COPING CAPACITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES - INDIA

HI Operational areas affected by floods

Initial findings during and post floodsDuring a disaster the entire community worked together to face

it. Leaderships emerged Differentiation between task forces became blurred. Small mitigation activities were important at the time of the

floods. A lot of people evacuated to locations other than only those

designated for shelter.Traditional coping skills were strong in the region. Strong linkages existed with government line department and

NGOs for a better response.From the HI supported stockpile, mainly EWS and Search rescue

equipment such as Megaphone, Siren, life buoys and ropes were used

Specialized equipment for persons with disabilities were not.

Ramp with Hand Rails Submerged during the floods

Results – Impacts of the flood

FinancialHealthSocialPhysical

Impacts : Financial

Positive and Negative Coping Capacities Theme Positive Negative

Social Past experiences. Inertia to rebuild due to recurrent floods

Community and family support

Existing traditional skills ( Bhelas)

Existing trained and willing task force groups

Access to government relief

Finance Valuables are usually carried along or stored in safe places

No seeds for the next crop

Crop insurance – common practice Migration ( this is however, limited in the case of persons with disabilities

Increased borrowing

Health Access to Government Health center Self medication

Stockpile in shelters and anganwadi

Property Compensations provided to rebuild houses.

Government builds back public infrastructure damaged

• Effective Early Warning Systemscommunity cohesivenesscommunity linkage with

higher authority

• Stockpiling of Food , water and fuel.

Community level coping capacities

Traditional Coping Skills

Disaster Response Early warning systems Evacuation and search and rescue Shelter Relief distribution Water and Sanitation First Aid and medical attention

Past Disaster preparedness initiatives

Awareness on disaster preparedness

Linkages with external stake holders

Attitude of Community members

Increased

Better

Change

Recommendations

More capacity building activities built around persons with disabilities

Greater involvement of local self government ( PRI members and ward members)

Addressing long term issues –alternate livelihood.