Disaster Risk Reduction
A mock flood drill organised by CBM partners with CBM support in Gaibanda, Bangladesh
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) means reducing the impact of natural disasters. This is especially relevant in the case of persons with disabilities, as they are among the most vulnerable people in society and are often forgotten during emergency situations. CBM and partner CDD in Bangladesh have implemented a pilot Disability inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) project as an extension of the CBM commitment to Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response.
Effects of natural disasters
-
©CDD
-
In May 2009 the south western coastal area of Bangladesh was hit by cyclone Aila. Millions of people were affected. Together with its partners CDD and BPKS, CBM participated in relief efforts, supporting persons with disability and their families.
South Asia has an unusual geo‐physical setting, with the great Himalayas in the north and the vast Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal in the south.
These, combined with unfavourable topographic patterns, have made the region prone to natural disasters.
Every year thousands of people are killed due to cyclones, storm surges, tornados, flooding, droughts and earthquakes in countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Vulnerability of persons with disabilities
People with disabilities are more vulnerable than others during natural disasters because of inaccessible environmental factors, socio‐economic situations and physical reasons. They also tend be ignored in emergency preparedness and relief and rehabilitation services.
Natural disasters cannot be prevented, but the effects of a disaster can be alleviated by enhancing capacities and reducing vulnerabilities beforehand. This is called Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
Natural disasters cannot be prevented, but the effects of a disaster can be alleviated by enhancing capacities and reducing vulnerabilities beforehand. This is called Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
CBM and Disaster Risk Reduction
CBM, together with its partner 'Centre for Disability in Development' (CDD) has implemented a pilot project - Disability inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Project (DiDRR) - in Bangladesh from October 2009 to June 2011. The project was an extension of CBM commitment of Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response.
