Throughout history, governments and their people have grappled with many challenges, often resulting in loss of life, economic downturns, and developmental setbacks. These challenges stem from natural disasters, conflicts, and epidemics, leaving many nations feeling helpless in their wake.
However, as crises peak and subside, governments transition into recovery mode, seeking to repair the damage and rebuild what has been lost.
Human vulnerability has escalated in today’s world, marked by climate change and a surge in natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and mudslides. Transboundary diseases have spread, and cybercrimes have become rampant. Moreover, our world has become increasingly digital, owing to advancements in technology. This necessitates innovative, proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of crises and risks.
One of the most crucial preventive measures in our current era to combat the threat of floods and human drowning is international coordination in managing flood pathways resulting from rainfall. Recognizing this, governments worldwide have rushed to develop comprehensive strategies for emergency and disaster management. These strategies aim to address threats on an international scale through meticulous tactical planning that considers their nature.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), despite its relatively lower probability and intensity of disasters, has not been immune to risks and calamities. As I write this article, the words of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan come to mind: “Not all risks that threaten nations, their people, and their achievements are of the same origin or tools; some are man-made, while others are of natural origin.” Indeed, there are risks that humans can anticipate and mitigate before they occur, or work to minimise their damage if they do, but there are also risks whose occurrence is difficult to predict, diminishing the ability to avoid or mitigate them. In such cases, efforts focus on intervening to minimise the extent of their damage and, ultimately, achieve recovery, mitigating the pain and losses suffered by individuals and communities.
Lastly, it is imperative to acknowledge the efforts of the UAE in crisis and disaster management. Firstly, the establishment of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority within the organizational structure of the Supreme National Security Council stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to coordinating and setting standards, regulations, and a unified national response plan for emergencies. The authority coordinates the roles of relevant entities in the country during emergencies, participating in preparing and coordinating the necessary plans for vital facilities and infrastructure in the country, and monitoring their implementation in collaboration and coordination with relevant entities in the country.
Secondly, the launch of the National Early Warning System in 2017 aimed to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals within the country. The system’s objective is to preserve lives and properties by reaching the widest possible audience to warn them of potential dangers and guide them towards the appropriate actions during emergencies or adverse weather conditions.
