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Lessons learned from flood risk mitigation in a developing nation
What’s Ouagadougou Got to do With It?
Elaine KelleyPlease note: this presentation is off the record and not for attribution. Any views expressed in this presentation are personal and are not on behalf of any U.S. Government Agency.
Where is Burkina Faso?
Population:16.7 million
Land Area: Slightly larger than Colorado
People from Burkina Faso are called Burkinabé
Northern desert Region is known as the Sahel
Two major seasons:Rainy and Harmattan
Life expectancy: about 54 years
Life expectancy inThe U.S.: about 78 years
Prevalence of acute malnutrition:11.3% (2009)
Total deaths due to malaria in 2010:7,360
Land Coverage
OUAGADOUGOU
1. Septembre 2009
Resettlement Camp, “Yagma”
Mitigation: Elevation
Appears to have a higher foundation
Living in Floodplains
Agriculture along Reservoirs
“Les Barrages”
Dam Construction Site Visit
Swedish-Funded Dam
- The Director of “CONASUR,” National Emergency Management Agency
- The head/Commanding Officer of Civil Protection
- Red Cross
- FEWSnet (Famine Early Warning System)
- Catholic Relief Services
Flooding Preparedness Meetings
First Response Capability nearly non-existent
During flooding events, Burkina Faso immediately receives large amounts of donations from other countries (i.e. United States, France, Canada, European Union).
But how do they rescue those that are isolated due to flood damage and bring them food and water?
And who helps rebuild more resilient communities?
Findings Reported to Washington
- Facilitated relationship between local Civil Protection and DATT; potential RESPONSE Support from U.S. military
- Sought Disaster risk reduction funds from regional USAID/OFDA hub in Dakar, Senegal
- Briefed Embassy staff using Floodsmart materials
MDRO Initiatives
why prioritize flood risk management?
- Flooding hurts development in all sectors; recovery should be followed by mitigation.
- Burkina Faso will never be free of the burden of natural disasters, whether they are deprived of or inundated by water.
- Flood mitigation can help promote Burkina’s security, stability, and financial capacity.*
A Nation in a Perpetual State of Disaster
*These statements are personal and do not represent anyone but myself
Speaking Their Language
Risk Perception
ParallelsConcept of natural disaster as national tragedy- Strike while the iron is hot-Harness the societal momentum/focus on a natural disaster such as catastrophic flood.
Risk Perception- short term
-What is worth the investment? -100 year flood?
Cultural Sensitivity-Understand your audience-Know their values- Speak their language
Rural/Urban Flash Flooding
