Inclusive evacuation strategies following a tsunami, earthquake, or volcano eruption

Forum Komunikasi Masyarakat Berkebutuhan Khusus Aceh is a forum of various disabled people organizations in the in Aceh province, an tsunami and earthquake affected region. From 2015 to 2017, the organization trained 296 persons with disabilities, and 965 have participated in three disaster evacuation simulations.

Problems Targeted

Aceh province is a disaster-prone region of Indonesia that is particularly afflicted by tsunamis and earthquakes. Due to a lack of preparation and planning, as well as inaccessible facilities, services, and transportation systems, people with disabilities are more likely to be left behind or abandoned during disaster and emergency evacuations.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

In collaboration with government bodies, local communities, the private sector, and civil society organizations, FKM BKA advocates for more inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR) practices and ensures that persons with disabilities are not overlooked during disaster situations, such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. To that end, it advocates that people with disabilities actively take part in all stages of the DRR processes, including disaster risk analysis and assessment by creating hazard and resource maps. They emphasize the special needs of persons with disabilities during and after a disaster situation, such as the provision of accessible drinking and sanitation resources, accessible temporary shelters, volunteers who can provide physical assistance, rehabilitation centres, and health and hospital services for injured victims. Additionally, all stakeholders involved receive training in disaster management, disaster mitigation, and disaster preparedness. From 2015 until October 2017, three disaster evacuation simulations for a tsunami, an earthquake, and a volcanic eruption were organized, with a total of 965 participants. In addition, 296 persons with disabilities have benefited from 11 disaster workshops and trainings. At the same time, 81 facilities in Aceh have been tested for their feasibility to provide shelter in an emergency and for their accessibility.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The efforts of FKM BKA have led to the local governments in three cities of Aceh province to develop and implement two new policies based on Articles 9 and 11 of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. The implementation of these policies increases the understanding of local government, building owners, and the community to provide appropriate access for persons with disabilities in obtaining their rights. The model can be replicated and adapted to the characteristics of each region, and could also become a national and regional standard for areas facing similar threats and challenges. FKM BKA is funded by the Disability Rights Fund and Disability Rights Advocacy Fund, as well as local governments and other local partners.

Pictures

Three disaster evacuation simulations for a tsunami, an earthquake, and a volcanic eruption were organized.

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THE STORY OF ROSMAWATI, EARTHQUAKE VICTIM AT PIDIE JAYA AND A FKM BKA TRAINEE

“I have memorized my evacuation map.”

My name is Rosmawati, aged 45, and I am blind. As a woman who lives at home, I used to be a victim of any natural disaster that came upon us. Also, being on my own, when I was out of the house I would run into anything in front of me, such as walls and trees, and I would even fall into a trench and end up in the hospital. Therefore, in times of a disaster I would usually just stay in front of the house waiting to be evacuated by volunteers. But most people are busy evacuating their own family before they can think of helping us persons with disabilities. After attending the workshop held by FKM BKA, however, I now have more knowledge about how to evacuate myself in times of emergency. I have memorized my evacuation map, which way I should run, and how I can save myself in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. But more than that, now my neighbours have begun to understand my needs and whereabouts in the village, so that in case of disaster I will not be left alone. .