International Day for Disaster Reduction this year recognizes the vital role of children and young people in disaster reduction.

Flooding poses a great risk to the population of Lao PDR with 12 out 17 provinces affected by severe flooding caused by tropical storm Haima and Nock-Ten this year.

Being prepared for such disasters can reduce the risk and damage caused by these events. In Lao PDR around 60% of the population is under 25 years of age. Risk reduction and climate change activities by children are one way to prepare for disasters. Making young people better prepared when flooding occurs will lower their vulnerability.

Speaking at an event to mark the ASEAN and International Day for Disaster Reduction, the acting UN Resident Coordinator, Tim Schaffter, said, “Young people need to be actively involved in disaster preparedness activities. Educating and involving children and young people on climate change and environmental issues can be one way to prepare for disasters.”

Another aspect of risk reduction is to understand how human behaviour impacts natural disasters. According to Ghulam Sherani, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) specialist for disaster risk management, change behaviour at community and government level is vital in preparing for disaster.

Lao PDR is currently drafting the first National Disaster Management Plan 2012 to 2015 and the UN supported the government in a joint impact assessment following the recent typhoons.

Photo: Bridge destroyed by floods in Xieng Khuang Province, northern Lao PDR Photo Credit: UNHABITAT/Eeva Nyssonnen