Assessment dates and methodology. The needs assessment and risk analysis were informed primarily by literature review since the causes, effects and risks related to flooding in Trinidad and Tobago have been recently discussed at the level of Parliament via the Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure and well documented and researched, including in internationally recognized and published papers. The key reports/papers utilized are: ● Parliament 10th Report of the Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure on an inquiry into flood alleviation and control measures from major river basins and drainage catchments in Trinidad and Tobago subjected to major flooding over the past year (2020). ● Draft National Integrated Water Resources Management Policy (2018) Interviews with the following key national agencies were also undertaken during the following dates to obtain feedback on the priority areas of this action: ● 10 November 2020 - Kick-off meeting with WRA, MRDLG, ODPM and UNDP to discuss Community Flood Early Warning System in Trinidad and Tobago
Assessment dates and methodology. Dates: Meetings, discussions with key provincial/municipal/national stakeholders: -Municipal representatives & officials (Amargadi, Dhangadi, Birendranagar, Nepalgunj, Jayprithvi): Feb'21. Officials and communities on emergency preparedness at Dhangadi (Sep-Dec’20) during Municipality DRR SAP formulation. - Ministries of Internal Affairs and Law, Social Development of Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Lumbini: Nov-Dec’20 & Feb’21; & provincial ministries during DRR SAP formulation: Sudur Paschim (Jul’19-Feb’20), Karnali (Aug’19-Feb’20), Lumbini (Aug’19- Mar’20) by UNDP Field Offices - Consultations, experiences from EU-funded Action on Urban DRR: Jun'19-Mar’21 - Federal GoN officials:DIMS/Monitoring systems associated meetings (Dec’19-Jan’21); Cluster Preparedness (Mar’21) Data Analysis:Jan-Feb'21 Literature Review:Dec’20-Mar'21 Methodology: Consultations with municipal/provincial/national stakeholders: conducted meetings with provincial/ municipal leadership, officials, District Administration Office (DAO) on preparedness, issues and needs for effective earthquake/fire response. UNDP organized several meetings with federal officials on preparedness and response priorities. Consultations with municipal/provincial representatives held at all proposed Action areas in Feb’21, built on previous meetings conducted during DRR Policy &SAP formulation in 2020, focused extensively on disaster preparedness priorities. A comprehensive checklist (Annex 4.1.3) covering risk understanding, preparedness/response for earthquake/fire hazards guided discussions- Annex 4.1.2 identified key gaps and needs Consultations from EU Action on Urban DRR implemented by UNDP, emphasized importance of working with vulnerable population, squatters, floating population, in enhancing their realization of risk (and relative prioritization over pressing day-to-day issues), benefits of local level action, engagement through semi-/in-/formal social structures as well as keen interest, opportunity for resource sharing with municipalities for local level risk reduction. Private sector engagement in urban context is most critical as their preparedness/readiness to respond is minimal despite their ubiquitous role. (Annex 4.1.4) Consultation meetings with federal government officials: NDRRMA, UNDP organized a workshop in Kathmandu for MoIAL and Chief Minister’s office from all provinces which discussed managing information for effective preparedness and response. NDRMMA in other discussions (Jan-Feb’21) stre...
