Emergency Management: Ash Wednesday - Essay Example

? Emergency Event Charles Sturt Table of Contents I – Introduction II – What was the event? What Where/When Why it was an emergency Diagram location of affected areas III – How did it happen? Why event was caused Causes/circumstances leading to fire Progression IV – Who and what did it affect? People Property Essential services Environment Infrastructure VI – The long term implications of the disaster Preventative Preparedness Response Recovery Other implications VII. Conclusion VIII. Recommendations Reference Abstract Disasters often have a significant impact on the lives and the properties of people and communities it affects. This was apparent in the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983 in Victoria, Australia. This disaster was brought to bear upon Victoria due to various conditions at that time which included a continued drought lasting almost four years, humid temperature, strong winds, and dry atmosphere. The fire spread to different parts of Victoria, including residential areas, devastating homes and even lives. Forests, livestock, flora, fauna were lost in these fires. The economic impact of these fires was in the billions. From these fires, the impact of disasters is very much apparent. Policies for the prevention, preparation, response, and recovery from the bushfires include community education, use of fire breaks, and the training of fire fighters and disaster management teams. These processes help establish clear paths towards disaster management based on actual events unfolding and based on identified gaps in government and community responses. Introduction Disasters are events which cause a significant damage to property and to the lives of people. These disasters often occur unexpectedly as in earthquakes, or unsurprisingly, as in storms or typhoons. Whether unexpected or not, the impact of these disasters is known to be largely significant to people and to property. This study aims to establish what disasters are and its impact on people, communities, and properties. It also aims to establish ways to understand disasters and the various safety measures which can be applied to prevent and reduce their impact. Considering the various negative impacts of disasters, it is important to understand these disasters, in the hope of reducing fatalities and damage to properties and communities. This study shall also seek to establish clear and comprehensive discussion tools for the management of disasters and for the reduction of their impact in general society. What was the event? What: Ash Wednesday Where and when: The disaster popularly known as Ash Wednesday of 1983 occurred on the 16th of February 1983 in Victoria Australia. It was one of the most devastating bushfires in the world based on its impact in terms of property and community damage, but more significantly, in terms of lives lost (Fire and other Emergencies, 2011). Why event is an emergency: This disaster can be considered an emergency because it is an event which can potentially “cause serious injury or loss of life” (International Labour Organization, 1988, p. 29). It is also an emergency because its occurrence is unexpected and sudden. Location diagram: The fire covered the following areas: Dandenong Ranges, Macedon area, Lofty Ranges of Adelaide, Otway. The Danderong, Ranges, Macedon area, as well as the Mt. Lofty Ranges were the areas most affected by the bushfires and more so because they were residential areas. The Otway Ranges and the South Australian forests were also ravaged by the fires. The fires impacted on the entire Australian economy as their losses amounted to $A7 billion. Agricultural devastation also caused the loss of jobs in these areas, and property losses meant homelessness for many others. How and why did it happen? Why event is caused Various factors converge in order to create bushfires. These factors include the presence of fuel, oxygen, and the ignition source (Commonwealth of Australia, 2011). The speed at which such fire would spread largely depends on ambient temperature, “fuel load, fuel moisture, wind speed and slope angle” (Commonwealth of Australia, 2011). Fuel load is based on the concept that, the greater the fuel load, then the bigger the fire. Fuel which is focused and in an adequate space would likely burn faster as compared to scattered fuel sources. In effect, scattered twigs would be smaller sources of fuel, whereas twigs and fuel sources concentrated in an area would likely burn bigger. Natural oils in eucalyptus trees also serve as significant sources of fuel (Commonwealth of Australia, 2011). Dry fuel would also likely burn faster than wet or damp fuel which may not burn at all. Therefore without rainfall, the possibility of creating more fuel for fire is very high. Wind speed also impacts on the creation of bushfires as it acts to fan the fuel and the fire; it also brings about a continuous supply of oxygen to the fire (Commonwealth of Australia, 2011). Higher temperatures also lead to bushfires, and combined with the previous elements cause bigger bushfires. Explanation of cause and circumstances leading to event The Ash Wednesday bushfire was largely attributed to a four year drought in Victoria, Australia which started in 1979 and raged on till 1983 (Australia Government, 2008). Due to the inadequate rainfall in the region, as well as the sweltering temperatures, the Victoria eucalyptus forests were in danger of fire at that time. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (Fire and other Emergencies, 2011) discusses that sparks from electricity lines rubbing against each other, and with tree branches somehow caused the sparks which led to the major bushfire. Other unknown factors were also considered as relevant to the disaster (Fire and Other Emergencies, 2011). Explanation of event's progression The soil was dry and the water systems were very much depleted due to the drought and the lack of rains in Victoria. No moisture at all was present in the air. The temperature in many part of Australia at that time was in the highs of 40 degrees Celsius and lows of 15 degrees. On the day of the fire, there were scattered reports of bushfires. The winds were strong and blew inward, and it was reported to be the hottest and driest day of the year so far. The small bushfires became bigger and pushed towards the south (Fire and other Emergencies, 2011). When the wind direction changed to south-west Victoria, the thin lines of fire expanded and covered a greater, wider area. Many residents described how fast the fires grew and how fast they ate up the properties, the forests, and anything else they passed. The next 24 hours following that day was very costly for Australia with over 1000 people being hospitalized and needing treatment and more than $320 million losses incurred, totalling to almost $950 million (Emergency Management Australia, 2005). About 16,000 fire fighters fought the Ash Wednesday bushfires. About 1000 police and 500 soldiers also assisted, along with local residents. About 400 vehicles, 11 helicopters, and 14 fixed wing aircrafts were also deployed (Fire and other Emergencies, 2011). Who and What did it affect? Effects on people Disasters cause various effects on society, not just in the financial sense, but in terms of human losses as well. There is often also a significant impact on the community and on individuals in terms of homes, communities, personal possessions, as well as loved ones lost (Middlemann, 2007) Natural disasters can create primary and secondary effects. Primary effects come in the form of family or friends’ deaths, injuries, and loss of homes, and sources of living. These primary losses have a direct effect on the individuals affected by the disasters. Secondary impact may come in the short and long-term impacts. In the short-term, there is a pending danger of the release of hazardous chemicals as a result of the fires (Middlemann, 2007). In the long-term, the impact is mostly economic with the cost of rebuilding which may lead to borrowing and the onset of depressing financial conditions, including poverty. Example: In the Victorian bushfires, many people died, including fire fighters who were fighting off the fires and protecting communities and property from further damage. Thousands of homes were burned and farmlands were also devastated with lost livestock and crops. As a result, thousands of people became homeless, jobless, and driven to poverty. Effects on property Disasters can also cause damage to infrastructure which can lead to huge financial losses for the government and for the residents affected. This was seen in the Ash Wednesday bushfires as discussed above. Example: The Victorian fires burned about 200,000 hectares, killing 47, and burning about 2000 homes. Businesses, stores, machines, and other assets were also lost to the fires. Property cost amounted to $200 million lost. It also burned through valuable forest timber as well as vegetation protecting the soil. In the South Australian area, about 200,000 hectares in the Adelaide hills were burnt through, including 21,000 hectares of pine plantations (Fire and other Emergencies, 2011). Twenty-eight lost their lives there, and about 300 homes were consumed by the fires. Effects on essential services The disaster caused power failures all over Victoria and South Australia and this made the management of the situation even more difficult because residents were forced to manage without electricity and without the ability to communicate with each other, or to be atleast updated in terms of events happening in their area. Escape routes were also cut-off and power for water pumps were curtailed after the fires (Smith, 2002). Effects on environment Bushfires primarily cause air pollution due to its soot, smoke, and carbon dioxide emissions. Smoke can deteriorate air quality due to the significant amount of particles in the air (EPA Australia, 2008). It can also pollute the waters and decrease the water catchment yield. Decreased forest cover can cause exposure of the soil to the elements, causing them to erode or be washed away into the waters, thereby increasing sedimentation in bodies of water. In Australia, since most of the land is vulnerable to bushfires, the risk of a fire reaching a huge area is significant. Plants may regrow after the fire, but forests and trees may take longer to regrow (Gill, n.d). Animals however would likely find it harder to recover. Although most of them would be able to flee the fire and its dangers, many of them would also be unable to escape the smoke and the fire itself, causing many of them to perish. Kangaroos, emus, and goannas are able to flee and jump fires, and so may not be as affected by the fires. Wombats have the highest survival rates since they are able to burrow underground (Conan-Davis, 2005). However, even as some of these animals are able to escape the fires, the damage to their habitat is another matter. In effect, in the long-term, they would likely suffer the loss of their homes; without relocation and without new forest covers, these animals would likely perish. Example: In the Ash Wednesday bushfires, about 300,000 livestock perished, including 250,000 sheep and other types of animals (Clearly Explained, n.d). Billions of other wildlife died, including insects, lizards, snakes, nesting birds, echidnas, koalas, and possums (Word Press, 2009). In addition to the loss of their habitats, they also lost their food sources and forest cover. Effects on infrastructures (local and government services, ambulance, and police) Ambulance paramedics – ambulance paramedics have a significant role during bushfires. They are considered the first responders to injured individuals, and they administer various functions including: transporting patients to nearest hospital; implement triage; administer oxygen and pain relievers, resuscitate patients, and treat minor burns (refer major burns to the hospital). Police officers. Their role is to work with the fire fighters and with the first responders. They assist in the evacuation of individuals from their homes, and direct their evacuation away from the vulnerable areas. They monitor the fires and direct fire fighters and other responders to the proper areas which need management. They also assist in the recovery phase following the bushfire. During the Ash Wednesday bushfires, about 1000 police officers were deployed, assisting the fire fighters and assisting in the evacuation process (Fires and other Emergencies, 2011). Government. During disasters, government authorities have a directory and supervisory role. They are there to direct the agencies and all their related bodies in the performance of their functions. They release funds which assist in the management of the disaster. Their job is to also ensure that all agencies concerned with disaster management are adequately equipped, with staff members trained to cope with all sorts of emergencies. In the aftermath of the disaster, the government functions as a management agency, helping ensure the recovery and rehabilitation of the devastated areas (Bushfire Recovery, 2009). During the Australian bushfires, the government declared a state of emergency over affected areas and such declaration allowed for the release of necessary funds to make possible the establishment of immediate interventions for the management of the disaster. Long-term planning implications Preventative implications In order to reduce the impact of disasters, land management strategies are important. In areas where there is “fuel” for the fires to feed from, the deliberate burning of these fuels may help control and reduce the fires and their outbreak. Deliberate burning makes the fires easier to control and reduces the risk of unexpected fires breaking out (Emergency Management Australia, 2000). These deliberate and controlled fires can also create fire breaks which can help control fires which can break out during vulnerable seasons. The community-based approach to bushfire prevention can also be adopted. This method can include the building of community fire guards which makes the bushfire prevention a community responsibility (Emergency Management Australia, 2000). They would also be required to carry out various strategies including the removal of as much fuel as possible around their house or property. They also have to be taught not to be careless in starting fires; to make sure that they totally put out fires which they start during their outdoor activities, while smoking, camping, or welding, or which their children may start while playing with matches (Emergency Management Australia, 2000). Preparedness implications Since Australia has long been considered prone to natural disasters, the National Disasters Organization (NDO) was established in 1974. This organization was placed under the control of the Department of Defense and has since been functioning as a civil defense agency. It is the agency which organizes assistance during disasters and emergencies. This agency was changed to the Emergency Management Australia in 1993 and since then its coverage in terms of duties expanded to more than the management of natural hazards. It is also an agency involved in the training of staff and crew for emergencies. Response Implications Based on the Ash Wednesday bushfires, response implications revealed the importance of setting up emergency measures to deal with bushfires (Dombrowsky, n.d.). Being prepared for disasters can provide assurance that the lessons from previous disasters have been learned (Dombrowski, n.d.). The right response can potentially save lives, as well as properties. But the right information has to be transmitted as well because it can affect the decision-making process. Programs have been established by the government in order to immediately manage emergencies via NGOs, public organizations, and various government agencies. Part of the response implications for the bushfire disaster includes training for fire fighters, medical personnel, and the education of communities as well as citizens in general in order to enable immediate and adequate response to the disaster. Updates in fire technology have been implemented. Funding for a national emergency warning system for bushfires has also been released. The use of current information technologies have also been used in order to improve disaster warning and response systems to minimize casualties and to ensure speedy management of these fires (Sharma, 2009). Recovery implications Recovering from disasters is mostly a difficult undertaking. It is also very much based on the government actions and on the cooperation of the people and the communities affected. When bushfires affect a community, residents are likely to be emotionally and physiologically affected by the disaster. These people would likely be mourning for the loss of more than their homes, but also their communities and for some, their loved ones. Recovering from such emotional and physical upheaval can require a significant amount of energy and money. It is therefore important for concerned government authorities to cooperate with each other and reach recovery status for their constituents. The first step in the recovery process is to gain the people’s trust by reassuring them that the government is doing everything it can to assist them. Next is to assist them in their recovery (Rood, 2009). This would complete the circle of trust and recovery. This would imply the release of funds and the deployment of resources which would assist the people in their recovery and rebuilding process. Other Implications Health and aesthetic concerns – Air pollution is one of the major health impacts of the Victoria bushfire. Such air pollution presented a danger to the respiratory system of those affected and those in the vicinity (Sanders at al, 2008). Loss of attractions and reduced recreational opportunities – The Bushfires also damaged the tourist attractions in the area with cultural heritages and natural attractions ravaged by fires. This caused the loss of income for those depending on tourism for their livelihood (Sanders et al, 2008). Conclusion The above discussion exemplifies an emergency event – the Ash Wednesday bushfires – and their impact, as well as their implications to society and government processes. The bushfire was a result of events which came together to form a spark – a viable spark which fuelled the bushfires and devastated lives, properties, communities, flora, fauna, and the forests in the Victoria and South Australian region. These events exemplify the impact of forest fires to people, to property, to infrastructure, to government processes, and to the general normal functions of society. Such is the nature of disasters. And yet these disasters also serve as eye openers, in that, they show gaps in the available government disaster management processes. Implications can be gained from this disaster and these implications indicate the current improvements which were made in the system in order to now establish a better and improved management system for disasters, including bushfires. Recommendations Disasters and emergencies do not display consistent elements. In order to get around such inconsistency and volatility, it is important to establish clear plans to manage these disasters before, during, and after they occur. With careful and deliberate planning it is possible to reduce the impact of these disasters or even prevent them from actually happening. Contingency plans are important processes to build and safeguard because they help predict outcomes. Therefore, all agencies must be prepared and their staff well trained for all possible disaster effects. Disasters are mostly caused by humans. It is therefore important to reduce people’s impact on the environment and on the community. Depending on how people deal with disasters, the damage which disasters can cause can be reduced. When all government agencies work with each other, and the communities strive toward common goals, it is possible to prevent disasters, or if not, to atleast minimize their impact. With lesser impact on society, improved and faster recovery processes can be set in place and ensured. References Australia Government. (2008). Natural disasters in Australia. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/natural-disasters Clearly Explained. (n.d). Ash Wednesday bushfires. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://clearlyexplained.com/nature/earth/disasters/11extrainfo.html Conan-Davis, M. (2005). What happens to animals during bushfires? Clearly Explained. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://clearlyexplained.com/nature/earth/disasters/04extrainfo.html. Commonwealth of Australia. (2011). What Causes Bushfires?. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://www.ga.gov.au/hazards/bushfire/bushfire-basics/causes.html Dombrowsky, W. (n.d). What is a disaster. Milton Keynes. Retrieved 201 August 2011 from http://www.mkweb.co.uk/emergencyplanning/documents/WhatIsADisaster.pdf Emergency Management Australia (2005). EMA Disasters Database. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://www.ema.gov.au/ema/emadisasters.nsf/webpages/Introduction?OpenDocument. Emergency Management Australia (2000). Wildfire Prevention in Australia. United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reductions. 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Switzerland: International Labour Organization. Kreimer, A. & Arnold, M. (2000). Managing disaster risk in emerging economies. Denmark: World Bank Publications Middlemann, M. (2007) Natural Hazards in Australia: Identifying Risk Analysis Requirements _Risk and Impact Analysis Group; Geospatial and Earth monitoring Division; Geoscience Australia. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://www.ga.gov.au/image_cache/GA12967.pdf. Rood, D. (2009) Trust key to rebuilding: bushfire recovery chief. The Age.com. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://www.theage.com.au/national/trust-key-to-rebuilding-bushfire-recovery-chief-20090217-89qq.html. Sanders, D., Laing, J., Houghton, M. (n.d) Impact of Bushfire on Tourism and Visitation in Alpine National Parks. CRC Tourism. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://www.crctourism.com.au/WMS/Upload/Resources/100056%20Sanders%20Bushfires%20WEB.pdf. Sharma, M. (2009) Fire fighting tech upgraded. The Australian. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/firefighting-tech-upgraded/story-e6frgamf-1225780620227 Smith, S. (2002). Bushfires. Briefing Paper No. 5/02. NSW Parliamentary Research Library Research Service. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/publications.nsf/0/87cf62366063879dca256ecf00077084/$FILE/05-02.pdf. Word Press. (2009). 116. The affected animals – Victorian Bushfire. 9 days 8 nights. Retrieved 20 August 2011 from http://9days8nights.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/116-the-affected-animals-victorian-bushfire/ Read More