"We remain reactive in spite of our serious
suffering. There have been acts of symbolism for disaster preparedness and training for some time and now the seriousness is at the lowest ebb. Sensitise the conscience of local governments and ensure joint accountability." - Dr Colonel NM Verma, Director General Saritsa Foundation.
The tsunami preparedness in past
10 years has rarely reached to the coastal communities. TA safety cover for coastal areas was
effectively put in place at the village level. Yet,they are rarely kept in
working condition. There has to be transparency in their maintenance and
up keep. We are famously careless to destroy any public property,
Lack of community partnership, lack of community education
and training to be accountable to maintain this equipment, to establish a
command system with accountability needs looking in to. Infrastructures created
are rarely checked. At Cuddalore, the multi-hazard center in
Chidambaram block is good asset, yet, no one knows who keeps the keys and whom
to contact in an emergency as reported. This needs coordination, system of accountability by
the local community and people in local governance.
Disaster preparedness education and training has to reach to
those who need it most. There are many where no one has reached. There is a
need to reach to them.Women, girls, persons with disability and senior citizens
have to be inclusive part of this education and training. The local
government representatives and community groups have to dove tail these vulnerable
groups in to disaster risk reduction and resilience building efforts.
An enhanced attention is needed at all levels to make
it possible. This needs sensitized conscience of local governments and
people jointly to be accountable for it. It has to be the vision for the future
to avoid peripheral references to community preparedness. The teams of
educators have to reach to people, educate people and create resources
human and material for its sustainability.
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