South Africa: International Day for Disaster Reduction celebration in Durban

The eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), and Durban University of Technology (DUT), will celebrate International Day for Disaster Reduction.

International Day for Disaster Reduction places emphasis on raising global awareness about disaster risk reduction and mobilisation which affects many countries worldwide. More than 80 countries commemorate the day with the aim of getting the wider public involved and informed so they can take ownership of the processes to create disaster resilience and transfer this knowledge to the future generations to come.

This year’s theme for the day is: Women and Girls: The [in] Visible Force of Resilience. This theme aims to show the critical role that females play in ensuring that their families and loved ones are safe. In recent years the Municipality has witnessed an increasing number of disasters such as floods, storms, landslide and fires, and as a result claiming many innocent lives, causing material losses and placing an enormous strain on the economy. It is this reason that disaster reduction is so vital. So by informing this generation, they will then pass down the knowledge and experiences to the future generations to come.

The day will begin with a street parade starting from King Dinizulu Gardens on Dr Pixley Ka Seme (West Street) to City Hall, where His Worship, Cllr James Nxumalo, will address members of the public.