Council outlines seven key directions to address multifaceted disasters, humanitarian aid issues

Addis Ababa, August 17, 2024 (FBC) – During its emergency session held today, Ethiopia’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council outlined seven pivotal solution avenues to address multi-faceted disasters and humanitarian aid performance in the country.

The gathering was presided over by the council’s chairperson, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Truneh, along with the heads of regional states, city administration mayors, ministers, National Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) chief commissioner, regional and city administration disaster risk commissioners.

The regional states and city administrations presented reports on their capacity for disaster risk response performances and current multi-faceted disasters, as well as the performance of humanitarian aid.

The report emphasized the necessity of working in synergy when responding to humanitarian assistance needs with one’s own capacity, as this is a matter of national security, dignity, freedom, and sovereignty.

After the discussion on the report, Mr. Temesgen announced the following seven main solution directions that were presented in the emergency session:

1. Implementing initiatives that focus on productivity and reintegration by rehabilitating citizens in areas deemed safe from natural disasters.
2. Maintaining accurate data of beneficiaries and citizens seeking humanitarian support, ensuring the careful identification and organization of their personal information.
3. Collaborating with regional states and/or cities that have demonstrated better experiences and performance in resource mobilization to achieve identical results.
4. Considering that unforeseen disasters may occur at any time, preparing with a coordinated awareness and linking land a legal framework, as well as identifying areas susceptible to rain-induced disasters.
5. Design a permanent solution for citizens displaced by natural disasters in the plan, include those who are directly impacted by disasters in the framework.
6. Strengthening the culture of lending a helping hand, mutual support, and fraternity, and enhancing solidarity among the regional states by maintaining the value of solidarity.
7. Completing plans in a timely manner and resolving delayed or suspended projects, then initiating a clear plan beginning from the preparation phase.

These solution directions aim to address the challenges that arise in responding to natural disasters and providing effective humanitarian aid to those in need. By implementing these strategies, the country hopes to enhance its disaster risk management capabilities and improve the well-being of its citizens in the face of adversity.