Role of civil society in disaster management

Published on 01 Feb 2025

• Community Awareness and Preparedness: Civil society can raise awareness about hazards, disaster risks, and preparedness in communities. They educate on emergency plans, supply kits, and evacuation procedures.

• Example: NGO SEEDS educates Indian communities on earthquake preparedness through workshops.

• Early Warning Systems: Civil society collaborates with authorities to establish early warning systems. Alerts enable preventive actions and evacuations.

• Example: NGO Practical Action has collaborated with local authorities to install flood early warning systems in low-lying areas.

• Capacity Building: Civil society organizations conduct training workshops and programs to build the capacity of communities in disaster preparedness and response. They empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to cope with disasters effectively.

• Example: NGO CARE International empowers women in SHGs with disaster response training.

• Advocacy and Policy Influence: Civil society advocates for comprehensive disaster risk reduction policies, bridging community and government. 

• Example: "Save the Children" advocates child-centred disaster policies globally.

• Providing Support during Emergencies: During and after disasters, civil society organizations often step in to provide immediate support to affected communities. 

• Example: The Community kitchens in Kerala during COVID-19.

• Collaboration and Coordination: Civil society fosters collaboration among stakeholders for a well-coordinated disaster response.

• Example: "National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster" (NVOAD) in the USA acts as a network of NGOs and SHGs that collaborate with government agencies during emergencies. 

• Promoting Sustainable Development: Civil society organizations work towards sustainable development practices that take into account disaster risk reduction and resilience-building. 

• Example: "WWF" restores mangroves for ecosystem-based risk reduction.

• Engaging in Research and Data Collection: Civil society groups often conduct research and collect data on disaster risks, vulnerabilities, and impacts. This information helps in the development of effective disaster management strategies and policies.

• Example: Mercy Corps researches disaster risk in conflict zones.

• Psychosocial Support: Civil society organizations provide psychosocial support to individuals and communities affected by disasters. They address the emotional and mental health needs of survivors, helping them cope with trauma and stress.

• Example: The work done by Red Cross in post-disaster areas.

Tags:
Disaster Management

Keywords:
Role of civil society in disaster management Disaster disaster management NGO capacity building Community Awareness and Preparedness

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Disaster and Disaster Management