• October 13 is International Day for Disaster Reduction
• Proposes stronger building codes and better early warning systems
• Appeals to government and civil society to create awareness
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 12 (MExN): Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today called for introduction of better/stronger building codes, sound land use planning, better early warning systems, environmental management and evacuation plans and, education so as to better equip the state for calamities like Earthquakes, floods, heavy rain and forest fires, etc.
In a message to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Reduction which falls on October 13, the Governor stated that disaster risk reduction is everybody’s business. “Today let us all rededicate our self and spread more awareness by organising various competitions for students through essay writing, drawing, oratory, through billboards, promotional materials in schools, institutions, offices and public places,” he urged. No community is immune from the threat of disasters, the Governor said, while stating that Nagaland with its mountainous terrain is more vulnerable to natural disaster. Poor land-use planning, environmental mismanagement, the lack of regulatory mechanisms and other human activities increase the risk when a disaster does occur, he added. He stressed that it is important for the future generations, and for the leaders of tomorrow, to learn about the long-term aspects of environmental protection and to provide with the necessary early education for a better understanding of both natural hazards and the way to prevent their disastrous impact on societies.
The Governor encouraged government authorities, businesses communities, NGOs, village communities and student bodies to introspect whether appropriate precautionary measure are practiced and taken to save life and property. “All should work together to improve the chain of information and decision-making, so that we are better prepared should any hazards strikes,” he added.
“Let us all come together to promote best practices in our villages, towns, cities and across all sectors, to reduce disaster risk and disaster losses,” the Governor urged.
During this International Day for Disaster Reduction, the Governor appealed to everyone to “come together in making our Society and the State a better place to live in for our future generation.”
The International Day for Disaster Reduction is held every October 13, to observe how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face. The Day is a way to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction that includes disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.
This year, the day is being commemorated with the theme ‘Live To Tell: Raising Awareness, Reducing Mortality’.
