Community-driven disaster management plans to aid two vulnerable tribal hamlets

SETTING a benchmark for the nation, the state has successfully piloted community-owned disaster management plans in two of the most vulnerable, remotely located tribal hamlets nestled within the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.

- SHAINU MOHAN @T'Puram

The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has successfully piloted the project that aims to enhance safety and build disaster-resilient tribal communities at the highly vulnerable and remote Swamiyaralakudy in Idukki district and Kurumbanmoozhi in Pathanamthitta district.

As per the study conducted for drawing up the disaster management plan, it was found that both settlements are prone to frequent landslides, heavy rainfall, flash floods and wildlife attack and are constantly under threat of seasonal isolation during disasters.