Executive Order No. 397: Adopting the 2016 Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework

Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. !g~ Republic of Palau Office ol tne 'CPreswent EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 397 P.O. Box 6051, Palau, PW 96940 Tel. (680) 767-2403/2828 Fax. (680) 767-2424/ 1662 Email: rop.president@"palaunet.com Repealing the 20 I O Palau National Disaster Risk Management Framework (Executive Order No. 287), and Adopting the 2016 Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework WHEREAS, the 2010 Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework was adopted by Executive Order No. 287 on October 19th , 2010; and WHEREAS, global climate change continues to exacerbate climate variability and increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters in the Pacific; and WHEREAS, this has contributed to the occurrence of two (2) super-typhoons, one (1) severe drought, and three (3) near-miss super-typhoons in the short span of only three (3) years; and WHEREAS, this alarming frequency of potentially devastating, climate-related natural disasters demands focused and deliberate preparation on behalf of the National Government, for the protection of Palauan families and of our unique environment; and WHEREAS, the 2010 version of the Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework, though passed only six years ago, requires substantive amendment to keep pace with this increasing disaster frequency, while applying lessons learned to achieve even greater and more effective disaster responsiveness on the part of our National Government; and WHEREAS, the National Government, in due consultation with all relevant authorities, has prepared the 2016 Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework; and WHEREAS, the 2016 Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework responds to the Republic's current climate challenges by more effectively integrating critical disaster-response authorities, in a flexible approach tailored to the unique threats of each individual season; and WHEREAS, the 2016 Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework requires improved coordination between the Weather Bureau and National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), so that citizens of the Republic will have greater warning of and ability to prepare for likely or impending natural disasters; and WHEREAS, the 2016 Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework supersedes previous frameworks, including the 2010 version adopted by Executive Order No. 287. Executive Order No. 397 Adopting the 2016 Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework p.2 NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Palau, I, Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., do hereby order as follows: 1. The 2010 Palau National Disaster and Risk Management Framework, 2016 Amendment, is adopted in its entirety. 2. Executive Order No. 287 is hereby repealed. 3. The Vice President, as Chairman of the National Emergency Committee, shall distribute copies of the 2010 Palau National Disaster. and Risk Management Framework, 2016 Amendment, and this Executive Order to all Ministers and members of the National Emergency Committee. 4. All Ministers and members of the National Emergency Committee shall maintain a copy of the current version of the Palau National Disaster Risk Management Framework in a readily accessible location within their respective ministries and offices. 5. All Ministers and members of the National Emergency Committee must ensure all plans and procedures required of all ministries and the National Emergency Committee be developed, tested, and ready for implementation during any national disasters or emergencies. ~TNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this j(J! day of May, 2017: 2