Empowering Youth in Flood-Prone Areas through Disaster Preparedness

PARA is a registered NGO at Ravulapalem, Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It evolved from the response of Don Bosco Mission, Ravulapalem to the 6th August 1986 Godavari Floods. The poor, especially those of scheduled caste origin who constitute more than 30% of Konaseema, were the most affected. Even as it continued with relief and rehabilitation activities whenever there was a flood or any other natural calamity, PARA had not made much effort in the line of disaster preparedness. Starting this September PARA is working in 4 blocks of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh on disaster preparedness. We are presenting you a short report on creating awareness to 397 children in 5 high schools and 100 students in 2 college in the flood prone area. These interactive sessions, led by our resource persons, covered critical topics such as:
Types of Disasters: Highlighting real-life examples, including recent calamities in Andhra Pradesh.
Precautionary Measures: Preparing for pre- and post-flood scenarios with emphasis on safeguarding children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Roles of Students: Empowering students to take proactive roles during floods, including community support and safety advocacy.
Community Impact: Discussions on the damages floods cause to families and communities, alongside group activities fostering problem-solving.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Floods: Encouraging critical thinking about the ecological and social implications.
The sessions featured group discussions, interactive Q&A, and collaborative learning activities, creating a platform for these young minds to engage deeply with the topics. The enthusiastic participation of the students reflects their growing awareness and readiness to contribute meaningfully to their communities during crises.
This initiative is a significant step in PARA’s commitment to building disaster-resilient communities in Konaseema. Together, we stand stronger against the challenges posed by natural calamities.