Transformative NGO for Disaster Management

17/06/24

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A disaster can strike anytime, anywhere, with no prior warning. Disasters can strike where they have never taken place before, or in regions that have been traditionally considered safe from them. Despite modern science offering a wide range of predictive solutions that harness the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to process meteorological and seismic data, there is always the risk of fluke incidents. When these incidents do happen, they shock regions and communities. Whether it is man-made disasters (that is, disasters caused by people) or natural (that is, caused by nature), disasters cannot be completely avoided. From the developed to the least developed nations, they can happen anywhere.

What we can do is learn from past disasters, with a focus on best practices that enable greater resilience. This mindset of constant learning and proactiveness is what defines resilience in the face of adverse incidents, which include floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes or cyclones, tsunamis, or droughts. Additionally, we must invest extensively to ensure that disaster resilience facilities are capable of responding effectively, mitigating the primary and secondary impacts of crises, and bringing people and communities to their original health and vibrancy.

This means that the speed and scale at which resilience efforts can be mobilised make a difference. This is where we can understand the role of NGO disaster relief. NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) can leverage specialised experience as well as the unique and relevant skill sets of their teams to swing into action. They activate teams that work concurrently and collaboratively, to meet a series of inter-linked priorities. Even as some team members are evacuating people to safer areas, others are facilitating access to food, water, nutrition, and healthcare. In parallel, coordination with local and national authorities is taking place, to ensure that the policy mechanism and civic infrastructure is being utilised effectively.

These organisations harness the full extent of their established networks in civil society to implement local partnerships focused on NGO disaster relief, enabling efficient distribution of supplies and services. The trust and recognition that their work generates over time and their goodwill are used to generate sustained funding that can be targeted at specific interventions (e.g. rebuilding a school). They can use economies of scale to procure rations and other essentials and distribute them, even in challenging conditions and difficult terrains., by using prior experience of working in such disaster conditions, a disaster management NGO can establish best practices and benchmarked tools and techniques to ensure greater effectiveness.

What is most pertinent to note is that these NGOs, by being located in, and working with local communities, can enhance their action. Their ability to reach and activate with speed and their local placement within community contexts is one of the many ways they can exercise greater effectiveness. For example, the speed at which they can set up field hospitals and mobile clinics to treat injuries and prevent the spread of diseases can significantly bring down injury and mortality rates in the hours after a disaster takes place.

The disaster management NGO also ensures that the children, who are particularly vulnerable during disasters, are given specialised care. They have a specialised understanding of child-centric needs, which include setting up child-friendly spaces within relief camps and enabling children to play, learn, and process their experiences to manage trauma. Educational continuity, facilitated through mobile classrooms, remote learning, and temporary schools is maintained to prevent long-term educational setbacks, and by training teachers to support students who have experienced trauma, by integrating psychological support into the educational environment. Nutritional needs of children, relevant to their specific age groups, are also taken into consideration. These include providing specialised formula for infants, nutrient-rich meals for older children, and nutrient-supplemented food (e.g. iron) for those diagnosed with deficiencies.

When disasters strike, NGO Bal Raksha Bharat’s rapid assessment teams evaluate situations, distribute emergency provisions such as food, water, and shelter, create child-friendly spaces, and establish temporary schools or learning centres to ensure uninterrupted education. They also support rebuilding infrastructure, support families, and address trauma, all contributing to stronger, more resilient communities. In 2022, they reached 6.21 lakh children across various relief programs. Since 2004, they have responded to over 40 emergencies in India.

Pulkit Arora

Manager-Brand & Communication

“With over 12 years of dedicated experience in the social development sector, I am passionate about championing child rights and community empowerment through innovative communication strategies. As a Digital Marketing Manager for digital Campaigns and Communication with Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children), I have honed my expertise in orchestrating impactful campaigns online and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders to drive positive change."