President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the administration has begun the implementation of the Disaster Management Act, which has not been executed since its ratification in 2015. The president made the statement in his address delivered at the official Unity Day function held in Dhuvaafaru in Raa Atoll.
President Solih stated the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority, the National Disaster Management Council and National Disaster Management Steering Committee was underway, as required by the Disaster Management Act, in the effort to reduce the impacts of disasters.
President Solih said the first draft of National Disaster Management Plan has also been compiled, with proactive measures to be taken to prepare for and respond to disasters. The president further said the Disaster Management Trust Fund has been established on December 16 and assured the administration will ensure the funds are rightfully utilised.
The president highlighted the plans of the administration to establish basic supply storages on each island to cater to the communities during emergencies. He also said the administration plans to setup relief mechanisms in each atoll, to assist victims of fires and other tragedies.
In his address, the president expressed deep appreciation to all Maldivians, state institutions, local and foreign organisations, and volunteers for the hard work put into mitigate damages caused during the 2004 tsunami. He also noted the international community’s commendation of the Maldivian community’s laudable unity.
The Unity Day is marked in Maldives to revive the spirit of humanity, kinship and unity displayed by Maldivians in the aftermath of the tragic tsunami of December 26, 2004.