Adaptation in Crisis Management

Adaptation means predict and prevent a disaster or at least predict and bring to the minimum damages from a disaster. Similarly, crisis management has the same effect in which we make preparation on spontaneous response in the anticipation of any unwanted and unplanned event. We do not want to be caught unprepared that endangering the life and causing property loss. This is especially so for public office and elected representatives. You must be seen on the command seat in dealing with a crisis, evacuate and settle the victims quicker enough, remedy the damages in shorter period possible. This obviously requires strong leadership but more importantly an adaptation plan must be in place.

Putting climate change aside, in actual fact adaptation is an important component in the urban environmental management system. We have to adapt to changing circumstances and response to it efficiently. For example, removing a fallen tree which is obstructing the traffic flow during heavy down pour becomes a priority and quick action should be taken instead of waiting for the contractor to clear the site during his routine cleaning work. Similarly, changing the malfunction street light bulbs and towing away the blocking vehicles should be done immediately and with instinct response. If sensible response cannot be taken faster enough because of bureaucratic requirement, then perhaps an adaptation plan with clear demarcation of duties, resources provision and line of command can be of help, I presume.