DISASTER RISK REDUCTION – CHASS | Changanacherry Social Service Society

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

For CHASS, which focuses predominantly on the disaster-prone Kuttanad region, disaster management is crucial. By incorporating multi-disciplinary approaches across all sectors of development, CHASS better addresses the diverse challenges posed by floods, landslides, droughts, cyclones and earthquakes in Kerala. This holistic approach not only aims to conserve lives and property but also contributes to sustainable development by minimizing the impact of disasters on communities and infrastructure. We believe that a resilient community is a safe community. We are committed to empowering individuals and families to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Our Disaster Risk Reduction programme predominantly focuses on:

Building Awareness

We deliver vital disaster management training to community members, Self-Help Groups, and local units. These classes empower individuals and groups with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for and respond to various disasters, including floods, landslides, and earthquakes. Participants learn to identify and assess risks, develop effective evacuation plans, understand the importance of safe construction practices, and implement crucial safety measures such as the drop-cover-hold technique during earthquakes. This knowledge equips communities to better protect themselves and their loved ones during emergencies.

Enhancing Preparedness

We empower communities by equipping members with vital first aid and CPR skills through dedicated training programmes. This initiative aims to strengthen community resilience by ensuring prompt and effective responses during emergencies. We provide comprehensive training, essential equipment, and logistical support to enable community members to confidently and competently assist individuals in need.

Fostering Resilience

We actively promote sustainable building practices to minimize disaster risks within communities. We further support community-led efforts in rebuilding and recovery following disasters.

Collaboration with UNICEF on DRR

In collaboration with UNICEF Kerala, CHASS took proactive steps to support flood-affected communities in Kuttanad. A team from UNICEF, along with CHASS representatives, visited the impacted areas and submitted a report to the Disaster Management Authority of Alappuzha for further action. During the Kerala floods, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) kits were distributed to numerous families, and various schools and anganwadis affected by the floods were painted new. Additionally, a webinar on the “Role of Women in Disaster Risk Reduction” was organized by UNICEF in partnership with CHASS.

Flood Response 2022

In response to the 2022 floods in the Kuttanad region, CHASS, in partnership with Caritas India, provided essential support to families in need. During the first week of September 2022, we distributed food kits to 312 families affected by the flooding, ensuring they had access to vital resources during this challenging time.

Flood Response 2020

In a remarkable display of community support during the 2020 Kerala floods, CHASS has made significant strides in assisting families in need. Recently, we distributed milk and bread to 1,000 families with the help of MDS Kanjirappally and KSSF Kottayam. Additionally, we provided food materials valued at ₹600,000 to 1,250 families in the Arunnoottinpadam and Kuttamangalam and food kits worth 10000 at Kainady, thanks to the generous support of BIOWIN-Mananthavady and ESAF bank.
We also established Disaster Risk Reduction Task Forces in 10 panchayats and conducted training sessions in collaboration with Caritas India. Furthermore, our initiative to distribute vegetable seeds and seedlings reached 2367 families, funded by our organisation.

Flood Response 2019

In 2019, CHASS in collaboration with the Changanacherry Archdiocese, donated a total of Rs 50,00,000 to the Malabar flood relief efforts. Under the Navajeevan project, supported by Caritas India, 250 families from SC/ST communities were rehabilitated through the distribution of goats and financial assistance to enhance their income-generating activities.

Flood Response 2018

In response to the 2018 floods, various support initiatives were implemented, benefiting a significant number of individuals and families in the affected areas. Overall, these efforts benefitted a total of 1,916 individuals and involved a significant expenditure of Rs 97,119,716. Specifically, 510 beneficiaries received assistance for house construction and maintenance, while 475 families benefited from toilet construction projects. Additionally, 449 individuals were supported in enhancing their livelihoods, and 340 beneficiaries gained access to drinking water through our programs. Agricultural support was also provided to 143 beneficiaries, helping to restore their farming activities and promote food security.

Covid – 19 Response

Changanacherry Social Service Society duly responded to prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in its operational area in collaboration with donor agencies, CHASS local units, local self-government institutions, volunteers and well-wishers. Key initiatives included;

- - Conducting awareness programs that reached 300,000 people in Kottayam and Alappuzha.
  - Generating awareness through IEC materials, social media, and community radio.
  - Organising awareness initiatives and distributing sanitary kits for migrant labourers.
  - Implementing training of trainers (ToT) for volunteers across 14 regions in Kottayam and Alappuzha.
  - Conducting awareness programs specifically for SHG leaders.
  - Distributing food and sanitary kits to migrant labourers in Paippad, Veliyanad, Edathua, and Muttar.
  - Providing food kits for cancer and kidney patients.