In honor of the United Nations International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, we wanted to recognize the work from Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) that helps people better prepare for natural disasters. See and read more about AKDN’s disaster risk reduction programs below:
In the areas of Central and South Asia where the Aga Khan Development Network works, natural disasters like landslides, earthquakes and floods are common occurrences. Because of their strong involvement with the local communities in these areas, AKDN agencies are some of the first on the ground after natural disasters strike.
AKDN agencies were present after the 2005 South Asia earthquake, the 2010 landslide in the Hunza district of Pakistan and the 2010 Pakistan floods.
AKDN agencies react to natural disasters by quickly transporting aid workers and supplies to the places where they are needed most.
The Network also provides healthcare to remote areas through mobile health units. AKDN health workers hold health awareness sessions in relief camps that focus on hygiene and disease prevention.
AKDN provides quality temporary shelters for those who have lost their homes in the devastation.
AKDN does more than just react to natural disasters – it helps those living in disaster-prone areas to become more resilient to future natural phenomena.
AKDN helps families that have lost their homes build back stronger, more stable houses that will better withstand future natural disasters. The Network also trains local men and women on construction techniques so that they can both build new, stable structures and strengthen pre-existing buildings.
In addition to homes, AKDN also helps to strengthen infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, clinics and water and sanitation systems.
The Network trains emergency response teams at the community level, so that if a natural disaster strikes local emergency responders will be on hand to help those in need. These community emergency response teams are trained in first aid procedures and are responsible for maintaining evacuation plans and supply stockpiles for their communities.