The National Disaster Plan (1997) Revised is the latest revision of a draft plan that has been in existence since 1983. The format and content have been extensively modified to reflect up-to-date thinking and technologies relating to disaster management in the wider context of sustainable national development. It caters to continuous updating and to the addition of sub plans for hazards and disaster related functions as deemed necessary.
It is intended to provide the legal framework upon which disaster preparedness, operations and training are predicated, and under which Government Officers can be held accountable for disaster responsibilities, supported by the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Act of 1993.
This very detailed document is not meant to be used in its entirety during disaster response, but represents detailed administrative and operational information and instructions to provide guidance and ensure accountability among Government Officers. It is constructed in such a fashion that agencies and individuals can pull out relevant sections for use as needed.