“Living with the Storm” – Strategies for Disaster Preparedness

On June 14, 2024, the Mukti community leaders of Heramba Gopalpur GP organized an awareness program on climate change titled “Living with the Storm” under the Amplifying Community Voices project. This session saw the participation of 115 stakeholders, including Panchayat members, ASHA workers, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) members, school teachers, irrigation department members, and farmers.

The Sundarbans are highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels due to climate change. These frequent and severe events threaten both the unique mangrove ecosystem and the livelihoods of the local communities. Thus, it is crucial for communities to be aware of how to protect themselves from these calamities and ensure resilience in the future.

The topics discussed included an introduction to climate change, its reasons and impacts, what constitutes a climate-resilient community, and how communities can achieve this resilience. Selected community leaders delivered presentations, and a participatory discussion was conducted to develop a roadmap for mitigating the impact of climate change.

During the discussion, stakeholders highlighted their roles in ensuring safety during disasters and their responsibilities in the post-disaster context. The women’s group raised concerns about disrupted vaccination schedules for children and women and an increase in domestic violence following disasters. Farmers discussed the types of crops that could be cultivated post-disaster to ensure profitability despite crop damage. Community members also deliberated on measures to protect river embankments.

After the session, stakeholders gained a deeper understanding of climate change and its impacts, enabling them to develop more effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. They acquired practical knowledge on creating climate-resilient communities, ensuring better protection for their livelihoods and environment. Additionally, the collaborative discussions fostered stronger community bonds and empowered individuals to take proactive measures in safeguarding their families and resources against future calamities.

Gallery link: https://muktiweb.org/gallery/album/acv-team-organized-awareness-session-on-living-with-the-storm