Assessment of the level of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Response in the Coastal zone of Tanzania

Abstract

Recently, the country has been facing several disasters. These range from natural to man-made disasters. Floods, landslides, earthquakes and disease eruptions have been among these disasters. Such disasters have been causing devastating effects including loss of lives and properties. Despite the existence of national and international regulatory frameworks, a sole department in the prime minister’s office to deal with disasters, disasters have been causing devastating effects across the country. Thus, the extent of the level of disaster preparedness and management frameworks across the coastal zone of Tanzania is still not known. By using mixed methods of research, the study intends to reveal the state of disaster preparedness in Tanzania by looking at the components of disaster preparedness from the selected framework as well as the effectiveness of existing policies, plans and strategies in responding to disasters at different administrative levels. Findings of the study indicate that the country has done enough to prepare for disasters and has not complied with legislation, policies plans and the international agreement on disaster management. Such put the country and victims at risk during a disaster. The study recommends the country to have comprehensive and coordinated plans for disaster management and taking care of victims in a bid to restore their normal lives as well as their livelihood strategies.