Awareness and Preparedness Strategies for Community Based Disaster Risk Management with Particular Reference to Landslides

Awareness and preparedness strategies are an essential component of community based disaster risk management. A sustained effort is required by the government, NGOs, Volunteers, electronic and print media through interactive meetings, audio-visuals, handbills/booklets/posters, competitions and quizzes, street-shows, mock drills and exercises for creating awareness among the public and preparing them to act appropriately for disaster risk reduction. Community involvement in disaster management cannot be over-emphasized since it is usually the first victim as well as responder to a disaster and hence, its role in containing damage or loss is of prime significance. The community campaigns emphasize on the prevalent landslide risk and vulnerability of the exposed elements. It highlights the roles, responsibilities and standard operational procedures for risk reduction and response by the communities. Information, maps and illustrations containing status of landslide hazards, landslide indicators or precursors, precautionary measures, possible causes, suggestive remedial options and early warning signals are shared with the community in a layman’s language. Communities are made aware of the likely major disasters that threaten the localities of immediate concern to them, and the projected disaster scenarios; the possible landslide hazard distribution and major known landslide spots.

However, one of the most challenging tasks in landslides awareness and preparedness is the sensitization of all stakeholders, and their involvement in landslide risk management process. If the communities recognize the importance of landslides safety vis-à-vis developmental activities, tremendous gains can be achieved in landslide risk reduction. Therefore, a comprehensive awareness and preparedness campaign should be developed and implemented for following safe practices before, during and after a landslide. Landslide risk management should be done by applying locally available knowledge, expertise and resources customized to suit site specific situations.