Kiribati National Emergency Group Boosts Disaster Response with Expertise from Outside
The Kiribati National Emergency Group (KNEG) has taken a significant step in enhancing its disaster response capabilities by bringing together expertise from outside the group.
Creating a Logistics Taskforce
According to sources, KNEG has created a Logistics Taskforce comprising representatives from various government ministries, airport and port authorities, as well as Kiribati National Shipping Ltd. This move aims to improve coordination of disaster logistics, ensuring a more effective response to emergency situations.
Roles and Responsibilities
Lead Ministry’s Roles and Responsibilities
The Ministry responsible for disaster and climate change plays a crucial role as the lead agency on climate change and disaster risk management at the national level. Its key responsibilities include:
- Serving as secretariat to the KNEG and joint national action plan
- Coordinating climate change and disaster-related planning and actions by government and various organizations
- Administering the Disaster and Climate Change Rapid Response Fund under direction of its Board
- Strengthening national action and capacity on disasters and climate change
Government Ministries, Agencies, and Bodies
All government ministries, agencies, and bodies are required to mainstream and integrate climate change and disaster risk management considerations in their regular functions. They must also:
- Facilitate effective participation of their representatives on KNEG
- Consult KNEG for strategic and technical inputs to their sector
- Maintain an inventory of items and equipment needed for response to disasters and climate change
Specific Roles and Responsibilities
Some government ministries, agencies, and bodies have specific roles and responsibilities for disaster risk management and climate change. For example:
- The ministry based in the Line and Phoenix (Linnix) provides coordination functions in Kiritimati
- Kiribati Meteorological Service (KMS) serves as an authoritative source of information on weather, climate, and ocean conditions, advising KNEG on related hazards
- Kiribati Police Services (KPS) provides leadership for emergency services response, focusing on prevention of fires and road accidents, dissemination of public warnings, and security of relief items
Conclusion
By bringing together expertise from outside the group, KNEG is better equipped to respond to disasters and climate-related emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.