International Disaster Risk Reduction Day |12 October 2019

Minister Mondon

‘Let’s reflect on the pressing need to reduce disaster risks’

Citizens are being urged to seriously reflect on the pressing need to reduce disaster risks everywhere in our homes and communities.

The call comes in a message from Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, who is also the minister responsible for risk and disaster management, on the occasion of the Disaster Risk Reduction Day that falls tomorrow, October 13.

The full text of Minister Mondon’s message reads:

“The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate how people and communities around the globe are coping with disaster related issues by building resilience and reducing their exposure to disasters.

“This year the focus is on reducing disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, such as health and educational facilities.

“Seychelles has not been spared from calamities and as a small island developing state (Sids), our country remains vulnerable to disasters such as tsunamis, storms, heavy rainfalls and floods, ground movements, landslides, and forest fires. If such major events were to happen, they have the potential to cause serious damages to our critical infrastructure, which may in turn impact on the functioning of our communities.

“Through the Disaster Management Policy and the Disaster Management Act (2014), the government continues to show its commitment towards enhancing sustainable development and strengthening resilience at the national level. “With the establishment of the Department of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM) the government has put in place various mechanisms to promote an effective and better-coordinated approach to prepare and respond in times of emergencies.

“As a developing middle-income country, our main focus is on ensuring long- term sustainability, taking into consideration the general impacts of the ongoing change in climate. Thus, we need to be mindful of our actions as individuals and take into account the existing hazards and other risk-related factors in our day to day activities and in our surroundings, in order to avoid the consequences that result from climate change.

“Working in the field of disaster management and risk reduction requires a lot of goodwill and commitment. So without our faithful and committed first responders and volunteers, who leave their families and put their own lives at risk, we would not have made it this far. It is imperative, therefore, for us to thank our first responders and all those who, in various ways, have contributed towards the protection and preservation of our beautiful islands.

“In line with the theme for this year, DRDM will be organising a series of educational and awareness activities to commemorate the disaster risk reduction day, which will be spanned over one week.

“Hence, I avail of this occasion to urge all citizens to seriously reflect on the pressing need to reduce disaster risks everywhere in our homes and communities and invite everyone to participate actively in the commemorative activities on the programme.”