Preparedness, Response, Recovery
Objective three of the NDMO Strategic Plan 2017 – 2019 is to improve disaster management operations through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery phases.
This page contains information and resources relating to disaster management, and is periodically updated to reflect current operations.
Quick links:
Inundation in March 2014 was a result of swells generated by an extratropical storm raising water levels above normal. This made the shoreline of the Marshalls especially susceptible to further inundation and flooding from King Tides. The high waves inundated parts of Majuro, as well as other communities in the outer islands, including Arno and Mili. In the photo, Dr. Dean Jacobson who was a dedicated individual in bringing both the “perils and beauties” of the environment surrounding the islands. (photo credit: Karl Fellenius)
Even if a structure is elevated or built with flood resistant materials, during a typhoon or major tsunami shelter should be sought in designated shelters. It may be acceptable to shelter in place for smaller events, such as the March 2014 floods, however it is more than likely that inundation will be unpredictable. Thus if in doubt, evacuate to buildings that meet specific structural standards. (photo credit: Karl Fellenius)
Coastal erosion is a serious hazard as it causes the shoreline to move inland and thus puts houses and buildings at increased risk from wave inundation and flooding. Erosion can be caused by physical processes associated with a tropical cyclone, tsunami, extratropical storm, and/or sea-level rise.
Wave inundation and flooding during the 1979 extratropical storm in Majuro. Flooding at this location crossed the atoll. In some locations a channel was cut into the atoll.
Photo courtesy of Hamilton Library, University of Hawai‘i Pacific Collection.
During the 1979 inundation event, there were 100 to 300 houses that were destroyed. Many more were damaged. Wave inundation such as this is the reason elevating houses is covered in Part 4 of this book in order to reduce the risk of damage.
Photo courtesy of Hamilton Library, University of Hawai‘i Pacific Collection.
During the 1979 event, there was an estimated $26 million in property damage and major portions of Djarrit and Delap were covered in sediment.
Photo courtesy of Hamilton Library, University of Hawai‘i Pacific Collection.
Also during the 1979 event, over 5,000 people lost use of their homes due to flooding (Hoeke et al., 2013).
Photo courtesy of Hamilton Library, University of Hawai‘i Pacific Collection.
Preparing for natural hazards
This handbook was created by The University of Hawai’i Sea Grant College Program to help you prepare for natural hazards so that risks to your family and property may be reduced.
While it is never possible to eliminate all damage from a natural hazard, you as a homeowner can take action and implement many small and cost-effective steps that could significantly lower your risk. Mother Nature can be intense. Your family deserves the protection that only you can provide.
When a natural hazard occurs – whether it be a tropical cyclone, tsunami, extratropical storm, king tide, flood, sea-level rise, erosion, or drought – the results can be devastating for your land, your home, your family, and your possessions. Financial losses can be particularly high in the two administrative centers of the northern and southern Marshall Islands: Majuro and Ebeye.
These areas have seen explosive growth in both population and land area since the mid-1940s. This has been especially true in Majuro, where a number of lagoonal openings along Majuro Atoll were connected by the US Navy to form the single 30 mile strip of land that today is home to over half of the Marshall Islands population. With this aggregation of people and development in Ebeye, Kwajalein, and eastern Majuro especially, Marshall Islanders and their homes have become increasingly exposed to potentially dangerous natural hazards.
Credit: University of Hawai’i Sea Grant Program, June 2015
RMI COVID19 Preparedness
With the Presidential Declaration of Health Emergency for COVID19, the National Disaster Committee are holding meetings 2x weekly in order to help prepare the country. RMI COVID19 Response Plan finalized on march 25 2020. Conference calls with technical assistance partners also being held.
Latest Press Release and Public Announcements from the Office of the Chief Secretary and the National emergency Operations Center link below:
Travel Advisory #17 : September 07, 2020
Project Pipeline
COVID19 Preparedness
- RMI COVID19 Response Plan approved
- National Disaster Committee meetings 2 times a week
- National Emergency Operations Center Activated and meet 2 times a week
- COVID19 Travel Advisories in place
- COVID19 Situation Reports
- Handwashing Station build in various locations
- Shower station built at International Airport
- Maritime and Airport SOPs in endorsed
- Economic Impact Assessment completed and plan approved
- NDC and Chamber of Commerce Dialogue to address private sector need
- Repatriation of RMI Citizens from FSM
- Essential Services identified and now in discussion for SOPs
COVID19 Awareness Campaigns
- RMI COVID19 Condition Levels: Flags on display at Amata Kabua Boulevard. Fliers and poster have been distributed and posters on Billboards around Majuro atoll.
- Awareness materials currently being sent out with the MoHHS neighboring islands out reach teams
- Private Sector and business currently being trained by relevant ministries and agencies on COVID19 awareness and infection control (use of PPEs, social distancing, hand and cough hygiene
- Daily Radio Interviews from MoHHS
- Training now focusing on Points of Entry fro PPE usage and hand hygiene in both Majuro and Ebeye.
- MoHHs Rapid Response Teams now being to deployed to neighboring islands for assessment and COVID19 awareness
RMI Cluster Updates
- WASH with Gender and Protection Clusters Complete Vulnerability Assessment on Majuro. Ebeye Teams currently conducting this same survey
- Shelter Cluster Assessment and Infrastructure Cluster with Health Cluster and MoHHs on trips to Neighboring islands and atolls for Alternative Care Sites during COVID19
- Shelter Cluster in Majuro focusing on the assessment of schools and churches for potential care sites
- Food Security Agriculture Cluster and Logistics Cluster disbursing Request for Quotations from Majuro Vendors for the contents of the Food Baskets. Deployment of food basket aimed at first 2 weeks of August.
- Gender and Protection CLuster working with Domestic Violence Division for development of Protection SOPs for vulnerable population at shelters during lockdown.
- Gender and Protection Cluster working with IOM and Local tailors for local sewing of fabric masks
Donors & Contributions
This space recognises the effort and generosity of our operational partners.
Mr. Taichi Wada (Kaiika Restaurant)
Pan Akimoto Co., Ltd
Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF)
November, 2019
On Friday November 1, 2019, Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) arrived in Majuro by Lockheed C-130H Hercules and delivered gifts, including mosquito nets and repellent donated by Mr. Taichi Wada, owner of the Kaiika Restaurant in Niue, and canned bread donated by Pan Akimoto Co., Ltd in Japan, to Ministry of Health and Human Services in order to respond to the Dengue Fever Outbreak in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The handover ceremony of the donated items was held at the Amata Kabua International Airport, attended by His Excellency Norio Saito, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Mr. Jack Niedenthal, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Ms. Kino Kabua, Acting Chief Secretary, and Ms. Andrea Muller, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in the presence of representatives of government organizations, the JASDF and the Embassy of Japan.
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
May 4 2020
In close collaboration with the National Disaster Management Office and WASH Cluster, IOM responded with GORMI to the drought affected atolls of Aur, Maloelap, Wotje, Ailuk, Mejit and Likiep for RO units maintenance and deployment.
In continued support to the drought response, the US Ambassador stopped by the IOM/USAID warehouse for a tour and a well wish to the GORMI drought response team.
IOM and NDMO are also taking this opportunity to distribute important COVID 19 preparedness messaging to the islands visited on this mission. #droughtresponse #covid19 #preparedness
Government of Japan
September, 2019
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with the Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI), conducted its inaugural project inception and Board meeting in Majuro, on 30 August 2019 for the Disaster Risk Management project, funded by the Government of Japan.
The RMI was awarded US$7.4million for the implementation of the Disaster Risk Management project, “Enhancing Disaster and Climate Resilience through improved Disaster Preparedness and Infrastructure”. The project aims to improve RMIs capacity for preparedness and mitigation to geo-physical and climate related hazards; and enhance resilience to climate change impact in order to protect lives, sustain livelihoods, preserve the environment and safeguard the economy from consequences of different hazards.
Marshall Islands Red Cross Society (MIRCS)
April 8, 2020
Marshall Islands Red Cross volunteers continue to support the NDMO and the National Government on COVID19 Awareness and Preparedness measures in communities throughout Majuro and the outer islands. MIRCS is also taking the lead in psycho-social first aid training that will support the Mental Health Coalition during COVID19.
