Kids key in disaster planning

Stronger disaster planning is needed to avoid future devastation and loss of life caused by flooding, according to a report published by World Vision yesterday.

The report, titled Cities Prepare, recommends that the Cambodian government and civil society work to place “a stronger emphasis on disaster risk reduction … for homes, schools, businesses and in government policies in areas such as health care and municipal planning”.

The report called on the authorities to raise awareness among secondary school students of the risks posed by flooding, adding that about 40 per cent of the casualties in this year’s floods were children.

Chhem Vutha, World Vision Cambodia’s technical officer for disaster risk reduction, said children had an important role to play in educating communities about the risks of flooding by both assisting in evacuations and raising awareness. …

Daniel Pye
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/kids-key-disaster-planning