Capturing currents

  DDF Editorial The Wyanad landslide was bereft of a Disaster Mitigation blueprint The landslide triggered by flash floods in Kerala’s Wyanad district  on the intervening night of 30 th – 31 st July is not just  a  manifestation  of Climate Change, but a human made disaster triggered by a state  of  policy paralysis.  While the Home Minister announced in both Houses of Parliament t hat early warnings had repeatedly been sounded (ostensibly for  the S tate Government to act on it), was received  skeptically. Opposition Parties and some Members of Parliament  have issued Breach of Privilege notice to the Speaker seeking action  against the Home Minister for what they perceive as the Home Minister  lying to Parliament. Politics aside, early warnings issued by nodal agencies like  say  Indian  Meteorological Department or the Central Water  Commission, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information...

By  Malini Shankar Digital Discourse Foundation Box item: REPORTING DURING DISASTER - DO’s and DON’T’s: Training technique: Group work, discussions, Resources required: Flipcharts, bold markers, white  board, pen, paper Discuss with trainees what they think a reporter should do when he is assigned to  cover a disaster. Prompt them to talk about media’s possible role during disaster. And then make  teams (and sub teams depending upon group dynamics) of trainees and ask each team to come out  with: Suggested action by a reporter during disaster Media check list on what should be asked when a  disaster happens Generic questions, Questions about structural elements, Questions about non-structural elements, Questions about preparedness measures, Economic questions, Recovery  questions, Responsibility/accountability questions. Let trainees prepare exhaustive list for the above mentioned. Once that is done use flipcharts  prepared by trainees and discuss...

  By Malini Shankar Digital Discourse Foundation   Plan India Child Protection Policy for Media: Introduction : Plan is a child centered community development organization and exists to support children, their families and communities in their development efforts. Plan’s works therefore often mean that adults are in direct contact with children. Thus we have policies and systems so that abuse is not perpetrated or compounded by anyone that interacts with children via Plan. These measures also protect visitors form actions that could be misconstrued and lead to false accusations. Plan India considers child abuse unacceptable in all circumstances and is committed to ensuring that all possible and necessary steps are taken to protect the rights of children and ensure the well-being of all children. Visits to communities are great opportunities to see and introduce development works. However, this may pose risks towards the children Plan is supporting. Therefore, Plan India ...

  By  Malini Shankar Digital Discourse Foundation The Disaster Beat reporters have their work cut out: In late winter as the cold wave starts receding, beat reporters can start scrutinising: if the authorities / nodal agencies and departments have identified vulnerable populations;  made arrangements for protection of the vulnerable population in heat waves (including  information dissemination for prevention, anointment of shelters, food and civil supplies,  medical preparedness. Interview the identified vulnerable population and publish / broadcast their fears and  apprehensions, needs etc… which may invite corporate sponsorship of disaster mitigation  (often the vulnerable population are those who cannot afford to lose a day’s wages and toil  in the harsh sunlight in places prone to heat wave). Reporters also need to scrutinise if tax  payers’ funding is being used appropriately. Similarly beat reporters need to scrutinise in late ...