By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide
Patna: In a landmark effort to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Government of Bihar, in partnership with the United Nations and UNICEF, hosted a two-day workshop focused on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR). Held in Patna, the workshop aimed to integrate disability inclusion into all stages of disaster management in the state.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Nadeemul Ghaffar Siddiqui, Joint Secretary of Bihar’s Disaster Management Department, emphasized that disaster response must be inclusive and non-discriminatory. “Disasters do not discriminate; our response mechanisms must reflect that,” he said, highlighting the need to align state plans with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The workshop, facilitated by experts from UNDP and Handicap International, included discussions on overcoming challenges faced by persons with disabilities during disasters, including limited access to early warning systems, evacuation difficulties, and inaccessible shelters. Participants also heard from Ms. Radha, a disability advocate, who shared her experience of flood rescue, stressing that gender-based vulnerabilities for disabled persons are amplified during disasters.
Mr. Md. Waris Khan, Secretary of the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA), underscored the importance of regular capacity-building initiatives to embed disability inclusion into disaster management policies. The workshop concluded with actionable recommendations aimed at integrating disability-inclusive approaches into disaster management plans across the state.
This initiative marks a significant step in making Bihar’s disaster response systems more inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind during emergencies.
