4. CURRENT SITUATION IN MANAGING DISASTERS

4.1. Part One: How disasters are dealt with currently by government

PART ONE provides an insight into the range of disasters that the country has to deal with. There is a recognition that disasters are more effectively tackled through pro-active strategies. For each of the types of disaster, the main areas of prevention, preparation, response and relief are covered broadly to give an idea of the kinds of activities and resources that are involved in dealing with each of the areas. Part One also describes the national departments that are expected to lead in these areas.

4.1.1. Drought
4.1.2. Floods and dam failures
4.1.3. Fire hazards
4.1.4. Bomb explosions and civil unrest
4.1.5. Refugees and displaced people
4.1.6. Epidemics and other health disasters
4.1.7. Earthquakes, dolomite land, nuclear radiation
4.1.8. Aircraft, maritime, road and railway disasters
4.1.9. Hazardous material, pollution, tropical cyclones and tornadoes

4.2. Part Two: Other national departments and agencies involved in disaster management

PART TWO lists the other national departments that are required to give support in disaster management.

4.2.1. Department of Constitutional Development
4.2.2. The South African Weather Bureau
4.2.3. The SANDF and SAPS
4.2.4. Department of Welfare and Population Development
4.2.5. Department of Housing
4.2.6. Department of Education
4.2.7. Department of Public Works

4.3. Part Three: Summary of general weaknesses and constraints in current disaster management

PART THREE critically examines whether current measures, both in the areas of prevention and response, are adequate and what more could be done by the lead departments in terms of the disaster management continuum.

4.4. Part Four: Legislative framework

PART FOUR reviews the existing legislative framework.

General | 1. Introduction | 2. Key principles for a Disaster Management policy | 3. Different approaches to Disaster Management | 4. Current situation in managing diasaters | 5. Ensuring that a system for Disaster Management is in place | 6. Intergovernmental and civil society co-operation and co-ordination | 7. Glossary | Contents