Disaster Preparedness and Risk Management: Key Insights from the Morning Show Interview – RTS Serbia

Last year, Storm Boris swept across Central Europe, while devastating floods hit Spain and Germany, claiming at least 258 lives. These three disasters ranked among the ten costliest climate events worldwide in 2024, underscoring the critical importance of disaster preparedness. However, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey, fewer than four in ten Europeans believe they are well-prepared for disasters or emergencies in their areas. Even more concerning, fewer than one in ten respondents reported being informed about an emergency response plan in their city.

The memory of the catastrophic 2014 floods in Serbia remains fresh. During that disaster, 57 people lost their lives, and the town of Obrenovac became a symbol of suffering, with approximately 90% of its territory submerged and nearly 9,000 residents evacuated. This raises pressing questions about Serbia’s preparedness for natural disasters, the effectiveness of its disaster response system, and necessary improvements to enhance resilience.

During a recent morning show appearance, I, Professor Vladimir Cvetković from the Faculty of Security, had the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. The discussion revolved around several key aspects:

Serbia’s Current Preparedness for Natural Disasters: Given the challenges posed by natural disasters, how prepared is Serbia to respond effectively?

Improvements in the Disaster Protection and Rescue System: What needs to be enhanced to strengthen Serbia’s disaster response capabilities?

Identifying Gaps in the Existing System: What are the main deficiencies in Serbia’s protection and rescue system, and which can be addressed in the short term?

Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2022-2027): The Ministry of Internal Affairs has developed a draft strategy and action plan for disaster risk reduction and emergency management in Serbia. Although this critical regulatory framework has yet to be adopted, what are the key areas it should cover to mitigate potential disaster risks effectively?

Enhancing Emergency Response Procedures: What specific measures should be taken to improve security protocols for various emergency scenarios?

Public Safety Awareness and Culture: How does Serbia’s level of safety awareness compare to other countries? What steps should be taken to improve public resilience to natural disasters?

Citizen Education on Disaster Prevention: How can public education on preventive measures be improved?

Preparedness of Serbian Rescue Teams: What steps should be taken to better equip Serbian rescue teams for a swift and efficient crisis response?

Integration of Modern Technologies: How well-equipped is Serbia’s disaster response system in terms of modern technologies and innovations? Which technological advancements should be prioritized for implementation?

Learning from International Best Practices: What lessons can Serbia learn from other countries facing similar disaster risks, and how can these insights be applied to improve its disaster management system?

Strengthening Cooperation Between Authorities and Citizens: How can dialogue between government institutions, local authorities, and citizens be improved to enhance risk management and increase crisis response efficiency?

The discussion highlighted that while efforts have been made to improve disaster preparedness in Serbia, significant gaps remain. A more proactive approach, greater public awareness, improved infrastructure, and better inter-agency cooperation are essential to strengthening disaster resilience. By integrating international best practices and leveraging technological advancements, Serbia can build a more robust and efficient disaster response system.