In 1992, DHA inherited the United Nations' long-standing involvement in natural disaster assistance from its predecessor organization, the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator (UNDRO), established in 1972. Since 1994, through an arrangement with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), DHA also responds to those environmental emergencies and industrial accidents where international assistance is not otherwise provided under existing specialized conventions or programmes1.
Over the past five years, the number of natural, technological and environmental disasters to which DHA has responded has ranged from 54 to 82 per year or an average of 68 reflecting cyclical and other fluctuations in weather and in the severity of disasters. ( See figures 48 and 49 ) In 1996, DHA responded to 60 natural and two technological disasters in 46 different countries. In addition, in the first three months of 1997, DHA responded to 13 natural disasters in 12 countries. Map I on pages 4 and 5 shows where and in what manner DHA responded. A quick and effective international response to sudden-onset disasters of all types - natural, technological and environmental - remains an important priority for DHA.
Disaster response mechanisms
DHA helps mobilize and coordinate assistance from the international community to disaster victims by distributing information, channelling immediate cash assistance, dispatching in-kind support, and providing technical assistance.
Disaster . . . Unusually heavy floods in July-August 1995 triggered severe food shortages throughout the DPRK and caused extensive damage to the agricultural sector resulting in the destruction of crops and stored grain, soil erosion and the loss of large areas of arable land. The floods swept away entire villages, knocked out large bridges and dams, and destroyed irrigation systems, schools, health clinics and rural hospitals. The DPRK Government estimated the long-term damage at approximately US$ 15 billion.
Almost exactly one year later, once again widespread flooding in July-August 1996 dealt another severe blow to the country's agriculture. Although these floods were not as heavy as those of 1995, they were concentrated in the southwest of the country, which produces 60 per cent of the country's grain harvest, mainly rice. The Government estimated this latest damage at approximately US$ 2.2 billion.
The cumulative effects of the floods compounded various economic and structural problems, not only harming flood-affected areas, but also extending to virtually the entire population. A joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Assessment Mission in November 1996 found that the food situation had deteriorated dramatically in the previous year, resulting in an estimated current grain shortfall of 2.36 million tonnes.
Humanitarian response . . . At the request of the DPRK Government, DHA launched an international appeal in September 1995 which sought US$ 20 million for food and non-food items. As the economic situation deteriorated in the flood-affected areas, in June 1996 DHA launched a Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Flood-Related Emergency Humanitarian Assistance to the DPRK, on behalf of WFP, UNDP, UNICEF, FAO and WHO, requesting US$ 44 million for the period July 1996-March 1997. In response to the new devastation caused by the 1996 flooding, DHA reiterated the need to support fully the ongoing United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal. Donor re sponse to the 1995 and 1996 Appeals for the DPRK raised approximately 45 per cent of the amount requested in 1995 and some 86 per cent of the amount requested in 1996-1997 ( See figures 51 and 52 ).
On 7 April 1997, DHA launched another CAP for the DPRK, calling for US$ 126 million for the period April 1997-March 1998. The Appeal listed the most urgent humanitarian needs as food aid, food security projects to further the resumption of normal food production, and the restoration of basic health services, particularly children's nutrition and health. As of mid-April, approximately US$ 34 million or 27 per cent of requirements had been raised, virtually all towards the food requirements of WFP.
2. China: snowstorms, earthquake and floods
Disaster . . . From the end of 1995 to early 1996, many counties in mountainous areas of Sichuan and Qinghai provinces were hit by record low temperatures and unusually heavy snowstorms, affecting 200,000 people. In February 1996, a strong earthquake in Yunnan Province affected 1.2 million people, leaving 322 people dead and 17,000 injured. In the summer of 1996, flooding in 12 provinces affected 200 million persons and left close to 3,000 dead, 243,000 injured and 4.4 million homeless. The economic loss due to the flooding was estimated at US$ 20.5 billion.
Humanitarian response . . . Although China has a well-developed disaster management capacity, the Government indicated that it would welcome international assistance to support the relief operations following these three widespread disasters. In response, DHA issued 14 situation reports about their scope and the resulting emergency needs. More than US$ 33 million were reported to DHA in cash and in-kind contributions to assist in these disasters, of which US$ 1.7 million were channelled through DHA.
3. Central America: hurricane
Disaster . . . Between 28 and 31 July 1996, Hurricane Cesar cut a swath across Nicaragua and Costa Rica, causing extensive flooding and damage:
Humanitarian response . . . At the request of the Government of Nicaragua, DHA launched an appeal for international assistance. DHA also issued six situation reports and deployed an UNDAC Team to assist with assessments and field coordination of the relief response. US$ 4.2 million in total assistance was reported to DHA, of which US$ 352,709 was channelled through the Department. Together with the DHA emergency grant of US$ 30,000, these funds were used to make local purchases of food supplies, construction materials and medicines.
At the request of the Government of Costa Rica, DHA launched an appeal for international assistance. US$ 4.3 million in assistance was reported to DHA, with US$ 310,000 channelled through DHA to finance relief assistance. In addition, DHA's emergency grant of US$ 30,000 was used to purchase locally available construction materials.
4. Yemen: floods
Disaster . . . In June 1996 heavy rains and floods struck several regions of Yemen, causing extensive damage to villages and towns. Authorities confirmed that 324 people died, 108 persons were missing, 20,000 people were homeless and another 10,000 were affected. Infrastructure including roads, irrigation canals, water pumps, community power stations and water embankments was severely damaged and a large amount of agricultural soil was washed away. Economic losses were estimated at US$ 1.2 billion.
Humanitarian response . . . Following a Government request for international assistance, DHA sent an UNDAC Team to help the Government and the DHA Resident Coordinator conduct rapid needs assessments and to establish an on-site operations coordination centre. DHA also issued nine situation reports and dispatched two experts for the rehabilitation of roads, bridges and power installations. Cash and in-kind contributions by the United Nations system, bilateral donors and NGOs totalled over US$ 10 million, of which US$ 834,000 was channelled through DHA. After the emergency phase, DHA and UNDP assisted the Yemeni Government in formulating a national framework for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
5. The Philippines: environmental disaster
Disaster . . . In March 1996, there was a major spill of wastes from the tailings pit at a large copper mine on Marinduque Island. This disaster destroyed the primary food-producing areas of several hundred people and significantly degraded the local environment. Two major rivers were so contaminated that they were considered to be biologically dead.
Humanitarian response . . . In April-May 1996, at the request of the Government, the Joint UNEP/DHA Environment Unit sent an expert mission to the accident site to help national authorities assess the consequences of the spill. After examining existing data and samples of the affected areas and meeting with relevant authorities, the team recommended ways to address the damage and avoid future disasters. These recommendations were shared with national authorities, UNDP, other United Nations agencies, international organizations and concerned private companies.
Notes:
1 See also Part One: chapter 1 on the DHA role in coordinating the international response to natural, technological and environmental disasters; chapter 2 on mobilizing resources for such disasters; and Part Three, chapter 10 on reducing the damage resulting from such disasters.
2 In complex emergencies, DHA issues Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals on behalf of United Nations agencies.