Revisit relief codes and standards; and look at psycho-social aspects - A.L. Rangarajan

"Revisited relief codes for all states; updated sphere standards; and a trained cadre of psycho-social workers are needed. Children and women related laws must be strengthened to reduce trafficking. The creation of new institutions in a post-disaster scenario should be avoided." - A.L. Rangarajan, Program Manager - India Literacy Project & President, Rejuvenate India Movement, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

It looks like yesterday...10 years have vanished just like that. The wounds, pains and sorrows created by the Indian Ocean Tsunami on the 26th December 2004 - has healed and many efforts were taken in the right direction. It is time to reflect, introspect to find out what went wrong and what was right. 

Reflections on the improvements:

I think including India, many countries have learnt a lot of early warning. The fact we had several tsunami alerts that came after that devastating one and we could save many testify that. Indian Tsunami Early warning system's establishment and some of the mock drills that have been conducted etc., are really ensuring that Indian Government has created appropriate organizations and structures to alert and act in case of such emergency. In 2004 tsunami, the awareness levels were very less on tsunami. I heard in many places that many had to faced death simply because they went towards sea instead of moving towards other side - most of them were interested in seeing the conditions. I remember that the police were making announcements in Vishakapatnam coast on that day to public to move away from the sea shore (we were there at Vishakapatnam on the fatal day). Therefore, awareness and education is also very important and many, many organizations have contributed in this direction. Vulnerability reduction and disaster preparedness are important factors - it is not just infrastructure or physical facilities; it is beyond that - most of our gram panchayats, schools, health administration are all now better geared up. However, conducting periodic mock drills, checking the working of equipment and systems, continuous upgrading of skills of personnel have to be continued from the disaster risk reduction point of view. Otherwise, all such investments may go waste and might not help in a needy hour. 

The new challenges that have emerged for disaster risk reduction over the last 10 years:

• In my humble view, several challenges with regard to coastal regulatory zone have increased. This could be due to population, encroachment, policy support of the governments towards more commercialization near beach areas, privatization of land and properties within CRZ limits - are all real challenges. Reduction of marsh lands, sand dunes, protective natural shields, creeks and all such naturally endowed gifts are in threat in many, many places due to commercial developments, theme parks, gated communities and so on. We need to relook and assess CRZ 2011 and whatever we decide, we need to strictly enforce the same. 
• Similarly, we also have issues like developing relief codes that are state specific. Most of the states have developed this - but even we get news here and there that the houses built for tsunami are not occupied by the victims. These are due to the simple reason of not involving or inadequate consultation of the affected families in the process of rebuilding. While build back better - taraka mantra - worked well, we need to see that the need to help should not overtake need for help. In tsunami context, we saw many INGOs and NGOs vying with each other to serve. Government was trying to coordinate and at the same time holding very strict control measures. While everything went well mostly, we need to see that we don't miss even on one affected victim and also do not waste any resource that is given in the faith of reaching to the affected victims. 

Message to world leaders: 

• Revisiting the relief codes and ensure that all states have their disaster relief codes in place. 
• Revisiting the sphere standards may be revisited, updated and trained during peace times so that people are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
• Psycho-social training and counselors may be trained, updated and kept ready to serve. 
• Children and women related laws may be strengthened to avoid any trafficking that can take place taking advantage of any such disaster. For example, for children, preference should be given for community based or home based rehabilitation rather than shifting them to unknown regions on the grounds of adoption etc., Wherever possible, community based approach be given preference over institutionalized approach. 
• Though through school syllabus several disaster risk reduction concepts are included, how much of it is practically is being taught to children has to be seen. Many permanent educational institutions have also started functioning in tsunami affected areas - as much as possible, creating new institutions post disaster scenario can be avoided and build the community based as well government service mechanisms have to be given thrust.