Role of Government in Disaster Preparedness and Disaster

Response

Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Response is the primary role of

government through its

mandated agencies at the national and state level.

There three main frameworks by which government prepare and response

to disaster

namely:
1 policy framework

2 institutional framework

3 operational framework

1. policy framework: this is the framework governing the system

and which

provides thrust and direction for disaster management in South

Sudan.

Policies governing disaster management in South Sudan are

found in presidential

speech, decrees and in policy statement of the ministry of

humanitarian affairs

and disaster management. Policy also involves:

1. disaster management, specifically disaster preparedness
and disaster

operation is to be pursued with strong emphasis on self-

reliance, self-

help and mutual assistance.

2. Maximum utilization of resources at every politico-

administrative level is

enjoined before assistance is sought from higher level.

3. Primary responsibility for disaster management is placed

upon agencies of government.
 4. The exercise of leadership responsibilities is expected from
the local

government executive (state governors, city mayors,

county

commissioners and payam administrators) .

5. The main role of national government is to provide support

to the local

government units.

6. Disaster response plan and actual operations are to be

carried by

government agencies to optimize utilizations of resources.

The policy laid response mechanism to local government

structures.

The government South Sudan has formulated good policies

but their

implementation remain one of the challenges.

2. The Institutional Framework: this is the framework which

takes care of

the organizational and structural needs of the systems. The

national government

has permanent, inter-agency and multi-sectoral body has been

set up for

planning, monitoring and coordinating the direct implementation

of programs,

and projects relative to disaster management in South Sudan.

The South Sudan

Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) and its branches at

state level is

tasked with these responsibilities. Other institutions include the

ministry of

Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ministry of Child,

Gender and
 Social Welfare and Ministry of Information, Communication,
Technology And

Postal Services.

SSRRC advises the government on status of national disaster

preparedness

programs, disaster operations and rehabilitation efforts

undertaken by the

government and private sector.

Specific mandate of SSRRC

1.Prepared and update the national disaster and calamity preparedness

plan

2.organize disaster coordinating team from state, county, and municipal

level.

3.develop a self-reliant disaster management capability among the local

government

units.

The effectiveness of the disaster coordinating team structure lies mainly

on two factors:

a) Organizational status and capabilities of national disaster response

team.

b) The corresponding state of organization and effectiveness of lower

level.

3.Operational Framework: this is the framework which consists of

procedures, methods,

and strategies that renders the system functioning.

The operational framework governing the disaster preparedness and

response aspect of

disaster management in the country is based on three phase set of

activities namely:

Pre-disaster phase
 Emergency phase

Post emergency phase

Each phase is set of expected and prescribed activities assigned to

particular agencies

concerned.

Pre-disaster phase: this correspond to the disaster preparedness

component of disaster

management cycle.it prescribed activities consist of the following:

Planning for disasters whereby the SSRRC is expected to review and

evaluate all

disaster preparedness /counter-disaster plans submitted by all

agencies of the

government and even private organizations.

Organizing wherein the SSRRC is supposed to spearhead the

organization of disaster

coordinating body from state down to buma level. Furthermore,

agencies of

government are expected at this phase to set up their respective

disaster control

organization units.

Training by which particular agencies conduct training of disaster

response team at

all level of government.

Public information drive through public information campaign on

disaster

prevention, control, and mitigations measures are undertaken.

Communication and early warning activities.

Emergency Phase: the prescribed or expected operations conducted at

this phase are:
 Rescue

Evacuation

Medical services

Disaster relief services

Police and fire auxiliary services

Emergency transportation services

Damage assessment

Post Emergency Phase: the prescribed or expected operations

conducted at this phase are:

Cross-checking of data

Determination of rehabilitation requirement

Provision of system for emergency labor-supply.