Cyclone Laila:Community-based Disaster Task Forces Swing to Action

Task force groups in action in Visakapatnam. Photo Credit: Arjillidasu

Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) helps communities to prepare for disaster

As cyclone Laila put entire east coast on alert, community-based disaster taskforce groups swung in to action too. In Visakhapatnam of Andhra Pradesh, the community task force members trained by Oxfam India’s partner DFYWA (District Fishermen Youth Welfare Association) wasted no time in putting their well toned skills to action. Here the task force groups leading the way shifted boats and nets to safer locations to minimize potential damage to be caused by cyclone Laila. The chief of DFYWA, Mr. Arjilli Dasy, informs that the task force groups in Visakhapatnam alerted all the active fishers about the Cyclone. The task force groups were in touch with local government official and with their help created make-shift health centers in villages to deal with possible injuries and medical needs. These groups also proactively coordinated with the district authorities and the police personnel for timely mobilization of rescue resources.

In Krishna district, Oxfam partners mobilised around 300 task force members from the DRR programme for evacuation and shelter management purposes. The task force members are assisting the government in the distribution and organisation of the relief camps. Rice, dal and packets of cooking oil are being handed over to village task force groups and are pre-positioned for distribution (Orlagondthippa village for example).

Oxfam is currently assessing the situation with its partners in Sanghamitra Service Society, DFYWA and SNIRD in the affected districts.

Story Credit : Mr. Hari Krishna (Mr. Krishna was earlier associated with Oxfam in India as a disaster preparedness specialist)

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