PWDs appeal for inclusion in disaster management

Audrey Galawu

Senator for People with Disability, Honourable Nasper Manyau, has called for the inclusion of People With Disabilities in the Department of Civil Protection in disaster and management emergency planning.

This comes after the Meteorological Services Department warned the public of impending thunderstorms and the announced Cyclone Freddy in the southern Indian Ocean that is expected to hit Madagascar with life-threatening flooding and damaging winds and parts of southern Africa.

In a statement, the Department of Civil Protection under the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works urged the public to be on high alert of forecasted torrential rains.

“Citizens should be on the watch for possible flooding, avoid crossing flooded rivers and stay indoors during the period as the heavy rains may reduce visibility for motorists,” reads the statement.

Hon Manyau said the DCP should have a disability protocol to alert PWDs of the impending disasters before they strike.

“As the Met department has issued the warning, I call upon the DCP to consider the plight and vulnerability of persons with disabilities in case of a disaster. I hope in your disaster risk processes you have a database of PWDs.

“Remember that no amount of expertise can replace the lived experience of which in this case we find a gap in decision-making. The disaster risk reduction is very much incomplete to make a competent decision without the insight of the affected constituency.

“Rescue workers must be trained in how to deal with PWDs communication wise. Remember, most PWDs can’t flee to places of safety as some have no sight and can’t mobilise.

“Some PWDs can’t even move from their beds on their own. So, when the DCP activates its disaster protocols, please consider our plight and prioritise us,” she said.

Manyau added that bed-ridden persons or the paraplegic who use crutches and quadriplegic cannot flee to higher places for safety as they do not have the capacity to reach the evacuation centres.

“Those with hearing impairment have equally a fair share of challenges which sees them not being able to scream for help thereby leaving them to be counted among casualties,” she further added.

Department of Civil Protection Acting Chief Director Nathan Nkomo said the department has always had an inclusive plan for PWDs.

“We have always been inclusive in our risk management plans, sometimes we might be found wanting in terms of information dissemination because sometimes it requires sign language interpreters.

“We don’t want a situation to come up with a specific plan for PWDs, it doesn’t work. We have always had a plan that includes PWDs,” he said.

Nkomo also said community members should also take responsibility for assisting PWDs in times of crisis.

People with physical disabilities are likely to wait longer to evacuate from their homes due to a lack of accessible transport and concerns that evacuation shelters will not accommodate their needs.

Potential loss of independence in an evacuation shelter is particularly pertinent for those with visual impairments.