HEAVY rainfalls which resulted in increased water levels in rivers and canals, significantly affecting the daily operations of Regions 3 and 4, led Minister of State Lt. Colonel (retired) Joseph Harmon, to activate the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on Thursday last (July 16).Minister Harmon, at a weekly post-cabinet briefing yesterday, postulated that the activation of the NEOC, which is an element of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), saw the successful testing of the country’s emergency response procedures.

CDC’s Director- General Lt. Col (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup explained that the NEOC since its activation, worked around the clock to conduct damage assessments and needs analysis in the flood affected areas, so as to ensure that ample and timely relief was brought to those affected.

The NEOC is comprised of key disaster management stakeholders including line ministries, non-governmental organizations like the Red Cross and International Organisations like the United Nations.
Training and Operations Officer of the CDC Major Kester Craig, in an invited comment, explained that the NEOC brings together key players in disaster risk management, which enables the NEOC to make more informed decisions.

“Duplication was minimised as the activities of each agency were thoughtfully coordinated through the NEOC. Required information was gathered by the varying agencies in their respective areas and needed resources were acquired and shared,” he said.

Major Craig highlighted that inspite of the success of the NEOC there is need for; continued training of key personnel; a better information sharing platform for data; the utilization of more technology for in-field assessments; and, more technological reliance for transmitting results of infield assessments back to the NEOC- which will assist them to quickly determining losses.

“Connection is also needed from the community level. Once this is done, the community can provide pre-impact information to the region that then relays this information to the NEOC”.

During the activation of the NEOC, members of the Cabinet were introduced to the agencies comprising the NEOC and were updated on their varying roles and responsibilities. The administration signaled its intent to support the work of the Civil Defence Commission which will cause them to realise much needed reforms which includes implementing disaster preparedness legislation and upgrading infrastructural facilities. (GINA)