12 October 2020 | Environment.
Today the world commemorates the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, promoting a global culture of disaster risk reduction. This occasion grants us the opportunity to take stock of the progress made towards reducing disaster risk, loss of life, livelihoods and health, at both the international and national level. It is also the ideal time for us to acknowledge that we should be relentless in the enhancement of our current capacity to ensure that our country remains as safe as possible.
In Seychelles, significant strides have been made in this respect by the Department of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM) and its partners by launching the Seychelles National Integrated Emergency Management Plan (NIEMP). Earlier this year, DRDM, together with Health Authorities and other stakeholders, led the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Only a vaccine can relieve the world of the coronavirus scourge, but timely interventions from our authorities have meant that so far there have not been any fatalities related to COVID-19 in Seychelles.
The role of DRDM in a public health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic is pivotal. DRDM has played a crucial role in producing a comprehensive integrated system for Seychelles that enables us to have adequate surveillance, detection, analysis and assessment of hazards as well as providing for rapid response and containment. Over the last few months, brave men and women have worked tirelessly on the frontlines to keep us safe. We owe them our thanks for their outstanding professionalism and leadership.
In the midst of our daily preoccupations brought on by the pandemic, we should not lose sight of other hazarduous elements that have the potential to harm us. Staying vigilant whilst cultivating national resilience must remain a priority. The recent landfill fire has highlighted the importance of heeding the guidance of our professionals and ensuring we are prepared at all times for any risks.
On behalf of government, we remain committed to supporting the work of DRDM and partners. We recognise their tremendous efforts geared towards education, training and sensitisation that drives continuous improvement of our national risk reduction and preparedness.
We also give a heartfelt thanks to all the men and women who dedicate their lives, time, and energy to keep us safe, especially through this challenging moment as we battle COVID-19 and related crises.
Let us all continue to do our part to promote disaster risk awareness and reduction.
