Chuuk – June 6, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (DECEM) launched a three-day disaster simulation exercise in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, to prepare first-line responders for rapid mobilization during  events of natural hazards.  

Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded RESILIENCE project, the simulation exercises bring together first-line responders from various sectors, including agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, and public safety, as well as representatives from the State Disaster Coordination Office (DCO) and non-governmental organizations.  

In his opening statement, Mekioshy William, Lieutenant Governor of Chuuk State, underlined the importance of the simulation exercise to ensure first-line responders understand their responsibilities and are able to carry out their duties effectively.

“This tabletop exercise is critical, as our islands are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Let’s continue to work together and collaborate, so our efforts can establish a strong emergency response when needed and as called for. Our collaboration can save lives, enhance disaster response preparedness and build resilient communities.” 

The simulation exercise will present a disaster scenario to participants, such as a typhoon, and test the attendees’ capacities of emergency deployment, social support, livelihoods, and infrastructure clusters to respond to an emergency situation. It also aims to shed light upon existing gaps in coordination and communication channels and provide a platform to review and update the Chuuk State Disaster Response Plan and Standard Operating Procedures.

“The increasing risk of disaster events related to the impact of climate change underlines the urgent need to fortify preparedness and response mechanisms and minimize, to the extent possible, damage to infrastructures, agricultural crops, livelihoods, and, most importantly, to protect lives,” said Salvatore Sortino, IOM Micronesia Chief of Mission. 

To achieve this, Sortino stressed the importance of  a concerted effort. “IOM is grateful for DECEM and DCO and partner agencies for coordinating these drills and for their commitment to ensuring the right systems and capacities are in place before disasters occur.”  

After the exercise, IOM, in coordination with DECEM, DCO and relevant line departments participating in the simulation, will identify challenges and opportunities in coordination, local-level capacity-building, logistics and other critical areas, followed by recommendations for actionable improvements to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in Chuuk State.

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For more information, please contact at IOM Micronesia: Haimanot Abebe, Email:  haabebe@iom.int