By Ron Rocky Coloma
Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero has issued an executive order officially updating Guam’s hazard mitigation plan, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the island’s resilience to natural disasters.
The plan adopted comprehensive risk assessment methodologies and implementing targeted mitigation strategies.
The updated plan not only fulfills federal requirements but also underscores Guam’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and community safety.
“The updated 2024 Guam Hazard Mitigation Plan continues to demonstrate Guam’s commitment to reducing the risk of losses from natural and human-made hazards and serves as a strategic planning guide for Guam's decisionmakers as they commit resources to reduce the effects of these hazards,” Leon Guerrero said Friday.
The 2024 plan, developed in alignment with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and FEMA’s State Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (2022), introduces an integrated approach to hazard mitigation.
It focuses on a broad spectrum of threats, including tropical cyclones, coastal erosion, drought and sea-level rise. The plan reflects a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders and aims to build a robust framework for disaster resilience.
“The 2024 Guam HMP describes Guam’s procedures for identifying hazards, risks and vulnerabilities, and it also identifies and prioritizes mitigation actions, encourages the ongoing development and effective implementation of Guam’s specific mitigation strategies and provides technical support for these efforts,” Leon Guerrero said.
The plan includes detailed analyses of various hazards and vulnerabilities. For instance, it addresses the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones due to climate change, which pose significant risks to Guam’s infrastructure and communities. By identifying and assessing these risks, the HMP provides a foundation for developing effective mitigation strategies.
The development of hazard mitigation involved extensive input from a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations and private sector partners.
The Hazard Mitigation Working Group, consisting of 23 entities, played a crucial role in shaping the plan’s strategies. This collaborative approach ensures that the plan is comprehensive and reflects the diverse perspectives and expertise of all involved parties.
The plan aligns with other strategic documents such as the Guam Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and the Guam Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. This integration ensures that mitigation efforts are coordinated across different sectors, enhancing overall resilience. By leveraging existing frameworks, the hazard mitigation plan maximizes resource utilization and ensures consistency in disaster preparedness and response.
The plan addresses the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, increased frequency of extreme weather events and ocean acidification. For example, the HMP outlines measures to protect and restore coral reefs, which serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion and storm surges. These actions are critical for preserving Guam’s marine ecosystems and protecting coastal communities.
The Office of Homeland Security and Civil Defense will oversee the implementation of the plan’s strategies, which involve regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure the plan remains effective and up-to-date.
The HMP is designed to be a living document, with periodic updates reflecting new data, emerging threats and evolving best practices in hazard mitigation.
The updated HMP also emphasizes the importance of public education and engagement. By raising awareness and fostering community involvement, the plan aims to ensure that residents are informed and prepared for potential disasters.
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