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Disaster Risk Reduction Project Gearing Up In FSM

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): November 4, 2009 - The FSM is in the process of implementing the Disaster Risk Reduction Project (DRRP), which is funded (€ 1.4 million) by the European Union (EU) and will be implemented over a 4-year period by the FSM Office of Environment and Emergency Management (EEM) in conjunction with the Office of FSM National Authorizing Office (NAO), SOPAC, and the respective agencies in the four FSM States. The objective of the DRRP is poverty reduction and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction. Its focus is to strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigation through the establishment of Disaster Coordination Centers in each of the states as well as create an early warning system.

The necessary actions anticipated for the State Governments interventions include construction of a disaster coordination center in each state, construction of a National Disaster Management Center in Palikir, the National Capital, supply of communication equipment-early warning system study to identify equipment needs, and capacity building and training.

In a letter from President Mori to each of the four FSM State Governors, the President informed them of the upcoming project and stated that this project "cannot come at a more appropriate time given the need to prepare and respond to emergency situations as a result of climate change." President Mori went on to say that climate change impacts fall most heavily on those least able to prepare and respond, and often on those who contributed very little to its causes, and that the FSM cannot spare any time in delaying the necessary actions to put the FSM on the path for full readiness.