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Consultative Leadership Workshop for the Development of the Strategic National Action Plan (SNAP) for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation National Disaster Management Centre Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment 19 – 20 August 2009 National Disaster Management Centre Maldives did have a committee on Natural Disasters before the Indian Tsunami, but was subsequently merged into the National Commission for Protection of the Environment. The Ministry of Environment and Construction was recognized as the nodal Ministry for the environment related matters then. On the day of Indian Ocean Tsunami on 26th December 2004, Disaster Management Centre was formed by a presidential decree to manage the tsunami recovery programmes and later on 26th December 2005 Disaster management Centre was renamed as National Disaster Management Centre and became a permanent institution under the Ministry of Defence National Security. Unofficial translation of Presidents Directive No: 2004/77 (30th December 2004) On the 26th December 2004, Sunday, at about nine in the morning, the capital Malé and several other islands were flooded by waves. This event has caused a large number of fatalities and some people are reported missing. It has left a trail of destruction in most of the islands in the Maldives, with major impacts on land, vegetation, homes, assets, food stocks, government infrastructure and other infrastructure and assets, all of which have undergone great loss and damage. In addition, the electrical infrastructure and telecommunication links have been disrupted. The President has created the National Disaster Management Centre, on the same day to address the national disaster. The directive also had instructed all Government authorities to extend their full assistance and cooperation to the Disaster Management Centre. Mandate of National Disaster Management Centre Coordinate the activities the nation faces in all disasters Provide relief assistance to all those in need in a natural disaster, as well as other crises and events Provide temporary shelters and coordinate the repair and restoration of damaged houses and social infrastructure. In addition, manage the temporary shelters and internally displaced people Coordinate the aid received in response to disasters Formulate and conduct programmes to be prepared for any natural disasters and create awareness among the government institutions as well as the public and individuals Structure National Disaster Management Centre Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment State Minister Director General Administration & Finance Disaster Preparedness Disaster Reconstruction & Recovery Major Disaster Risks for Maldives Maldives faces four prominent hazards or risks: climate change the risk from rising sea-level gale force winds and storm surge hazard earthquake hazard and tsunami hazard High risk areas Challenges Lack of formal Disaster Management structure Inter agency coordination Large number of islands with small communities Distance between the islands High cost of transportation and logistical difficulties Difficulty in retaining volunteers Difficulty in creating public awareness Thank You