DISASTER RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES: A CASE STUDY OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAMAC

This study examines the implementation and impact of the Project for Increasing Resilience to Natural Disasters and Enhancing Preparedness Strategy (PREPS) in the Municipality of Samac, focusing on the response to the challenges of natural disaster management, particularly in the aftermath of the 2014 floods. Implemented in partnership with the humanitarian organization Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the project aimed to rebuild critical infrastructure and strengthen local capacities for disaster risk reduction (DRR). Core objectives included enhancing the institutional and technical capabilities of local civil protection services, developing comprehensive emergency action plans, and increasing public awareness through targeted training and simulation exercises. The study employs a qualitative methodological approach, with expert interviews as the primary data collection tool. An in-depth interview was conducted with a municipal official from Samac who was directly involved in the planning and execution of the project. The findings underscore the importance of planning, capacity building, and cross-sector collaboration in enhancing community resilience to natural disasters.