From awareness to action: Mitigating climate-induced hazards in Porbandar district

28 coastal villages along Porbandar faces a host of challenges due to its geographical location and needs a solid community-backed disaster risk reduction intervention strategy (CBDRR). 

Porbandar district, nestled along the seashore with a 108 km coastline, faces significant challenges due to its vulnerable geographical location. The local communities in 28 coastal villages are exposed to major climate-induced hazards such as cyclones, floods, tsunamis, lightning, and drought. The impact of these hazards on the lives and livelihoods of the people cannot be underestimated. Over the past decade, the region has witnessed heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and the devastating Cyclone Tauktae in 2021, causing severe damage. In response to these challenges, AKAH, in collaboration with local stakeholders, has implemented a comprehensive community-based disaster risk reduction (CBDRR) intervention. Through awareness activities, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives, the aim is to empower the community, particularly the youth, to understand the implications of climate change and effectively respond to disasters. 

Training programs and awareness is key

AKAH’s intervention in Porbandar’s vulnerable coastal villages involved raising awareness about climate change and hazards through activities like wall paintings and street plays. The organization conducted Participatory Rural Appraisal exercises to understand local conditions and mapped hazards and resources. Community-based disaster risk reduction training programs were organized, involving village leaders, teachers, and climate action group members. Fire safety and ambulance demonstrations were conducted in collaboration with local emergency services. The positive feedback from the community indicates increased awareness, preparedness, and ability to respond effectively to disasters. AKAH’s efforts, combined with community engagement, aim to build resilience and create a safer future in these villages. 

Community knowledge as a tool against disasters

AKAH is actively working to improve disaster resilience in Porbandar district’s vulnerable coastal communities, which are specifically exposed to climate-related disasters including cyclones, floods, tsunamis, and droughts. AKAH has effectively educated communities about these hazards and risk-mitigation techniques through awareness initiatives such as wall painting, awareness walks, and street plays. Participatory Rural Appraisal activities have improved knowledge about local conditions and resources even further. AKAH has undertaken community-based disaster risk reduction training programs engaging key stakeholders in collaboration with the District Emergency Operation Centre and Collector’s office, as well as fire safety demonstrations and mock drills with local authorities. The programs have raised community knowledge, particularly among the young, about the effects of climate change and their responsibility as first responders. 

Better equipped to handle tragedies

In the Porbandar district, AKAH’s actions have positively enhanced community resilience and empowered youngsters as first responders. The initiative has raised an understanding of climate-induced hazards and enabled the community to minimize risks through awareness activities, training programs, and stakeholder engagement. The encouraging response from residents underlines the impact on the young, who now understand the need for disaster preparedness and are better equipped to respond when tragedy strikes. 

One action inspires many

AKAH’s work in the Porbandar region is an inspiration, demonstrating the potential of community participation and youth empowerment in disaster resilience development. The project has proved that knowledge, readiness, and active engagement may make a profound impact in limiting the effect of climate-induced risks through awareness initiatives, training programs, and collaboration with stakeholders. It emphasizes the significance of proactive initiatives to develop community capacity and foster a resilient culture in vulnerable regions.