From October 20 to November 6, 2021, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) in collaboration with the Steering Board (PSB) and commune People’s Committee (CPC) of the project “Empowering People with Disabilities” organized five training courses on inclusive disaster risk prevention. There were 116 participants who are PwDs and caregivers living in low-lying residential areas in Gio Linh district, Quang Tri province.

The participants were able to share their experiences in flood and storm control, information on community-based and inclusive disaster risk management; early warning and evacuation; do’s and don’ts before, during and after disasters; etc, from which a household safety plan was worked out to ensure preparedness and other needed support for the sake of people’s lives and property.

After the training course, the project handed over 116 household-level disaster preparedness kits, each includes 01 big-size life jacket for adult, 01 small-size life jacket for children, 01 raincoat, 01 flashlight, and 01 twenty-litre water bucket. Mrs. H.T.L – a member of the PSB shared that the project has developed appropriate activities and provided practical kits for households based on the experiences from previous year and feedbacks of PwDs and their caregivers.

Mrs. P.T.H – a PwD in Cluster II, Gio Hai commune shared “I and my sister are both elderly so it is often hard for us to reinfroce our house before the stormy season. Last year, we suffered a lot from damages, for instance, pigs, chickens and ducks were all washed away. This year, by participating the training course, I understand better that it is necessary for preparedness, forweather forecast update, for contact for support in advance if necessary, and evacuation to other concrete houses. With experience from last year, I would sell or evacuate pigs and chickens as soon as possible, and move dry rice, beans, etc. to higher place inside the house”. Mr. L.V.L – a caregiver of PwDs expressed “The training course provided a lot of practical information about disaster prevention and the active participation of PwDs and their families. I think we should be ready and prepare in advance, particularly with those having members of disability”.

Following this activity, the project will continue to establish and strengthen the community support groups in disaster prone areas, provide training on first aid skills and equip the means of support including wooden boats, life jackets, helmets, raincoats, ropes and lifebuoys.

These activities are parts of the project “Empowering People with Disabilities”, funded by Caritas Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).