1998 Natural Disaster Management Act review endorsed
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The National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) has endorsed the revision of the 1998 Natural Disaster Management Act in a meeting today.
The endorsement by the NDMC for the review of the Act will await Cabinet approval before being implemented.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management and NDMC chairman, Mr Inia Seruiratu said the review is vital for an effective crisis and management system.
“The Act is quite old and may not be relevant anymore thus the need for revision,” Mr Seruiratu said.
National Disaster Management director, Mr Manasa Tagicakibau said it is imperative that the Act be reviewed soon because of changes in disaster management worldwide.
“For the last decade, Government has experienced a lot of changes and challenges in disaster management, especially with the changing climate experienced worldwide,” Mr Tagicakibau said.
Mr Tagicakibau added there is a need to address responses during disasters and coordination with non-government organisations and demarcation of roles to improve efficiency and transparency in managing disasters.
He said the review is needed to also include new initiatives that have developed over the years.
“The high frequency and intensity of natural hazard experienced recently have exposed the need to review the Act.”
The endorsement by the NDMC for the review of the 1998 Natural Disaster Management Act will await Cabinet approval before being implemented.
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