Mainstreaming Disaster Management Into Development Plans.

Byline: Manzo Ezekiel

In the twilight of December 2004, the world was thrown into deep mourning following the Tsunami that hit the coast of Indian Ocean in South East Asia.

The disaster caused heavy loss of lives and property. The countries hit by the huge ocean surge also suffered environmental calamity. Its impacts were felt throughout the world.

Though the Tsunami occurred almost unexpectedly, its consequences awakened many countries that now pay more attention to issues of disaster management. From then, many national governments have gradually recognised in their development plans, the need to pre-empt and prepare ahead of disasters.

The recent increase in the frequency and gravity of disasters brings to the fore imperatives of mainstreaming disaster management into national development plans. The developmental plan of a nation sets out its priorities and assigns responsibilities and targets to be achieved within a given circumstance. Such plans as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) subscribed to by comity of nations and the Seven-Point Agenda of President Umaru Musa Yar 'Adua.

The plans usually cut across every facet of a nation with more attention given to areas of …