Assessing Impacts of Disasters

1. Assessing Impacts of Disasters Session 2 Damage and Reconstruction Needs Assessment Module 2: Philippines Application

2. Implementing Rules and Regulations of the PD 1566 • In the aftermath of a disaster, all concerned agencies should undertake a survey of damages within their scope of responsibility and submit detailed damage assessment and requirements for relief and rehabilitation programs • The NDCC collates the assessment made by the local disaster coordinating Councils (DCCs) through the regional DCCs. • The reported damages are validated by relevant department at the national government before release of official issuance. Damage and Reconstruction Needs Assessment Module 2: Philippines Application

3. Present Defects • No comprehensive guidelines on damage assessment • Limited time and scope of coverage and details reported • Assessors lack appropriate training and skills • Absence of baseline data in undertaking assessment • Poor coordination between departments and agencies • LGU-level political “massaging” of reported damage Damage and Reconstruction Needs Assessment Module 2: Philippines Application

4. Recommendations • Set up a common standard in post disaster damage assessment • Adoption of guidelines set by the ECLAC to improve methodologies and practices in damage assessment • Enhancement of coordination between government agencies and NGOs • Enhancement of knowledge and understanding of the nature and scale of impact of disasters Damage and Reconstruction Needs Assessment Module 2: Philippines Application