Posted by:
Kenneth E. Barden
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ASSIGNMENT ON CONTINGENCY PLANNING
The Republic of Palau consists of several small islands with a total combined population of less than 20,000. The nearest jurisdiction to Palau is the Philippines. There are regular flights to and from Palau connecting with Manila, Guam, Tokyo and Taipei. Being a small isolated nation, Palau faces risks of severe weather patterns, including typhoons. While the surrounding coral reef tends to dissipate some of the energy created by such storms, the potential nevertheless exists for substantial damages and casualties. Most of the population is centered around two islands, Koror - the present capital of Palau and Airai – an area immediately north of Koror on a larger island. Beside access by boat, Airai and Koror are connected by a suspension bridge which may be impassable during high wind periods. Since there is no alternative sanctuary for the population to flee in the event of a typhoon, contingency plans must provide for the population remaining generally in place during such a storm.
Among the organizations which would be involved in the contingency planning process for such an emergency would be:
1. the Ministry of Health and its hospital and public health divisions, to take care of the emergency medical needs of those injured during the storm 2. the National Weather Service, to monitor an impending storm’s progress and to alert the residents of expected storm arrival 3. the Public Safety division of the Ministry of Justice, to provide law enforcement assistance, traffic control, fire and ambulance services, search and rescue services 4. the Division of Public Works, to take steps to protect crucial infrastructure from damage from the storm and to restore needed infrastructure during the recovery phase after the storm 5. the National Emergency Management Office, to coordinate the emergency response operations during the storm and to coordinate the recovery phase 6. the local Red Cross chapter, to provide blood resources for medical needs and to provide support services to emergency responders 7. local retailers and businesses, to assure that there are adequate supplies of food and other necessities on hand.
Among the problems which may be encountered during the coordination process is the potential that air and sea shipments into Palau may be disrupted or delayed because of storm conditions, thus resulting in the inability to import additional foods and medical supplies and the inability to evacuate injured to other islands.
09/27/02 07:32
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