Open University of Mauritius

CEMBA [OUpm003]
CEMPA [OUpm004]
MBA GENERAL [OUpm005]
MBA SPECIALISATION [OUpm006]
MBA WITH SPECIALISATION IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT [OUpm006]
MBA WITH SPECIALISATION IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP [OUpm007]

EXAMINATIONS FOR: July/August 2021

MODULE: Disaster Management

[OUpm0032203/OUpm0042203/
OUpm0052203/OUpm0062203/OUpm0072203]

DATE: Tuesday 27 July 2021

DURATION: 3 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
1. This paper consists of Section A and B.
2. Section A is COMPULSORY.
3. Answer any TWO questions from Section B.
4. Always start a new question on a fresh page.
5. Total marks 100.
This question paper contains 4 questions and 4 pages.

Page 1 of 4
 SECTION A – COMPULSORY

QUESTION 1 [40 MARKS]

Kenya landslide: At least 29 killed after heavy rains

At least 29 people have died in landslides caused by severe weather in West Pokot
county, Kenya. The landslides, affecting the villages of Nyarkulian and Parua, were
reportedly caused by heavy rains.

Officials said that the villages have been cut off by flooded roads and at least one bridge
was reportedly swept away. President Uhuru Kenyatta said in a statement that his
"heartfelt condolences" were with the relatives and friends of the victims. Mr Kenyatta
said that there had been "massive destruction" of property and infrastructure, and that he
has ordered armed forces and rescue services to the area to help. Seven children were
among the dead recovered so far, officials said.

Interior Minister Fred Matiang' I confirmed that rescue operations were "ongoing", adding
that "harsh weather conditions" were hampering a full assessment of the damage. Images

Page 2 of 4
on social media showed trees, mud and other debris scattered across roads. The Red
Cross has confirmed it is responding to reports of the "massive" landslides.

Kenya's meteorological department issued a warning of heavy rains on 18 November,

telling people in "landslide-prone" areas to be on "high alert". Countries throughout east
Africa have been affected by the downpours in recent weeks. Landslides and flash floods
have killed people in Ethiopia and Tanzania while hundreds of thousands have been
displaced in Somalia by heavy rains.

Fears of more rain in flood-hit East Africa

Scientists warn that a weather system called the Indian Ocean Dipole is making flooding
worse in the area. Known as the Indian Ocean "El Niño", it occurs when the western part
of the Indian Ocean becomes significantly warmer than the eastern part.
(Adapted from: BBC News, 2019)

Use the above case study to answer the following questions:

(a) One of the challenges in providing effective relief and humanitarian assistance
after disasters is ensuring that it is coordinated and meets the needs of the affected
population.
Discuss five of the attention needs related to emergency relief that the affected
population may require after a disaster.
(15 Marks)

(b) There are several key stakeholders who are important in disaster risk reduction
strategies and preparedness activities.

Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Local Community and National
Government to protect against natural disaster.

(15 Marks)
(c) Discuss the need of a disaster risk assessment to limit the impact of natural
disasters.
(10 Marks)

Page 3 of 4
 SECTION B
ANSWER ANY TWO (2) QUESTIONS

QUESTION 2 [30 MARKS]

Critically analyse using examples how Government Officials and Emergency Planners
use the Disaster Management Cycle (DMC) in disaster management activities.

QUESTION 3 [30 MARKS]

Discuss the main elements which need to be taken into consideration when designing a
disaster emergency plan.

QUESTION 4 [30 MARKS]

Norris et al. (2008) stated that the identification of specific components of community
resilience seems to be the focus of research that centres on a collective, rather than
individual level. At the heart of literature in this domain remains the question of what
community resilience is, and how it can best be conceptualised.
Discuss the concept of Disaster Community Resiliency. Support your answer by using
examples.

Page 4 of 4