MSF-CH (OCG)

CONTINGENCY PLAN

IN CASE OF NATURAL DISASTER:

FLOODS

MISSION XXX

DAY/MONTH/YEAR

AUTHOR’S NAME

VALIDATED

BY

WHEN

Introduction

A contingency plan is a short document prepared at field level by each mission under
the responsibility of the HoM (in coordination with the LogCo, FieldCo, MedCo,
HRCo and Welcome) to reduce the potential impact of floods on MSF (personnel,
patients, assets, programs and image) by establishing incident preparedness
measures.

Floods are the saturation of a normally dry area caused by a high flow or overflow of
water in an established waterway such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Most
flood-related deaths and injuries occur when people try to walk or drive through
hazardous flood water1. Seasonal flooding is a result of prolonged or heavy rainfall,
and can trigger other hazard such as landslides or debris flows. Flash floods,
however, happen quickly and are dangerous because they generate a powerful wall of
surging water carrying rocks, mud and other debris, which sweeps away most things
in its path.
Operational and preventive measures (SOP) to limit the damages of floods such as
identifying areas liable to floods, avoid low-lying and flood prone areas when
1
It only takes 15 centimeters of fast-moving water to knock you off your feet, so do not walk through
moving water if it is more than ankle deep; it takes only 60 centimeters of water to cause most cars to
float.

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choosing accommodation and office premises, etc. are part of the security guideline.
All staff is properly briefed about them.

This document covers preparatory and organizational measures to facilitate actions

to be taken when MSF has to face floods.

Table of content and sections

1. Personal security file for each expatriate (confidential, to be kept in

personal envelopes locked in the safe) containing :

 Updated emergency contact number (family), name of persons to be

contacted and family link. Responsibility : WELCOME
 Use of specific personal medicines. Responsibility : MedCo
 Blood group

2. Security briefing
 Security briefing upon arrival mentioning specific risk of floods.

3. When you work in a floods prone area

 Identify if possible a high location for houses, office and other premises.
 Prepare for evacuation by identifying safe routes to high ground.
 Keep disaster supply kits in houses and in the vehicles containing:
o Emergency food and water supplies.
o First Aid Kit and manual.
o Radio handset and satellite phone with extra batteries.
o Torch and extra batteries.
o Maps from the area.
 First-aid kits should be available in offices, residences and all vehicles as well
as the information where to find the nearest hospital or health post.
 The telephone system is often the first to break down or become overloaded –
both landline and mobile. Use satellite phones and/or radio
communications systems.

4. What to do during the flooding

 Check the internet, radio and television for the latest information.
 Switch off the electricity if it is possible safely and turn off the gas supply.
Take care that you are not bare food, ideally wear rubber boots or shoes and
switch the electricity off with a dry wooden or plastic stick, or rubber
gloves. If it is not possible to turn of the power pay attention to the risk of
electric shock and fire.2
 Fill water containers, even bathtubs and sinks, in case water becomes
contaminated.
2
Do not stay/go in your flooded basement if your meter with electric cables is installed there. Heaters
in contact with water can also be dangerous.

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  Avoid flood water and mud as these may be contaminated with sewage and
chemicals, or electrically charged from damaged power cables.
 Evacuation is much safer when flood waters are not too deep, so leave early to
avoid getting trapped.
 Have a grab bag ready containing a selection of essential items in case of an
emergency evacuation, including an emergency kit (water, food, torch and
first-aid kit), warm and hard-wearing clothing (waterproof if possible) and
personal essentials and valuables in sealable plastic bags.

If on foot
 Climb to high ground and stay there. Avoid walking through any flood water
especially if it is moving swiftly, as it can sweep you off your feet even at
shallow depths.
 Agree on a regrouping point in a safe area, and make sure this is known by the
whole team.

When in a vehicle during a flood

 If you come to a flooded area, turn around and take a different route.
 If the vehicle starts to lose grip and begins to float, counter this by opening the
doors to let in water in order to weigh it down.
 If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground (many
deaths have resulted from people attempting to move stalled vehicles).
 Drive with the windows open (for quick escape if needed).
 Drive only fast enough to create a small bow wave in front of the vehicle
which will prevent the engine from getting wet and the tyres from losing their
grip.
 Follow recommended evacuation routes as short cuts may be blocked.
 Leave early enough to avoid being marooned by flooded roads.

5. After a flood
 Flood dangers do not end when the water level begins to recede. Stay out of
buildings if flood water remains around the building. When re-entering check
carefully for any structural damage, mines moved, stressed and angry
dangerous wild animals such as poisonous snakes that have been brought into
the house with the flood waters.
 Listen to the local radio for news and instructions from emergency officials.
 There is also the possibility of new floods and landslides.
 Ensure that every one of your colleagues is safe, check yourself for injuries
and administer first aid to people with serious injuries.
 Standing water allows many bacteria to grow very quickly. Any food that has
been in contact with the water is thrown. The tins and bottles in good
condition will be washed and disinfected.
 Be cautious when driving as roads and bridges may have been damaged and
could collapse.

If it is a large scale emergency:

Set up and briefing of an incident management team (IMT):
- IMT coordinator : HOM

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 - Deputy : FieldCo
- Communication representative (if not, from Geneva COM department)
- HR focal point (family contact for staff injured or dead)
- Assistant