– …Recovery effort continues
The effective response that guided relief and currently ongoing recovery effort in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) was the result of a proactive approach to disaster management, according to the Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Mr. Chabilall Ramsarup.
Ramsarup, in an invited comment, said Region 9 had a disaster plan and with the leadership at the regional level representative from across the region, they were coordinated into a response committee.
“We (the CDC) had met with the region a month before the floods came and so the region was prepared and were able to have a smooth response,” he said.
Disaster management essentially involves all aspects of planning for and responding to disasters, including  before, during, and after disaster activities. It refers to both the risks and consequences of a disaster.

CDM CYCLE

The Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Cycle is what guides the CDC’s efforts and is a programme that illustrates the cyclic process involved in planning for and reducing the impact of disasters, as well as taking steps to recover after a disaster has occurred.
The four phases of the CDM cycle are mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
Ramsarup contends that in getting prepared, Region 9 followed the basic CDM Cycle, as the regional response committee was involved in planning, organizing, training, interaction with other organizations and related agencies with regard to disaster management.
“The region had mobilized volunteers from within the region to assist in the response,” Ramsarup said.
According to the CDM Cycle, preparedness activities are geared towards minimising disaster damage, enhancing disaster response operations and preparing organizations and individuals to respond.
The model notes that in responding to a disaster, actions are carried out with the objective to save lives, alleviate suffering and reduce economic losses. Response activities are post activities geared towards providing emergency assistance; reducing probability of additional injuries or damage; speeding recovery operations; and returning systems to normal.

Ramsarup, when asked, noted that some normalcy is returning to life in Region 9.
He pointed out that the water has receded significantly in the region, with the exception of the northern areas, since the Rupununi and Essequibo Rivers are swollen and areas in the vicinity have some level of water to deal with.
Ramsarup added that in all the sub-regions, the recovery effort is in full swing, with a focus on the restoration of basic services.
He noted too the accessibility to areas that were cut off has improved significantly and there is no shortage of food or fuel.
However, the one concern that is being addressed is the supply of cooking gas.
Cooking gas has for decades been sourced from Brazil, and to bring gas from Georgetown would mean a new worry, since the connections from the gas bottles from the city are different.
“A private sector team has gone up to Boa Vista to see what they can do,” Ramsarup said.
He maintained that supplies continue to make their way to the region and added that with support of collaborating agencies, a massive clean-up campaign is underway.