21/07/2014

1

Country Presentation - SAMOA

Josephina Chan TingDisaster Risk Reduction OfficerDisaster Management OfficeMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment

Due to its size and location, Samoa is highly vulnerable to natural disasters particularly tropical cyclones as it lies near the ‘cyclone belt’ near the earthquake-generating Tonga Trench.

21/07/2014

2

The mapping section deals with works relating to remote sensing technology which acquire and analyze satellite imageries and geographical information system (GIS) related works which results in generating of maps for different purposes within the ministry and its stakeholders.

Surveying and Mapping Software • SDRMap: currently uses for Surveying. • MapInfo: Mostly used for GIS and Map Production. • Open source software

• Quantum GIS • Global Mapper• Base Camp

Management of Remotely Sensed Dataset. – Aerial Photography – satellite imageries

21/07/2014

3

• Emergency Planning• Emergency Response• Evacuation Sites• Information

Preparedness• Know vulnerability and risk to

prioritize preparedness action• Improve Risk Assessment

using space based information

• Availability and access to collateral geospatial data

• Use of mapping products/information by decision makers

What we utilize in DRR:

- Coastal Infrastructure Management Plans (CIM Plans)

-Coastal Hazard Maps

-Evacuation Maps

21/07/2014

4

You can do a lot more with pictures in PowerPoint 2007. Easily recolor pictures or change the shape of their frame. And all of OfficeArt’s effects can be applied to a picture – even 3D!

21/07/2014

5

• Data(1999) out of date –update images (satellite/aerial )

• Equipment and software –upgrade software and new computers

• Trainings (analysis) – provide advance training for the staff (capacity building) Need GIS expert within DMO

• Spatial Information barrier –the information must be share to the public especially to all the GIS users

• lack of sharing of info between divisions esp during disasters. - Centralized

Recent major events in SAMOA

2009 TsunamiTuesday, September 29, 2009, generating 15ft (4.5m) tsunami waves in some areas of the Samoa Islands. 149 people died

o Coastal erosion o Coastal flooding o Coastal deposition

It washed away settlements and other critical Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, communication and power Installations. DRM output-Tsunami Evacuation Maps-Tsunami Drills-Public Awareness in schools-communities

21/07/2014

6

Recent major events in SAMOA

2012 TC EVANSlow-moving, strengthening Tropical Cyclone Evan has dealt out destructive winds and flooding rain in the state of Samoa, also caused a flash flood at the Vaisiganocatchment. 4 people died, 10 missing.

DRM Output:-Flood-prone zones-Implementation of Recovery Plan -Disaster Management Plans -Continuous Public Awareness and Preparedness

21/07/2014

7

Increase awareness of information providers and data available

Build local capacity to enable the effective and efficient utilization of available services and data especially within NDMO

Promote and encourage collaboration and communication amongst regional member countries and organizations

To seek funding and training opportunities to increase the self-sufficiency of local programmes and officials – GIS/Geo-Referencing

Encourage and increase information dissemination to relevant actors and the public to improve Disaster Management across the board