Third Quarter, 1996

(July - September, 1996)

Prepared For:

Cooperative Agreement No. 940-1008-A-00-3522-00

Issued By:

1889 F Street N.W.

Washington, DC 20011

October 30, 1996

- Annex 2: Financial report through September 1996.

A funding replenishment of $700,000 for the fiscal 1996 for CDMP was received in August 1996.. This represents a 30% reduction from the indicative funding level of $1 million per year. We also received an extra $100,000 for providing technical support to integrated land use and environmental planning in Dominica. This activity will be added to the reporting headlines. (See H. Dominica Land Use Planning)

M&E consultant Jinx Parker visited St. Lucia and Dominica in August to evaluate the impact of the safe roof campaigns in each of these islands. This information will be reported on during the "lessons Learned workshop in late October.

Miss Paulette Robertson replaced Miss Lorna Wright as the administrative assistant of the CDMP regional project coordinator.

A new multi-coloured CDMP information brochure was prepared during this quarter, providing an update on the status and achievements of the project. The brochure will be distributed at upcoming public events. A copy is attached in Annex 1.

Arrangements were made with CARILEC and participating national electrical utilites (LUCELEC, DOMLEC and VINLEC) for an evaluation of this activity during the last quarter of 1996.

a) Jamaica: Montego Bay Coastal Flooding:

During this period, the Jamaica Institute of Engineers (JIE) submitted a Scope of Work for a reveiw by an independent statistician of the return period analysis for storms and surges carried out by CDMP consultant Watson. Several potential consultants were contacted since, but no positive reply has been received. Consultations were also held with Dr. Will Schaffer of NOAA, who operates the SLOSH model, and advises coastal planners and emergency managers in the USA.

During the previous quarter, the JIE had indicated that it would present the Regional Coordinator with all available data they have on the 1912 hurricane, including latitude, longitude and time intervals. This data wuold then be used by the CDMP consultant to re-run the storm hazard analysis model. As of the end of the quarter, this information had not yet been received..

It was also agreed that the government agencies (led by the TPD), would refer to the existing flood hazard maps as "preliminary", until a the above described review is completed.

b) Jamaica: Kingston Multi-hazard Mapping.

Work on the landslide hazard activity is continuing slowly as the digital base maps from the Survey Department have still not been completed. At the end of September, only half of the sheets promised by the Survey department for May had been completed. Despite this, field work is continuing and additional landslides are being mapped from aerial photographs. A decision was also taken to prepare inventory maps on 1:50,000 scale sheets which are readily available, while more detailed work will be done at 1:12,500.

The Earthquake Unit completed data collection in August. External reviewer Dr. Stuart Nishenko visited Jamaica in September. Based on this review, it was agreed to focus the analysis on earthquakes of a magnitude of 3.5 or higher and originating within 200 km of the KMA. This decision was prompted by the paucity of locally available data.

A number of preliminary maps have been produced by the Geological Survey Department as an input for the final product, including (a) depth to bedrock (b) groundwater depth during wet season and © topographic contours at 1:50,000 scale. All these maps were reviewed by the consultant who suggested a number of options for improving these maps.

It is anticipated that a preliminary digital terrain model will be completed by the end of November along with the following maps (a) seismicity, (b) seismogenic sources, © seismotectonic model and (d) attenuation model. It is also hoped that Dr. Ambeh will be able to play a more active role in this activity. His commitments in Monserrat have sofar limited his involvment.

c) The Caribbean Meteorological Institute (CMI)

Further arrangements were made for the organization of a training course at the National Hurricane Center (NHC)from March 3 to 6 1997, to train Caribbean Meteorological Officers and Disaster Officers in using storm forecast and surge hazard maps for emergency preparedness. The agenda of a similar course offered by FEMA/NOAA was obtained and circulated to CMI and CDERA for comments and suggestions for adaptation.

d) Belize: Flood Hazard Assessment.

Presentation of the results of the flood hazard assessment for the Belize River and installation of the model which was originally scheduled for September is now rescheduled for later in the last quarter, due to the busy hurricane season that affected Belize.

The building code prepared by CDMP and UNCHS for Antigua has still not been presented to Cabinet. The legal requirements for its enforcement has however been established and the code is currently being enforced by the Development Control Authority. A date for final presentation to Cabinet has still not been established.,

Work on this activity is now re-scheduled to begin in Dominica in November. The Barbados based company CEP has been contracted to be the lead agency with inputs from Al Wason who previously worked on the Antigua code.

Dominica During the period under review, a five day training workshop for builders was held in collaboration with the Caribbean Conference of Churches. This activity departed from the traditional approach used in that training activities included the construction of a model house. Funding for this activity was provided by the Caribbean Conference of Churches. A total of forty-one persons were trained during this workshop, of this number, thirteen met the basic requirement for certification. Further collaboration between both entities is envisaged with the possibility of the construction of two additional houses and retrofitting at least five others.

In the area of loan repayments, arrears now stand at 25% of total loan value. This could be an extension of the difficulties being experienced by banana farmers following the damage caused to the industry in 1995. New loan applicants for the period stood at seven; two new loans were approved.

St. Lucia The departure of David Popo form CARITAS continued to affect the performance of the project over the reporting period. The new coordinator, Dr. Leslie Lett, took up his appointment in July. Shortly after his appointment, Dr. Lett met with the CDMP Regional Coordinator and a draft contract and work programme was prepared. This draft formed the basis for the final contract which was prepared by CHF.

As a result of the change of personnel at CARITAS work activities for the period was severely restricted with only one housing unit being retrofitted, ten applications were deferred until the Loan Approval Committee meets in October. Like Dominica, St. Lucia is also experiencing arrears in its loan repayment.

Antigua and Barbuda A training workshop for local builders and artisans in housing retrofit methods was held in Antigua over the period August 19 - 23. This activity was undertaken jointly by the CDMP and the National Development Foundation of Antigua. A report on the outcome of the workshop is still being awaited.

No activities this quarter.

a) Training: On July 18, the Universal de Seguros sponsored the CDMD's hurricane simulation for sixty Universal-affiliated insurance broker executives. Participants learned the importance of appropriate handling of clients with catastrophic coverage before, during and after a hurricane. As a result, when Hurricane Hortense threatened the D.R., some companies advertised the names and phone numbers of their representatives in the newspapers.

On July 20, the Hotel Hamaca, Boca Chica Resort, Don Juan Beach Resort and the Pro-Development Assoc. of Boca Chica sponsored the CDMD's presentation of Disaster Administration Principles and a hurricane simulation for at least 60 representatives of the hotels, authorities and the community.

From September 4 - 6, the CDMD held the Second National Course on Damage Assessment and Needs Evaluation adapted for the private sector. The 28 participants were representatives of important companies such as TRICOM, CODETEL, All American Cable & Radio, Falconbridge, Hotel Decameron etc. The following week Hurricane Hortense threatened the southern coast and the participants called the instructors to comment on how well there preparations went thanks to the training.

Note that all of these activities were financed by the organizing companies and/or the participants.

b) Coordination and Communication: During this quarter, three articles were published in national newspapers to promote the project and its activities. The CDMD’s work was also highlighted in ACOPRO's second publication. An active schedule of visits to important authorities and private sector businesses was maintained as well as meetings with newly elected officials to describe the project and its activities. The CDMD participated in three television programs resulting in over 60 minutes of free. Before, during and after Hurricane Hortense the CDMC was active in community preparation; fielding requests for information from agencies such as USAID and OXFAM; obtaining information on the storm's impact throughout the eastern region and relaying this information to organizations so they could decide how best to respond or assist the communities.

c) Community Education: The Dominican Disaster Mitigation Committee (DDMC) supported thirty two (32) Community Disaster Preparedness Workshops carried out in high risk communities throughout the southern coast and some interior regions. To date an estimated 69 workshops have been held benefitting at least 2,070 adults and community leaders. As a result communities have revived Civil Defense and Red Cross chapters to assure they can meet search and rescue as well as first aid needs locally. In addition, communities have completed emergency plans; established and practiced evacuation plans; and have built containment walls and improved drainage systems and roads. The DDMC also held a Lessons Learned Workshop, co-sponsored by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from July 17 through 18 to discuss successes and find solutions to common problems and ways to improve the program.

d) Information: The Informational Bulletin of June 30 was distributed to at least 2,500 individuals, businesses, NGO's and organizations. The bulletins have been enthusiastically received and have motivated more than two dozen businesses and organizations to become affiliates of the DDMC. The radio spots on what to do before, during and after hurricanes, developed in coordination with and authorized by the Civil Defense, were given to 119 radio stations nationwide. In San Pedro de Macorís, as a result of the air time donated to informing the public, the residents commented that they were ready for a hurricane - Hortense showed them how useful the information was. The DDMC filmed a video with Red Cross volunteers demonstrating how to handle accident victims, which has already received rave reviews from businesses that have borrowed the video. The videos on hurricanes, earthquakes and fire prevention continue to be quite popular.

e) Community Initiatives: An orientation course on Community Initiatives in Vulnerability Reduction was held for community disaster preparedness workshop facilitators.. The Community Initiatives Facilitator was hired as a full time employee. The Facilitator has already developed guidelines for applications by communities, and for follow up on their applications for co-financing. The Facilitator visited most of the communities in the eastern region to clear up questions about the application process. During Hurricane Hortense, the Facilitator contacted the threatened and affected areas, relaying information and later visiting several of the communities to assess damages, effectiveness of the workshops and the communities' plans for avoiding damage and loss in the future. The Facilitator has also established institutional relationships with NGO's such as Pro-Comunidad; Habitat; Ciudad Alternativa; CII-VIVIENDAS and another organization whose specialty is appropriate housing technology through prefabricated materials.

The Project Steering Committee met for the first time in August 8, with the participation of the Ministries of Environment, Health, Public Works, the Haitian Red Cross, USAID and OAS. The Ministry of the Interior/OPDES was absent. The CDMP objectives and draft workplan were presented the national coordinator. Participants expressed support for the project, but raised the issue of resources available under the project in view of the immensity of challenge. The PSC made several recommendations aimed at improving coordination with OPDES and other agencies involved in disaster management.

The CDMP project manager visited Haiti September 9 - 12. The USAID/CORA regional disaster advisor was prevented from participating in this mission due to the approach of Hurricane Hortense. The purpose of the mission was to evaluate the performance of the national coordinator, after 3 months on the job, and to assist in refining the workplan of CDMP Haiti, following the recommendations from the PSC.

a) Information: The coordinator conducted several needs assessments in slum areas of Port-au-Prince. One result of the assessments is that Ministry of Environment contacted Electricite d'Haiti requesting reinstatement of a canal cleaning program in Cite Soleil. In Cite l'Eternel, it was decided to hire consultant to advise best way to reduce or eliminate flooding and related problems.

The coordinator reached agreements with three radio stations for free broadcast time to be allocated to CDMP for disaster-related messages. This demonstrates a growing local investment in the CDMP project.

b) Coordination/collaboration: In collaboration with Min. of Environment, Min. of Interior, Red Cross International Federation and CRS, CDMP conducted general disaster assessment and ironed out new collaboration and assistance proceedings. A consultant was contracted to assist the Ministry of the Environment with preparing and analysis of disasters vulnerability and environmental degradation for the National Environmental Action Plan. Weekly coordination meetings are being held with Catholic Relief Services and OPDES. Collaboration with UNDP, ECHO and Partners of the Americas is being explored..

c)Training: Contacts were made with OFDA regarding the use of the OFDA training course "Train the trainers". CDMP will make arrangements to have the materials translated. Discussions were held with the International Red Cross regarding collaboration in training courses in preparedness and vulnerability reduction at the community level to be implemented by Haitian Red Cross with funding from ECHO.

Dominica: CDB Coastal Rehabilitation Loan:

CDMP completed the storm surge and wave action assessment as part of the Limited Scope Grant Agreement from USAID to the Government of Dominica in support of a CDB loan. CEP Barbados, contracted by CDMP to coordinate the formulation of design criteria for the coastal works visited the sites to be rehabilitated.

During this quarter, CDMP received communications from the Government of Dominica confirming the work CDMP is to undertake as part of the Limited Scope Grant Agreement. An agreement between OAS and the Government of Dominica regarding the payments CDMP is to receive for this work is still pending.

Initial contacts were made with Mr. Atherton Martin, Chairman of the Planning and Development Corporation of Dominica, regarding the preparation of a workplan for this activity. USAID has earmarked $100,000 for this activity, on the basis of a request by the Government of Dominica following Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn, and a follow-up mission to Dominica by USAID/CORA. A detailed workplan will be prepared in consultation with Dominica counterpart agencies early next quarter.

Planning continued for the regional workshop on lessons learned from the CDMP Housing Retrofit Pilots. The workshop is now scheduled for October 28-29,1996 in St. Lucia. CHF is in the process of preparing a retrofit manual, or "Tool Kit", to be presented at the Lessons Learned conference. The "Tool Kit" will assist other non-governmental organizations in replicating safe roof campaigns and retrofit activities in other parts of the Caribbean.

The CDMP project manager and national coordinators from Dominican Republic and Haiti, and the USAID/CORA regional disaster advisor participated in the Hemispheric Congress on Disaster Reduction and Sustainable Development held September 29 - October 2 at the Florida International University sponsored by the International Hurricane Center; La Red; Latin American and Caribbean Center; Organization of American States; Summit of the Americas Center; and the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. Each participated actively as presenters and panelists in various of the sessions. A CDMP poster board and samples of CDMP publications were displayed in the poster session.