Disaster Reduction: Start Early, From The Smallest Scope

Stand in the “Ring of Fire” makes Indonesia frequently struck by earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Ring of Fire is an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin. Besides those disasters, Indonesia also susceptible to disasters like flash floods, landslides, forest fires, and so on. Some of those disasters are caused by nature or humans.

Disaster reduction training with children in Amal village, Central Sulawesi (Photo: Irsan Laburante)

So many disasters could happen in Indonesia. Therefore, knowing or identifying disasters is the first step to do. Efforts that we can do is start early and from the smallest scope. From that principle, IDEP Foundation held some disaster reduction training in several schools in Central Sulawesi. This capacity strengthening training was held from April 7, 2021, until April 26, 2021, coinciding with National Disaster Reduction Day.

A presentation about disaster sign from students in Taripa village, Central Sulawesi (Photo: Irsan Laburante)

Post-disasters of earthquakes, tsunami, and liquefaction in Palu, Sigi, and Donggala (Pasigala), Central Sulawesi make sad memories for the community. Therefore, IDEP held some recovery and rehabilitation efforts for the community in Pasigala. Started from giving some education to students in Taripa, Saloya, Jono Oge, Amal, Sumari, and Kombasa villages.

Student in emergency school join disaster reduction training (Photo: Irsan Laburante)

The Post-disasters situation in Central Sulawesi still has infrastructure damaged in some villages. Such as Amal villages, precisely in 25 Sindue National Elementary School. All of the students study in uncomfortable buildings. Fortunately, students are excited to receive the disaster reduction information.

Students make evacuation routes in Taripa village, Central Sulawesi (Photo: Irsan Laburante)

This Disasters Risk Reduction (PRB) training focuses on several evacuation steps during disasters. Started from determining evacuation routes and rallying points, and making evacuation signs in school. After all of the students understand and know the characteristics of the disaster in their environment, then continue to the simulation of disaster management.

Besides students, this program also invites teachers and the Disaster Risk Management Team (TSPRB) to make this program become sustain. Therefore, these disaster reduction efforts will sustain when schools can include it in their education system. Certainly, this collaboration will make Central Sulawesi become resilience. (Gd)