DRDM Open Day - Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction

The Department of Environment held a public open day at the National Library on December 21st. The Divisions of Risk and Disaster Management were present with an impressive and colourful display consisting of various educational materials, banners, policy documents, plans and equipment.


The display materials, developed by Mrs. Sharon Ernesta the Education and Sensitisation Officer, included:

• new DRDM folders including information on the Divisions their mission statement and objectives for dissemination to the public,
• large calendars and bookmarks depicting the national colour code for warning alerts for free distribution,
• a poster setting out the national disaster chronology – a time line of the various disasters that have befallen Seychelles through its human history such as the great landslide of 1862 and the tidal waves of 1883, following the eruption of Krakatoa, and 2004 Asian earthquake disaster,
• various posters depicting subjects such as: the structure and role of the National Emergency Operations Centre, different disaster scenarios and potential mitigation measures etc...

All this presented under a large banner setting out the Mission Statement of DRDM in English and Creole, namely:

“To establish and continually review and improve capacities, mechanisms and procedures to enable the optimal reduction of disaster risk and vulnerability in the context of the people of Seychelles, their security, health and socio-economic well being”.

“Dan Sesel : etablir, revwar dan en fason kontinyel e amelyor kapasite, mekanism ek prosedir pour redwir risk dezas e vilnerabilite dimoun, zot sekirite, lasante e osi byennet sosyal e ekonomik”.

The DRDM stand attracted a lot of attention in particular the various equipment that was out on display. This included:

• loudhailers, with various alarm signals for different disaster scenarios,
• an INMARSAT satellite phone,
• a Codan SSBHF radio – this portable radio can be powered by car or battery pack and send text messages, e-mails and faxes as well as voice radio communications over long distances thanks to its collapsible whip antenna,
• a functioning mass texting communication network operated through a notebook computer to mass text all first responders (i.e. key emergency response agencies), and
• an example of the hand wound sirens (purchased under the current IBRD/GFDRR project - Seychelles National Disaster Preparedness and Response Project) for distribution to all schools as part of the national school emergency preparedness programme, was particularly popular.

The stand was filmed by the national TV company (SBC) and appeared on the evening news with Mr Labaleine (DG OEC) demonstrating various equipment.

The President of Seychelles, Mr James Michel – accompanied by the Minster of Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Mr Joel Morgan - stopped at the display and spent several minutes in discussion with DRDM staff and asking questions about the equipment and its practical applications. Ministers Adam and Sinon also took the time to speak to staff and inspect the stand.

The Public Education and Awareness materials are designed to be readily set out and packed up. They will serve DRDM well in the various public and educational events that it undertakes each year as part of its open-ended commitment to raise awareness and mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction in Seychelles.