Improvement pathways for coordination in disaster
response and emergencies in Maldives- Lesson
learnings from Japan’s response coordination
Aishath Ifa MohamedSenior Officer Resource Management
National Disaster Management Authority
Republic of Maldives
Visiting Researcher FY2023- Asian Disaster Reduction Center

Disclaimer
Contents of this research paper is prepared by Ms. Aishath Ifa Mohamed, Visiting Researcher FY2023, for
the Asian Disaster Reduction Center, Kobe, Japan
Currently I hold the position of Senior officer Resource Management for the National Disaster ManagementAuthority, Republic of Maldives.
The findings, interpretations and conclusion represent my own work and all sources of information
included in the report is acknowledged from secondary sources and does not signify the views of the Asian
Disaster Reduction Center or National Disaster Management Authority.

ContentIntroduction
Disaster management system in Maldives and Japan
Disaster response mechanism in Maldives and Japan
Japan’s emergency response to disasters
Improvement pathways for Maldives response coordination system

Introduction
Specific Aims
To identify current gaps, assess existing frameworks, and propose strategic enhancements to streamline
coordination efforts.

The improvement pathways identified in this research will assist NDMA in:
1. Improve existing policies and operational guidelines.
2. Improve the efficiency of resources.
3. Reduce cost of the activities
4. Improve coordination between agencies.

National Emergency Operation Plan(NEOP)- Maldiveso Established after 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunamio Plays crucial roles in guiding and directing disastermitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, recovery,
rehabilitation, and crisis management.
o Covid- 19 response - Gaps were identified in volume 2

Disaster management system in Maldives
Administrative System
There are 20 administrative atolls and 5 City Councils in the Maldives with over 940 council members in 187
Administrative islands.

Introduction to National Disaster Management Authority
2004

NDMC established as per Presidential
decree to coordinate tsunami response andrecovery

Solving recovery setbacks after in thetsunami recovery works

2015

Disaster Management Act Enacted

DRR and disaster preparedness works
initiated

2018

NDMA established as per Art 26 of DM Law(28/2015)

National target towards a resilient MaldivesDisaster management system in JapanoBasic principles of disaster countermeasures: Clarification of basic policies including the concept ofdisaster reductionoResponsibilities of the government, prefectures, municipalities, and designated public
institutions: Formulation and implementation of the plan for disaster management, mutual cooperationoResponsibilities of residents: Self-preparedness for disaster, stockpiling of basic necessities, voluntary
participation in disaster preparedness activities

Emergency Response Mechanism in MaldivesCabinet chaired by the President

National Disaster
Management Council

Apex decision making body in DM

Technical expertise committee fromthe sectors chaired by the Chief
Executive of NDMA

Disaster Management
Steering CommitteeProviding technical guidance to DM
CouncilNational DisasterManagementAuthority/NEOCFirst Responders

Response Forces

Implementing policies of the DMcouncil

National Emergency Response Forces-1/3
National Level Coordination:
NEOC- National Disaster Management Authority- First Responders

First Responders

Maldives National Defense Force

Maldives Police Service

National Emergency Response Forces-2/3
Atoll Level Emergency Coordination:
Atoll EOC- Atoll Council (Head of Operations at Atoll)

Atoll EOC includes:
Health Services

Police (Atoll)
MRC Branch
Utilities

TelecomNational Emergency Response Forces-3/3
Island Level Emergency Coordination:
Island EOC- Island Council (Head of Operations at Island)

Island EOC includes:
Health Services
SchoolPoliceMRC Unit /NGOs
Utilities
CERT liaison- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)Disaster Response Mechanism in Japan-1/2

Disaster Response Mechanism in Japan-2/2

Emergency Response to Disasters – Japan 1/2

o Disasters surpassing the capacity of the impacted local government, diverse support
mechanisms are activated by- National Police Agency
o Self-Defense Forces can be deployed for emergency response tasks upon the governor's
request in the affected prefecture.

o Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) are sent to: deliver broad medical services,utilizing Self-Defense Forces vehicles and aircraft to transport critically injured individuals tohospitals beyond the affected area.

Emergency Response to Disasters – Japan 2/2

Improvement pathways for Maldives response
coordination system 1/6
Developing a National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)• Identifying and assessing potential risks and vulnerabilities, allowing
authorities to develop proactive measures to mitigate the risks.
• Can enhance the Maldives capacity to engage with regional andinternational partners in disaster risk reduction and response efforts.
• Develop comprehensive SOPs for disaster response, covering each phaseof the disaster management cycle.

Improvement pathways for Maldives response
coordination system 2/6
Establish a Centralized Command Center• Equipped with advanced technology to monitor and coordinate
responses to disasters.
• Implement a unified communication system that connects all
relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and international partners.

Resource Management
GIS mapping and remote sensing, significantly enhances its
response capabilities.

Improvement pathways for Maldives response
coordination system 3/6
Early Warning Systems• Invest in early warning systems for various types of disasters,such as Tsunami, surges, storms, and floods.

• Ensure that the public is well-informed and educated on how to
respond to early warnings, including evacuation procedures andsafety measures.

Improvement pathways for Maldives response
coordination system 4/6
Interagency Collaboration• Enhance collaboration among different government agencies, NGOs, andinternational organizations.
• Conduct regular joint training exercises to improve communication andcoordination among the various entities involved in disaster response.
• Training for emergency response teams, including first responders, medical
personnel, and support staff.

Improvement pathways for Maldives response
coordination system 5/6
Public-Private Partnerships• Establishing partnerships with local businesses and industries -canensure a more comprehensive and resourceful response, exploiting bothpublic and private resources.
• Case: Japan’s collaboration with Weather News Inc (WNI)
Japan Meteorological Agency, a government office, partners with WeatherNews Inc.

Improvement pathways for Maldives response
coordination system 6/6
Documenting Past Disaster Responses• A valuable tool for refining future responses.

• Maintaining records of response initiatives provides a detailed account of theEmergency Operation Center's (EOC) decisions in coordinating responses.
• Perform post-disaster assessments topinpoint areas that require enhancement
and apply corrective measures.

Thank You for
EVERYTHING