Every year, natural hazards such as floods, droughts, cyclones and earthquakes devastate millions of lives in the developing world. In a country with a population as large as India, millions of children and families are affected by natural hazards every year. As storms, floods and droughts become more frequent and severe as a consequence of climate change, the situation is worsening.
The children of the poor are particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change. They live in poorly constructed homes often located in high risks areas such as flood plains, river banks, or densely populated slums, which are more likely to be affected by weather-related shocks. When these strike they destroy homes and schools, causing the loss of possessions and threatening livelihoods. Natural hazards increase the risks of childhood disease and malnutrition and often lead to massive displacement.
Since 2001, UNICEF has been working with local communities in areas susceptible to flooding in West Bengal to help establish action plans to better prepare for future incidences of flooding. Through initiatives such as the Community-Based Disaster Preparedness project, villagers identify the different threats to high-risk areas and organise themselves into groups in order to coordinate early warning systems as well as rescue and evacuation activities. In this way, a well prepared community can help save children’s lives, reduce malnutrition and disease, and exercise some control over the scale of the impacts. By doing so, they become more resilient to and prepared for the impacts of climate change.
