Be prepared for natural disasters

IN times of disaster like the devastation caused by Cyclone Guba in Oro, Milne Bay and other parts of the country, the Government must take the lead to ensure that relief supplies are immediately sent.
It is the prime obligation of any government of the day to respond quickly to such situations rather than wait for other countries and donor agencies to take the front stage.
The Government must budget for disasters such as floods, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, tsunamis, etc.
What are the roles of the Natural Disaster and Emergency Services? They must be adequately equipped and extra funds must be set aside to ensure that it can react as fast of possible if disasters strike rather than wait for help from foreign countries.
The National Weather Office must be improved and upgraded to collect the latest data and capable of warning our people of impending disasters.
It is a great shame for a rich country like ours to play second fiddle while others like Australia and New Zealand play the front role.
This clearly indicates the lack of our Government’s preparedness to respond to such situations.
When the disaster struck, the Prime Minister knowingly and fully aware of this situation, jetted off to attend the Commonwealth meeting in Uganda at a huge expense of the taxpayers while our poor brothers and sisters in Oro and Milne Bay provinces were suffering.
The PM should have sent his Deputy or Foreign Minister to attend the meeting and remain in the country to ensure that needed and adequate relief supplies reach the people affected immediately.
Our country is correctly dubbed as the land of the unexpected and our leaders must also think along that line to ensure we are ready when the unexpected happens.

Steven Supi Palisa
Port Moresby