Disaster management in zambia pdf

Mission

To develop, coordinate and monitor disaster Management programmes in order to minimize loss of lives, damage to property and the environment.

Vission

The vision of the disaster management system in the country is to promote a 'safety net' for protection of the citizenry, their assets and the environment against disaster through a proactive, community-based, developmental and multi-sectoral approach that combines disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation, and integrates disaster management into national development.

Goal

To strengthen national capacities for effective disaster preparedness, prevention, response, mitigation and restoration in order to protect lives and livelihoods, property, environment and the economy at large.

Our history

Years of Journey

History

OBJECTIVES OF DMMU

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is vested in the Office of The Vice President and was created in 1994. The following are the objectives of DMMU:

1. To put in place appropriate preparedness measures in order to manage disasters effectively and efficiently.
2. To activate response mechanism for effective and timely search and rescue operations in order to save life and reduce damage to property.
3. To put in place measures to restore livelihoods and other life support systems in affected communities.
4. To mitigate the disruptive and destructive effects of hazards and all disasters in order to reduce their impact on vulnerable communities, assets and the environment.
5. To put in place preventive measures in order to reduce the negative effects of hazards and strengthen the national capacity for disaster management in order to avoid the adverse impact of hazards.
6. To effectively co-ordinate disaster management activities through a body of procedures and practices in order to avoid duplication of efforts and resources at all levels.

DEPARTMENTS IN DMMU

DMMU is made up of two (2) service departments namely:

1. Disaster Risk Management (DRM)
2. Disaster and Humanitarian Operations Management (DHOM)

The Unit is headed by the National Coordinator and each directorate is led by a Director with a number of sections under them. DMMU is represented in ten (10) provincial headquarters and headed by the provincial Coordinators. DMMU is also represented at District level through the District Disaster Management Officers.

THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT ACT:

The Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2010 was assented to on 13 th April, 2010. The Act has:

• Established and provided for the maintenance and operation of a system for the anticipation, preparedness, prevention, coordination, mitigation and management of disaster situations and the organization of relief and recovery from disasters;
• Established the National Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit and provided for its powers and functions;
• Provided for the declaration of disasters;
• Established the National Disaster Relief Trust Fund; and
• Provided for the responsibilities and involvement of the members of the public in disaster management.

THE NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT POLICY

The formulation of the Policy of 2005 was intended to address the way Zambia would manage its risks, hazards, disasters, vulnerable populations and the environment at risk as well as provide a framework for disaster management in the country. The 2005 policy recognized the provisions of International Conventions, United Nations Resolutions, African Charters and SADC disaster Management Strategy that provide a global framework for disaster management.

THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS MANUAL

The Disaster Management Operations Manual summarizes the roles, responsibilities and procedures relating to the management of disasters in general in Zambia.

Disaster Management regime in Zambia is anchored on shared responsibilities among various stakeholders coordinated by the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in the Office of The Vice-President.

The Manual is meant to strengthen and concretize the relationships and coordination among various players in Disaster Management in the country, thereby reducing duplication of efforts among disaster management service providers.

The Manual sets minimum standards in the provision of disaster management services to embrace the most effective and efficient ways of saving lives, protecting property and the environment from damage and destruction.