National Disaster Management Workshop Draws To A Close
By Yusrin Junaidi

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Darussalam Disaster Management Workshop came to a close yesterday afternoon.

During the last day of the workshop, the opening discussion was supported by an expert panel comprising Director of Fire and Rescue Department and Director of National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) Yahya bin Hj Abdul Rahman, Disaster Management Expert Mr James Petroni, Chairman of Asean Committee on Disaster Management Mr Khampao Hompangna and Mr John Liven good of the Pacific Disaster Centre.

Yesterday's topic of discussion was Worldwide Best Practices and Emerging Trends, led by Yahya, which comprise planning, response, recovery and unity of efforts in all phases.

Among the topics also discussed at the event was the Comprehensive Assessment, which recognises broader risks; changing threats, namely technology, natural disaster and incidents caused by humans and rational prioritisation of preparedness efforts.

The panel also highlighted the use of technology such as pre-incident-threat and vulnerability analyses, situation assessment and common operating picture.

Meanwhile, the standardised command structure negotiated included the common structure for all agencies, all events, all phases of response and recovery, simplification of SOP's, training, interagency communication and coordination and easy transition through changing event dynamics.

Discussion of mitigation, which are prevention or preparedness efforts based upon analysed data, performance metrics, and cost/benefit analysis of

proposed programmes, government speaking to their people (collateral long-term non-disaster benefits), recognising overwhelming nature of catastrophes, shifting responsibilities and capability to victims and technology for warning systems was also held.

The concept of yesterday's seminar was: this day focuses on solidifying the insights from two games and on developing a set of milestones and "Next Steps" for future actions as a result of those insights.

The general objectives of the workshop were to develop strategic plans for national disaster management, better facilitate, coordinate, command and control activities - in the event of a disaster and to not be complacent with Brunei's geographical situation (relatively disaster free).

The specific objective was to review the likely and possible disaster scenarios, increase networks and relationship across governmental agencies, develop proposals for governance and doctrine improvement to enhance- disaster management planning, identify measures to increase government disaster resilience and outline "Next Steps' and milestones for the development of a readiness and sustain-ment programme at the interagency and operational level.

During the seminar, participants found three major findings - 1) Disaster management must remain a priority commitment of the government of Brunei, 2) The government and related agencies must fully support the effort and NDMC must have leadership role in this, and 3) Resources must be prioritised to ensure this programme succeeds and information sharing must be accelerated.

The workshop's closing ceremony was also held at the Cesar Hall, Orchid Garden Hotel in Berakas yesterday evening. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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