PREPARING FOR DISASTER
P. Polar 08/01/05
Published as: Let’s Train ourselves to deal with disaster. Trinidad Express 10/01/05
Published as: T&T must prepare for disasters. Trinidad Guardian 14/01/05
The Editor: In light of the recent natural disasters in the Caribbean and South East Asia, Trinibagonians are beginning to give serious thought to the possible effects of natural disasters and how we would survive the ensuing chaos.
I would like to compliment the government of Trinidad and Tobago for the decision to establish a TT$20million Natural Disaster Revolving Fund to assist with relief efforts following a natural disaster. This money can aid in reconstruction efforts, however it is questionable how useful this fund will be the immediate aftermath.
In our current situation, we can barely cope with the flooding and landslides caused by increased rainfall. Thus, in a crisis, can we expect government provide potable water, food, medical care and shelter to 1.3 million citizens for at least forty-eight hours before international relief arrives? How will the efforts be hampered if there is devastation to our physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water, telephone, and electricity lines.
It is almost an impossible task for any government to function in such a scenario, thus, we should consider spending the money to ensure that our citizens are empowered to cope in such a situation before it happens. I would like to recommend that communities should be trained in disaster management. This would allow relief effort to begin immediately after the tragedy and be provided to those who are most affected before relief from government and other international agencies can arrive.
It is also important that community members are trained in basic survival techniques based on traditional technologies, which are being forgotten, as we grow accustomed to our modern lifestyle. Although many of us are aware which of our plants have medicinal value, how many people know that blocks of coral can be used to filter contaminated water or that coconut water can be used as blood plasma for transfusions? There is a wealth of indigenous knowledge that should be preserved that can prepare us for the unfortunate day when we really need it.
Author's note: This article was written because I wanted to develop a project at work where we could learn to utilize each island's biodiversity in case of natural disaster. But who's going to fund it?