GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Disaster Management
Source: UN DRR
Context: The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) conducted the 2023 Global Survey on Persons with Disabilities and Disasters, following up on the 2013 survey.
About the Survey Report:
The report was released ahead of International Day for DRR (October 13). Its theme “Fighting inequality for a resilient future” is aligned with the Sendai Framework.
Aim of the survey: It is aimed to assess the preparedness of persons with disabilities for disasters, accessibility of early warning and risk information, awareness of disaster risk reduction (DRR) plans, and their participation in DRR decision-making.
What is DRR?
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) refers to the practices and strategies aimed at minimizing the risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural and human-made disasters.
Key results of the survey:
- Limited progress in disability inclusion in DRR over the past decade, with no significant regional differences.
- Low awareness of DRR plans among disabled
- Lack of DRR plans addressing the specific needs of persons with disabilities
- Limited participation in local-level DRR decisions by persons with disabilities
- 24% of respondents had been displaced due to crises or disasters, with armed conflict or violence being the leading cause of displacement.
Recommendations:
- There is a need for dedicated leadership roles for disability inclusion and addressing underlying risk factors to promote inclusion and resilience for all.
- Compliance with international law
- Inclusion of persons with disabilities in policymaking
- Addressing intersectionalities and diversity in DRR policies and practices
- Equity between persons with and without disabilities in all measures to reduce and prevent disaster risk.
Sendai Framework for DRR 2015–2030 recognizes Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) as contributing stakeholders and emphasises the need for their inclusion in all DRR policies and practices.
India’s Initiatives:
September 2019: NDMA came out with comprehensive guidelines under the title, ‘National Disaster Management Guidelines on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction, 2019’ (NDMA 2019). This was the first comprehensive set of guidelines issued by any country globally on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DiDRR).
Features of NDMA guidelines:
| Feature | Description |
| Information Symmetry | Provision for sign language interpretation and subtitles for persons with hearing impairment in video graphic materials. |
| Proper Training | Training for emergency response personnel to understand the rights of persons with disabilities and related disaster risks. |
| 24×7 Helpline Number | Establishment of 24×7 helplines for persons with disabilities. |
| Essentials for PwDs | Ensuring services like caregiver support, supplies, and medical aid are delivered to the doorstep of persons with disabilities. |
| State Commissioner for PwDs | Appointing a State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities as the nodal officer to address disability-specific issues during crises. |
| Awareness | Promotion of awareness about disaster risk reduction challenges for persons with disabilities. |
| Support | Encouragement of technological support and innovations to benefit persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction. |
| Sensitization | Sensitizing local communities about the presence of persons with disabilities and their special needs, especially during disasters. |
| Informed PwDs | Measures, including early warnings, to ensure that persons with disabilities are properly informed and prepared. |
| Involvement of PwDs | Active involvement of persons with disabilities as equal participants in disaster preparedness and planning. |
| Protection of Properties of PwDs | Special attention to protect the property and assets of persons with disabilities after evacuation or in post-disaster situations. |
Other efforts:
| Effort | Description |
| G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group | India established the first G20 Working Group on DRR during its presidency to prioritize DRR within the G20. |
| Expanding Disaster Early Warning | Effective early warning systems during Cyclone Biparjoy resulted in zero deaths from the event in India. |
| UN Secretary General’s Early Warnings for All Initiative | India is working to achieve universal early warning coverage for everyone by the end of 2027. |
| Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CRDI) | India launched CRDI with the UN in 2019 to support policy development and capacity for disaster-resilient infrastructure, especially in developing countries. |
| Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP) | The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the Manual for Disaster Management Plan (DMP). |
Best Practices – Disaster Response in Odisha:
| Best Practice | Description |
| Sneha Abhiyaan | Self-help groups (SHGs) in villages manage cyclone shelters, including the distribution of cooked food. |
| Mamta Gruhas | Safe spaces provide comprehensive care for women, children, and vulnerable sections of society. |
| Training and Capacity Building | SDRF provides training to frontline workers, including ASHAs and SHGs, in various aspects of disaster response. |
Conclusion:
All the constructive steps initiated are stepping stones in India’s journey towards becoming a disability-inclusive society. These measures also open up possibilities to take the movement forward, introducing more need-based and disability-sensitive strategies by including the stakeholders and caregivers in the decision-making process.
About UNDRR:
UNDRR (est. 1999; HQ: Geneva, Switzerland) was created to ensure the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction and later support the implementation of the Sendai Framework.
Inta Links
- Risk-reduction strategies using traditional knowledge
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)
Practice Question:
Discuss the need for Disaster risk reduction in India. What are the challenges involved and explain the global efforts in this direction? (250 words)
