In historic first for developing countries, Haiti launches 'Seismic risk reduction' plan
"This project is a historical landmark and this is to the credit of the Haitian government, which decided to engage a proactive strategy of risk reduction in order to avoid a similar tragedy to that which struck Port-au-Prince and its region on January 12th, 2010," said United Nation's Development Program (UNDP) administrator, Helen Clark, according to PRNewswire.
Defined by Minister Mayard-Paul as a plan created "by Haitians, for Haitians" and aligned with President Martelly's National Agenda for Decentralization, the earthquake risk reduction plan mobilises local governments for disaster risk prevention and emergency response and will be later complemented with similar programs to mitigate risks related to cyclones and flooding. "We are proactively building capacity of our municipalities and departments for seismic-risk management so all Haiti can be better prepared to manage and respond to emergency situations. Programs such as this are close to my heart, as they involve the safety, welfare and lives of our People," said Haiti's Minister of the Interior.