Remembering to include people with disability in the face of disaster

disabilityPeople with disability are disproportionately affected by the disaster events all over the world.  To remember to include people with the special needs, the first ever International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was observed in Sherubtse College in Kanglung.

The Director General of Department of Disaster Management, Namgay Wangchuk, said as Bhutan builds the resilience of communities and reduce vulnerability to disaster, there is a need to remember to include people with special needs.

“We should not view this people as helpless victim of disaster or burden to the rest of society,” said Namgay Wangchuk. He also said people with disability are also active member of the society. “If sensitized appropriately, they can make huge contribution to our disaster resilience.”

“I hope our friends will not leave us behind in the time of disaster,” said one of the children with special needs.

Namgay Wangchuk said Disaster Risk Reduction is everyone’s responsibility.

Bhutan started observing the day with its UN partners starting 2008.

The home minister, Damchoe Dorji, who was also present at the event, said disasters in the past years, demonstrate the vulnerability and the need to be prepared. He cited the earthquake that hit the country in 2009 and the fire that burnt down the Wangduephodrang Dzong.

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