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Although new policies and actors demand effective effective emergency preparedness and response (EPR), flood risk reduction efforts are generally focused on response and recovery. For example, the Red Cross, which is the DRR secretariat for the District Administration Office, collaborate with the key federal and local actors with mandate and responsibilities to regulate first responders (Army and APF) for response and relief operation. These actors effectively respond and recover but have limited expertise in disaster risk reduction and resilience building in vulnerable communities.
Damage and loss in flood-prone areas are frequently linked to a lack of community knowledge and preparedness for flood risk. Several initiatives are in place to raise community awareness, including awareness campaigns, training, school disaster curriculum, TV broadcasts and installation of early warning systems. However, such information-based approaches are futile as they only disseminate the content one way and often treat the public as passive consumers. According to research, information dissemination is ineffective in closing the knowledge gap or encouraging behavioural change. The role of individuals in response to flood risk is vital while developing effective flood preparedness.
Moreover, inadequate financial readiness involving low budget allotments and dependence on external funding sources for disaster risk reduction is also hampering effective emergency preparedness and response. Pathways to strengthen it include promoting risk-informed DRR governance, increasing investment in DRR and community resilience and building capacity to change the mindset of stakeholders and communities.
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