JAPAN is renowned for many things, but one in particular that continues to stand out is the quality of its products.
So much so that most of the buildings found throughout the island nation adhere to strict seismic building codes that are able to withstand earthquakes.
Since the 1980s, most of their buildings use seismic isolation or damping technology to absorb the frequent shocks of magnitude five to six that occur up to 2,000 times annually.
The Japan Meteorological Agency, founded 1875, monitors weather, seismic, and volcanic activity 24/7 while also releasing daily forecasts and warnings.
The agency also provides the earthquake early warning system that triggers before shaking starts, notifying people via television, radio and mobile phones which gives them enough time to take cover.
Even their education system focuses on teaching children what to do in the event of an earthquake, tsunami or flood.
Proactive survival skills are taught during early childhood education so they practice how to respond promptly to alarms and evacuation drills, which often involves the local community.
All this is then reinforced with its legislative framework to address disasters in their country, such as the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act 1961 as the core law for their disaster management.
It was enacted after the 1959 Typhoon Vera with definitive roles for national, prefectural, and municipal governments that covers prevention, emergency response, recovery, and reconstruction.
In addition, Japan reviews its basic disaster management plan every five years and updates laws after major disasters.
Lessons learnt from disasters over the years have led to stronger building codes, better system integration, and group relocation policies for the elderly, among other initiatives.
Hence, it is evident that quality infrastructure, high-tech warning systems and education has improved much of Japan’s disaster and emergency services.
The same cannot be said for Papua New Guinea as seen with the recent onslaught of Cyclone Maila.
After battering the Solomon Islands, it passed through PNG last weekend leaving death and destruction in its wake.
Over 20 persons have already been reported dead, with many injured and left distressed in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Milne Bay, East and West New Britain and other provinces.
Prime Minister James Marape recently stated that the Government has activated a central disaster relief coordination mechanism through the National Disaster and Emergency office.
He tasked all provincial administrators to submit their preliminary reports to understand the scale and impact of the cyclone.
“Our priority is to help our people pick up their lives again, starting with immediate food relief, water supply, medical assistance, and accommodation support, ” he said.
While such a response is good, the Government is being reactive, rather than proactive.
It is common knowledge that PNG’s geography and location make it almost a magnet for natural disasters.
Floods, earthquake, droughts, volcanic activity and cyclones are among the list of recurring natural hazards and climate-related risks that hit PNG at any moment, putting pressure on the country’s disaster management and response systems.
Proper mechanisms must be in place to plan and prepare for when these natural calamities occur so that the people can be helped in their time of need.
The Disaster Management Act 1984 is the primary legislation that governs disaster risk management in the country.
It establishes the National Disaster Centre to provide the necessary and appropriate services to the people in, as per the relevant provisions of the Act.
However, with the rise in severe weather patterns and new technology developed to improve disaster management systems, this law can be seen as obsolete and is in need of change.
This was the topic of discussion during a recent workshop held in Port Moresby that focused on the development of the National Emergency Management Authority (Nema) Bill and policy.
The proposed reforms in the Nema Bill aims to transition from the Disaster Management Act to address modern-day challenges in disaster risk management, while also enhancing implementation at the sub-national level.
Such an improvement is welcoming news as it represents a step forward in strengthening the country’s capacity to anticipate, manage and recover from disasters to put PNG on par with a country like Japan.
