Risk Returns

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native evacuation routes; and producing self-help contingency

plans. This platform empowers grassroots leaders and residents

to start taking charge of safety and security issues within their

neighborhoods.

Firefighters and paramedics are vital actors in disaster operations.

The CBDRM also includes basic firefighting and lifesaving skills to

prepare communities to take appropriate action before help from

these services arrives.

Incident Command System

While it is crucial to strengthen preparedness at grassroots level,

enhancement of the response mechanism is equally important.

Under the ASEAN-US Programme on Disaster Management, Brunei

Darussalam is one of the two original pilot countries to adopt the

Incident Command System (ICS) in its national incident manage-

ment system. This collaboration with the US has provided a

framework as the basis for adaptation of appropriate models for

on-scene incident management. This two-year programme includes

a ‘training for trainers’ programme and on-scene disaster response

system using the ICS.

The ICS has increased capacity building by promoting interoper-

ability among multi-sector responders. In strengthening the existing

disaster response management system by standardizing coordination

amongst different agencies, the system also ensures that designated

responders at different levels are capable of handling different types

of emergencies and disasters.

The system has proven its effectiveness as it was used as the inci-

dent management system during flooding and strong winds in 2010.

It has enabled efficient and timely responses whilst minimizing the

impact of disaster losses.

A multi-sector approach has always been the strong-

est asset of the NDMC and this has proven to be an

effective mechanism in managing disasters in Brunei

Darussalam. With this body as the coordinating agency,

there has been excellent cooperation with the Fire and

Rescue Department, District Offices, Royal Brunei

Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Welfare

Department, Ministry of Health and other relevant

agencies. This has contributed to ensuring the safety

and wellbeing of communities and their return to

normal life in the shortest possible period.

Ready for emerging risks

Brunei Darussalam acknowledges that climate change

may affect the country and new risks may emerge from

time to time. In this regard, the government has taken

many initiatives to prepare for and respond to disaster.

This involves taking into account worst-case scenarios

of both natural and man-made disasters such as oil

spills and gas explosions. Support for both the grass-

roots level and the responders is vital and this can be

achieved by conducting regular training and exercises

to ensure all involved are ready and able to respond.

While it is not possible to prevent disasters alto-

gether, it is worthwhile and cost-effective to mitigate

and reduce disaster risk. Every community has to live

with some risks and be prepared to reduce them. The

government will continue to ensure the safety and well-

being of the nation, thus strengthening capacity and

coordination between agencies.

A multi-sector approach allows for quick action during and after disasters

The Incident Command System has helped communities survive

major floods and strong winds

Image: NDMC