Disaster Management

The Disaster Management Committee (DMC) of the Cyprus Red Cross Society (C.R.C.S.), which for many years sub functioned, was reconstituted and reorganized in 2007 when its need was revealed after the C.R.C.S. took part in addressing the impact of the crisis in Lebanon in 2006.

Role and activation

The C.R.C.S. under its law enactment is the “auxiliary body of public authorities on humanitarian issues”. This relationship with the government, distinguishes it from the other NGO's and therefore, it consequently takes part in many Government Department programs and Services which are activated for Disaster Management (Internal Council and the Political Defence, the "ESTIA" plan by the External council, exercise by the Civil Defence, Virus pandemic by the Health Council). In the case of an emergency, the DMC always exercises collaboration with the Government, and specifically with the Civil Defence which is the responsible body in this field in case of an emergency. The International Red Cross is informed of the work and activation of the DMC of the C.R.C.S.

Activities

1. Humanitarian Sector:

We cover the humanitarian needs of vulnerable groups of people at times of crisis.

(a) Food, clothes, footwear, items for personal cleanliness and hygiene etc.

(b) First Aid

(d) Psychosocial support

(e) Education

(f) Protection

(g) Social adaptation and integration

2. Communications

3. Transport (of materials and staff)

4. Family reunions

5. Record – safely keeping patient information

6. Enlightenment – Informing – Guidance

7. Public relations

8. Support of rescue teams

Operational Action Plan of the DMC

In the instance where emergency help is needed, the operational action plan of the DMC is activated, which covers all the Provinces.

The President and Vice-President of the C.R.C.S. are head of the Action Program and collaborate with the Director General which is the coordinator. The vice coordinators function as deputies of the coordinator. There are links with the Decision making Centre of the Government and the Civil Defense, the Public Relations Coordinators and with those responsible for all the fields of action.

The following sectors are included in the Operational Action Plan:

Administration support

1. Providing administration support to the DMC, such as secretarial, logistical, economical service etc,

2. Coordination and support to the branches,

3. Registration of new volunteers,

4. Management of humanitarian sources, issue work programs,

5. Education.

Operations

1. Organisation, implementation and coordination of the mission field,

2. Organisation of immediate response action plans for the different groups in collaboration with the branches,

3. Needs assessment,

4. Aid distribution.

Logistics Support

1. Organisation of the main storage centers and checking the storage rooms of the branches,

2. Supplying and buying of goods

3. Transport of goods, food and staff,

4. Transport of vehicles

5. Accounting office,

6. Telephone communications.

Recent cases of Operation by the DMC

Lebanon Crisis – Summer 2006
Fires in Saita, Cyprus – 2007
Fires in Peloponissos, Greece – Summer 2007
Organisation of fast correspondence to a probable crisis in Lebanon – 2008
Instant correspondence and help to the refugees from Egypt – February 2011
Explosion at the Nautical Base “Evaggelos Florakis” Summer 2011
Preparation for the probable mass arrival of third country nationals or/and refugees from Syria – Summer 2012
Assistance to 345 refugees from Syria - Assisted at the refugee camp September 2014 - January 2015