National Disaster Reduction Day was observed today in Meghalaya together with the rest of the country.
The objective of this day is to encourage every citizen to take part in building more disaster-resilient communities and to encourage a culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction.
In Shillong an awareness programme on disaster management and Covid-19 precautionary measures was held for the general public and taxi drivers in market areas. Masks also were distributed at old age homes and to market vendors. Awareness on disaster preparedness programmes will be aired through the radio throughout the month. Literature and videos on the landslide dos and don’ts have been prepared for circulating among the public.
In Mawkyrwat the South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner C Kharkongor said that early help could make the difference between life and death in a disaster situation, whether man-made or natural.
She encouraged village leaders to have a log book to record important contact numbers of government officials in the district and to have a list of all elderly, children and disabled people who would require immediate support in the event of disaster. She also encouraged village leaders to have a Village Disaster Management Plan (VDMP) and have a stock of medicine, clothes and other essential commodities as part of preparedness in case of disaster.
