Storm Arwen report update welcomed as emergency responses to be tested
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A NEW programme of preparedness to test Scotland’s response to and recovery from severe weather ahead of the next winter period will be run over the summer.
The Winter Preparedness Programme will be led by the Scottish Resilience Partnership (SRP) and is one of a series of measures developed by the Scottish Government and resilience partners following Storm Arwen to ensure Scotland is better prepared for significant weather events.
Other measures resulting from the review include: A new online learning and training hub to help individuals, community groups and the voluntary sector to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies; The development of a new process to monitor and evaluate Scotland’s resilience system annually to ensure issues are identified and resolved quickly and effectively out with severe weather events; An information-sharing system to identify and provide swift support for vulnerable people in an area affected by severe weather; Increased integration and engagement with voluntary sector, and expansion of local directories of assets and capabilities to support resilience activity.
News of the scheme was welcomed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam who, along with her team, recognised for providing support for those without electricity, food or water in the aftermath of the storm.
She said: “Storm Arwen presented unprecedented challenges across Scotland but particularly to those in the north-east and Banffshire and Buchan Coast.
"During the storm, my team and I were working round the clock to provide support and assistance to people in need.
“Knowing the demands of climate change will continue to increase, it’s vital we ensure preparedness to safeguard our population’s wellbeing. That’s why I’m delighted the Scottish Government have been working with partners across the country to implement the review’s proposals.
"One of the recommendations is to improve information-sharing, and this is something my team and I naturally did during the storm when my office acted as a conduit, liaising with local authorities, businesses, organisations, shelters, and individuals throughout the communities I represent to get crucial information out there on water drops, shelter, washing and charging facilities, and more.
“The implementation of the review’s proposals will only enhance our country’s response to similar challenges as we look forward.”
