saqarTvelos wiTeli jvris sazogadoeba - Georgia Red Cross Society

GEORGIA RED CROSS SOCIETY
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Georgia is prone to natural disasters such as earthquake, flood, landslide, fire, which is mainly caused
by mountainous landscape of the region. The danger of earthquake is very high and it causes great
loss, whereas the risks related to landslide and flood have been increased during recent years, which
is caused by the cut of woods, inadequate infrastructure, etc. These are supported by extreme weather
conditions as well. 30% of Georgian population lives in those locations that are prone to natural
disaster and are not protected against natural disaster. Apart from that, population is not adequately
prepared to cope with disaster; no disaster preparedness and response plans exist. Those who have
been affected by the disaster are the representatives of vulnerable population, which later is reflected
on stable economic development of the country.
ACTIVITIES
In the beginning of 2008, GRCS Disaster Management program was not supported by the donors,
however, after August 2008 dramatic events, some activities have been carried out with the support of
Movement components and partner National Societies.
The conflict that took place in Georgia in 2008 showed that the capacity of National Society in Disaster
Preparedness and Response needed to be increased.
Winterisation Program has been implemented within the frames of Disaster Response Emergency Fund
(DREF) of the International Federation, and Harmonised Operational Program (HOP) – with the support
of International Committee of Red Cross.
After the conflict in 2008, National Society worked from its headquarter office in Tbilisi, as well as
through its branches and helped more than 8 400 persons throughout the country. National Society
developed the Plan of Action, which targeted on the confidence building through standardization of
disaster preparedness and trainings.
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