Tsunami alert fall-out

Local media have been quick to point out deficiencies in the Civil Defence communications at the time of the alert. While national CD was telling people to listen to their local radio stations: at a local level, on-line and radio media are complaining about lack of timely information and lack of clear instructions from the regional CD.

One conclusion reached is that organisationally CD are far better prepared to deal with the aftermath of a disaster, rather than leading preemptive action. In the current regime, each agency (eg Police, fire, ambulance, hospital, local and regional councils) have their own disaster management plans that are coordinated from CD Headquarters in the event of an emergency. There is more work required to address our responsiveness in advance of a catastrophic event.