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Disaster

Disability rights group demands inclusive disaster management

Rescue workers helping unconscious man at poolside

Mapusa, India –  Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) has demanded that the disaster management teams be trained to handle persons with disabilities in disaster situations.

In a letter to the Goa Collectors copies of which have been sent to Chief Secretary, State Commissioner for Persons with Disability and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, DRAG said “Section 8 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 mandates”

The persons with disabilities shall have equal protection and safety in situations of risk, armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters. The National Disaster Management Authority and the State Disaster Management Authority shall take appropriate measures to ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities in its disaster management activities as defined under clause (e) of section 2 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for the safety and protection of persons with disabilities.

The District Disaster Management Authority constituted under Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 shall maintain record of details of persons with disabilities in the district and take suitable measures to inform such persons of any situations of risk so as to enhance disaster preparedness.