Special Political and Decolonization
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
Republic of Cuba
James Wholley and James Macksoud
Montclair High School
As the frequency of natural disasters rise, it is increasingly apparent that each
nation needs a plan to prepare its population for the worst. Conferences attempting to
build an International Strategy for Disaster Reduction have made gains in the 2005
Hyogo Framework for Action and the 1994 Yokohama Strategy, but it is not enough.
Over 2 million people suffer from natural disasters each year and that number is
threatening to rise in the upcoming years. Each nation must fine tune its own national
strategy but establishing a worldwide agenda to reduce unnecessary human suffering
from natural disasters should become premier on the minds of the international
community.
As the most highly populated island nation of the Caribbean, Cuba has a great
responsibility when it comes to disaster reduction as the island is buffeted by hurricanes
and tropical storms multiple times per year. It is with great pride that Cuba can announce
that it has an active and comprehensive plan to respond to such disasters. The general
population is assigned to different shelters relatively nearby in the even of a hurricane.
Right before the beginning of hurricane season, drills are carried out by the public to
prevent widespread panic or ignorance when face with a disaster. The leaders of every
community are required to assist those within their domain and ensure that nobody gets
left behind. National broadcasts on televisions and radios keep the public informed and
the Civil Defense is put on standby to assist in the event of a disaster. Cuba believes that
other nations should follow suit to the best of their abilities, especially if they are one the
small island developing states that the Yokohama strategy pinpoints. Cuba’s strategy is
based upon four facets: detection of natural disasters, education of the public,
establishments of shelters and safe zones with appropriate supplies and an organization
composed of military personnel and civilians who are able to assist with evacuation,
provide rescue, and maintain order in a disaster.
Although the detection of certain disasters is extremely difficult, there are many
instances of an easily detected disaster (such as the Boxing Day Tsunami) whose blow
could have been softened if appropriate measures for detection and prevention were
observed. It is Cuba’s belief that each nation as well as the international community as a
whole should do as much as possible to develop methods for early warning and create a
streamlined system for countries to contact each other if disaster is imminent. This way,
disasters that affect just one country can be dealt with locally while massive disasters are
handled by the international community.
Cuba believes that the education of the public is paramount to minimizing the
damage and loss of life caused by natural disasters. In countries where media is easily
accessible to a large number of the population, warnings, notices, directions and general
information regarding natural disasters should be broadcasted on television and radio.
The public should be informed as to where to go and what to do during a disaster or if a
disaster is imminent. Community leaders should be issued with the knowledge, power
and equipment to assist with evacuations. If it is possible, evacuation drills should be
implemented to further prepare the public. Education will reduce panic and mistakes
made during evacuation, preventing unnecessary death and destruction of property.
Shelters equipped with food, blankets, clean water and medical supplies should be
established in areas prone to disaster. This way, those displaced by any disaster can wait
it out until aid arrives. Cuba suggest that, in the event of a large disaster that could
potentially displace members of the population for extended periods, countries should
have temporary housing such as small trailers where displaced families could stay while
the necessary infrastructure in the affected areas could be rebuilt.
Finally, Cuba believes that an organization composed of military personnel and
civilians should be formed and trained to manage evacuations, rescues and manage areas
affected by disaster. Cuba is aware that such militia units exist in some other countries
and suggests that they be adapted to handling disasters if they haven’t been already.
It cannot be stressed enough that Cuba firmly believes that an International
Strategy for Disaster Reduction should be created based on a core of early warning,
public education and adequate shelter. Attention should be placed on developing
countries and island nations prone to natural disaster. Two million affected per year is too
high. A fluid and highly functional international effort needs to be put in place before
more are forced to needlessly suffer.