Disaster Risk Reduction Program

Name: Disaster Risk Reduction Program
Duration: March - September 2009
Donors: Oxfam America

Following the devastation caused in Myanmar by the 2008 Cyclone Nargis, Pact implemented a disaster risk-reduction program under an award from Oxfam America from March to September 2009. Through this program, Pact assisted 50 communities in Pyapone Township to prepare for future disasters while minimizing their risks and vulnerabilities to such calamities. Communities created action plans for disaster preparation based on analysis of risk and vulnerability in their villages. They elected Village Disaster Management Committees to lead the process with a high percentage of female participation and leadership. Additionally, the project disseminated basic disaster-related messages for communities through engaging children by using child-friendly coloring books and associated activities.

Pact took a phased approach to engaging communities in preparing themselves to confront future disasters, facilitating workshops at which community members received information on disaster response planning then selected leadership committees to spearhead efforts to plan for responses. These committees then undertook strategy sessions followed by further public dialogue to ensure community buy-in to disaster response action plans. After reaching agreement on their action plans, communities received early warning disaster kits from Pact facilitators. Through its programming, Pact reached 5,836 households with disaster response messages and planning activities, including 5,238 children. As a result, 50 communities drafted disaster response action plans and received early warning kits to support timely responses to future disasters.