence, disaster prevention, rescue and reconstruction social management systems should be established at county and city government levels.

Chern also quoted from cases the Executive Yuan assigned him to direct, such as Morakot post-disaster reconstruction, Typhoon Saola in Xiulin Township in Hualien County, Typhoon Tembin on Green Island and Orchid Island in Taitung County, and his observations of flooding from Typhoon Tembin in Hengchun Town, Pingtung County. He used these examples to highlight the importance of Safety, Respect, Efficiency and Innovation in reconstruction work. On August 29th this year, the Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Council will officially conclude its five-year mission. This seminar was an opportunity to pass on experience gained in that period. In the future, strengthening the organizational capacity of governmental departments is a vital task when facing the possibility of future more natural disasters.
 

CEO Chern share Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Experience

CEO Chern, City and County Mayors Share Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Experience