Any kind of limitation be it physical or mental, is called a disability.  Disability comes in various forms. Some people are dealing with physical disabilities like blindness, handicap, paralysis, dumb or deaf. On the other hand, some people have mental disabilities like autism or other brain developmental issues. Either way, life of the persons with disabilities is full of struggles, especially during the natural calamities.

Over 15% of the world population suffer from disabilities. Persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable and at most risk of negative effects when it comes to natural disasters like earthquake, cyclone, flood etc. Most importantly, they cannot take actions or precaution when an alert has been issued.

According to a survey done by the United Nations (UN), 2,103 of 5,450 people living with disabilities face difficulties during natural disasters. Through some extend of difficulties,  20% of the persons with disabilities can evacuate during a disaster and 6% are unable to, as reported in the survey. 71% of the persons with disabilities do not have any preparedness plan for any natural disaster situation. According to the UN survey, 31% of them have someone to assist them during a natural disaster but other 13% do not have anyone to help. Only 17% of the disabled people are aware of a safety plan of their community in case of a natural disaster. And only 14% of the disabled people are consulted while preparing for any safety measures.

In order to make sure the people at highest risk are less vulnerable, it is important to consider persons with disabilities in the preparation plan for natural disasters. These kinds of people should be kept in mind while planning. The plans must be interrelated to the UNConvention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In article 11, this Convention mentions to ensure the right for disabled people  “in situation of risk, including situation of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrences of the natural disaster”.

Citation:iD4D Sustainable development news

https://ideas4development.org/en/persons-disabilities-among-first-victims-natural-disasters/