PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND COMMUNITY TOGETHER RESPOND TO NATURAL DISASTERS

From October 22 to 31, 2023, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) in collaboration with the Steering Board (PSB) and commune People’s Committee (CPC) of the project “Together We Can” organized training courses on inclusive disaster risk prevention. There were 134 participants who are people with disabilities and caregivers living in low-lying residential areas in Trieu Phong district, Quang Tri province.

The participants were able to share their experiences in flood and storm control, information on community-based and inclusive disaster risk management; early warning and evacuation; do’s and don’ts before, during and after disasters; etc, from which a household safety plan was worked out to ensure preparedness and other needed support for the sake of people’s lives and property.

After the training course, the project handed over 134 household-level disaster preparedness kits, each includes 01  life jacket, 01 raincoat, 01 flashlight, and 01 twenty-litre water bucket. 100% of participants responded in the post-test that the training is relevant and provided practical kits are useful. Additionally,  many have shared how the people with disabilities can take part in the community based preparedness planning process as the disagram below. 

"Generally, after the training we all know more about how to prevent and recover from natural disasters. There is a drawing of a village sketch, which includes information of prone areas during natural disasters, and evacuation routes so that the villagers know which way to go in case of disasters, and which is a safer place to stay as a shelter." Shared by a caregiver.

"People living in areas prone to storms and floods already have a lot of experience, but attending the training today, I learned more information, for example, we need to prepare in advance to be proactive. We raise pigs at home and should follow weather forecasts to prepare for, such as moving the pigs to a higher place. With the life jackets, raincoat, flashlights and buckets provided by the project, we will keep them ready for the coming flood. I learn more from this training and will prepare better in the coming time.” Shared by a person with disability.

“The training is very useful with more practical knowledge. In addition to housing rearrangement, early evacuating people with disabilities and other vulnerable people to a safe shelter as usual, it is very helpful to know the less risky evacuation routes and means or in a natural disaster, someone should always keep an eye on people with disabilities or children in the house. The training is very practical so we are more aware and cope better in the future." Shared by caregiver.

Following this activity, the project will continue to establish and strengthen the community support groups in disaster prone areas, provide training on first aid skills and equip the means of support including life jackets, helmets, raincoats, ropes, lifebuoys and accident insurance for the members.

These activities are parts of the project “Together We Can”, funded by Caritas Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).