IFRC: Preparing younger generations for future disasters in Sri Lanka

In coordination with the District Disaster Management Centre of Mullaitivu and several other organizations, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society Mullaitivu Branch, organized a Schools Disaster Simulation Programme at the GTM School of East Mulliwaikkal to educate students and parents about natural disasters including tsunamis.

Mahieash Johnney from the IFRC, explains in this story the importance of this programme as Mulliwaikkal has been one of the areas which suffered from nearly three decades the conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka with the Liberation of Tamil Tiger Eelam guerrillas and also during 2004 was affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Now, 6 years after the war and 11 years after the tsunami, many of the displaced families have returned to their homes and life is returning to normal.

In this context, mock drills such as the one organized in the school is another part of the national society’s disaster risk reduction efforts to ensure that communities and the younger generation are prepared for future disasters.