Solution:

However, the following certain important organizational considerations are worth noting at this stage:

The nature of the system:

As emphasized in paragraph 10, the system is not some form of specialized setup superimposed on the existing government structure.

On the contrary, it adapts existing resources for disaster purposes. For instance, an NDC would not be made up of special disaster management officials. It would normally comprise senior government officials (e.g., heads of departments) and representatives of NGOs because these people best understand and are responsible for the availability and utilization of resources in their respective spheres.

They also understand the management factors and systems which apply within these two spheres. Obviously, members of the NDC would be required to have knowledge of disaster management, acquired through training and experience.

The utilization of the total government structure:

The system utilizes the total extent and depth of an existing government structure; that is, from a national level through provincial (or its equivalent) level, down to local government and community level.

This government structure is, by its nature, permanent. It, therefore, makes sense to utilize it for all disaster-related purposes. In any event, experience indicates that it is unwise to try to switch to some alternative system or structure purely to deal with the disaster.

Community involvement:

Disasters happen at the community level. They may affect several communities at one and the same time, but these communities that constitute what might be called the “disaster front.”

Any disaster management organization must therefore cater to appropriate community involvement and participation.

This applies particularly to relevant aspects of preparedness, response, and recovery action.

In fact, in framing and/or checking organizational effectiveness, it is advisable to consider requirements at the community level first and then, subsequently, tailor arrangements at higher levels so that these fit requirements at the “disaster front.”