Labasa villages trained in inclusive disaster response

Through proactive planning, inclusive engagement and local leadership, we can reduce the impact of disasters and safeguard lives and livelihoods. 

Divisional Planning Officer (DPO) Northern, Setareki Dakuiboca, made this remark during a collaborative Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) training in Labasa today. 

The five-day training is organised by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in collaboration with Partners in Community Development Fiji (PCDF) organised this training. 

Five participating communities were: Nasekula, Nacula, Naqai, Wasavulu and Namara which are all Labasa based communities. 

The cyclone season starts in November and ends in April. 

Mr Dakuiboca commended the NDMO and PCDF for coordination in bringing this training down to the grassroots people. 

"This is why CBDRM matters, it places communities at the centre, it recognises that local knowledge, local action and local ownership are key to effective disaster risk reduction that ensures that no one is left behind," he said. 

He called on participants to express their views directly to the facilitators and other participants and equip themselves with disaster risk preparedness skills. 

"Over the next few days, you will explore key concepts, from hazard mapping and early warning systems to evacuation planning, disability inclusive and community drills," he said. 
"This training aims to empower communities to develop or strengthen their own inclusive CBDRM plans and integrate them into local development planning".

Mr Dakuiboca said disaster risk management is not just a technical field, it is a human one. 

He called on village representatives to be accountable in their learning process in disaster risk management training because they would have to use this knowledge to save lives in their areas. 

Fiji Disabled People's Federation programme coordinator for disaster risk management, Jay Nasilasila, said all learnings would help to enhance resilient communities combat disaster impacts. 

Mr Nasilasila said every community who had disabled persons should try implementing infrastructure that is user friendly to these individuals. 

He added mentally the community needs to support and avoid panic when they relocate or help disabled people in cases of natural disasters.