Myanmar Action Plan on Disaster Reduction 2012.

This Myanmar Action Plan on Disaster Risk Reduction (MAPDRR), as a cross-sectoral framework, is a comprehensive national policy document responding to disaster reduction risk (DRR) issue. The Action Plan is intended to help make Myanmar disaster resilient and has been prepared through a consultative and partnership approach. The objectives of the Action Plan are as follows: (1). to build a more resilient and safer community through conceptualization, development and implementation of appropriate disaster risk reduction programs and culture of safety; (2). to provide a framework for implementing Myanmar’s DRR commitments at the global and regional levels; (3). to provide a mechanism where the disaster risk reduction initiatives of all Government Ministries and Departments, supported by UN organizations and other stakeholders, can be coordinated and monitored; (4). to provide a conducive environment for mainstreaming DRR into development plans, and programs at the National, State, Division, Township, and Village Tract levels; and (5). to support mutually beneficial partnerships between the Myanmar Government and their development cooperation partners in DRR programs.
The MAPDRR has a multi-hazard focus as coastal regions of Myanmar are exposed to cyclones, storm surges and tsunamis while major parts of the country are at risk from earthquakes and fires. It adopts a twin track approach, including 7 components which align with the five Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) Priorities and with the Articles of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). Component 1 addresses policy, institutional arrangements and further institutional development with the key elements of: development of national disaster management law; enhancement of disaster risk reduction mandates of Ministries and Departments; updating of standing order on disaster management; strengthening and capacity building of disaster management focal points in each Ministry and Region/State, District, Township Disaster Preparedness Agencies. Component 2 concerns hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment at all levels, aiming to prepare hazard specific risk maps, which will act as decision making tool for prioritization of risk reduction interventions and development planning. It will also take into account the future risks arising from climate change as it looks set to increase the incidence of droughts and floods and the intensity of windstorms. Component 3 deals with a multi-hazard early warning system to alert the population under threat (of an imminent disaster) in time so that they can take timely protective actions. Component 4 addresses preparedness and response programs at national, state/region, district and township levels, including multi-hazard preparedness and response plan for quick deployment of resources, establishment of three emergency operation centers located in Central Myanmar, Lower Myanmar and Upper Myanmar, strengthening emergency support functions, cyclone contingency program for Delta and Coastal Region and flood preparedness and mitigation in flood prone areas. The remaining Components concerns mainstreaming of DRR into development, community based disaster preparedness and risk reduction, and public awareness, education and training. Multiple source of funding are required for undertaking these components and Government budgets are possible source of funding, which should be supplemented by external resource through Donors, UN Agencies, Regional bodies, NGOs, etc.
The Myanmar Disaster Preparedness Agency (MDPA) will provide overall guidance on implementation of MAPDRR projects, and assist in overall coordination among ministries and department. The Inter-Agencies Task Force and Working Groups were constituted to guide the development of the MAPDRR. The Task Force and Working Groups will continue working to assist the MDPA and to provide technical assistance for implementation of MAPDRR. The Region and State Disaster Preparedness Agencies and the District, Township and Village Tract Disaster Preparedness Agencies will carry out the specific tasks of disaster management. The Inter-agency Task Force will setup a monitoring system to track progress of projects identified for implementation and review the progress of implementation periodically.