"This Disaster Risk Management Act will allow us to have an articulated and organized policy to work on reducing risk in this country," stated Juan Manuel Santos, President of Colombia, as reported by Colombia Reports. He added: "We must prepare ourselves, we must work to determine where the greatest risks of disaster are and focus on prevention. We know it's not an easy task and requires time, logistical capacity and specialized people to help us be prepared."
The act encourages local decision makers to identify areas where extreme weather events or natural disasters may cause problems. In addition, the newly created National Council for Risk Management was formed will aim to draw up efficient disaster managment policies. Three new national committees were formed to engage in risk awareness, risk reduction and disaster management.