ReliefWeb

Enabling a Safer World

The state of Orissa, East India is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Flood is the most widespread and most significantly recurrent phenomenon. Each year the families in the Balasore district (most prone to floods) are left to cope with damaged houses and livelihoods with minimal resources. With climate change gaining ground, the intensity and frequency of flooding has increased over the last few years.

SEEDS in partnership with Christian Aid and European Commission Humanitarian Aid initiated a shelter programme to address the increasing vulnerability and rebuild lives of families living on the edge soon after the July 2007 floods. The initiative also involves strengthening few schools in the region to be used as emergency shelters.

The most inspiring bit is that the shelter initiative is completely owner driven and the shelter design itself addresses the flood risk. People's participation has been the mainstay of the entire programme. The house plinth is raised to the highest flood water levels. The plinth is protected against washout or stagnant water damage or water seeping through foundation. From plinth levels to shelter orientation to modifications, each family actively participates in the process. Local mason are provided hands on training and they engage with the families to build their houses.

The entire programme has naturally built in a greater confidence at community levels. The programme that started on a rehabilitation note have taken the shape of movement with 200 households that champion the cause of disaster risk reduction in the most flood prone region of the country.

SEEDS
15/A First Floor
Institutional Area
Sector-IV, R.K. Puram
New Delhi-110022, India
T: 91-11-26174272
F: 91-11-26174572
E: info@seedsindia.org