Emergency Planning Preparedness and Response
Today, the intrinsic link between poverty, inequality and climate change has never been more apparent. As the ferocity and frequency of natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, storms and droughts increase, it is the poorest and most marginalized who are disproportionately impacted. Such change is also occurring at a time when, economic crises and political conflicts are deepening and recurring further exacerbating poverty and inequality. In 2023 alone, globally 26.4 million people were forced from their homes13 due to climate induced disasters, whilst 20.5 million were displaced by conflict and violence – adding to the many millions already displaced.14 In Sri Lanka though it is a low emission country, as a tropical one it consistently finds itself in the top ten countries at risk of extreme weather events.15 Between 2011 - 2020 alone, 750,000 Sri Lankans on average were affected16 by natural disasters each year.17 In 2023,a UNDP survey in Sri Lanka18 found that over half of the population faced multidimensional vulnerabilities, with the second highest contributor19 being the lack of adaptive capacities indicating the lack of readiness during disasters that heightens vulnerabilities.
Therefore, Chrysalis will support communities to overcome the immediate aftermath of emergencies and help them adapt to the effects of crises; while also strengthening their preparedness and resilience capacities to enable quicker recovery and the ability to thrive despite the adverse impacts.
Adaptation20 can include the diversification of crops in response to warmer or wetter conditions, building of infrastructure to mitigate against flooding or droughts; provision of food aid to overcome food insecurity. Whilst resilience21 efforts seek to strengthen capacities to foresee and manage the adverse effects of climate change or man-made disasters – putting in place early warning systems, strengthening capacities to predict and plan or promoting the use of green technologies. Therefore, Chrysalis will engage in actions related to disaster preparedness/mitigation (Pre-Disaster), Response (During/Immediately Post-Disaster), and Recovery (Post-Disaster)
Preparedness & Mitigation (Proactive/Pre-Disaster Phase)
This phase focuses on reducing the impact of future events and building the capacity to respond effectively. Establish and strength community groups and local CSOs and increase their preparedness by building their capacities and developing resilience strategies and local systems to face and respond to emergency situations. Support the development and execution of emergency preparedness and response strategies at the national, provincial, and district levels to alleviate immediate suffering. Building strategic partnerships and capabilities to ensure greater levels of preparedness, especially to ensure responses are gender-responsive and sensitive. Ensure gender-based violence is prevented during emergency response and beyond. Improving agriculture practices and production among disaster-affected communities, and supporting marginalized communities in overcoming the challenges of Crisis and build their resilience.
Response (Immediate/Acute Phase)
This phase focuses on the immediate needs to save lives and alleviate suffering during and immediately after the event. Conduct Rapid Need Assessment and Gender Analysis to understand the affects of disasters and their gendered implications to design disaster response Coordinate with Disaster Management Centers and relevant district and divisional level government authorities to ensure a coordinated and prompt disaster response Providing immediate lifesaving supports to communities affected by climate induced and man-made disasters in targeted areas. Reduce the impact of disasters by helping people in need to become more resilient by ensuring food security, nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, and shelter.
Recovery & Rehabilitation (Long-Term Post-Disaster Phase)
This phase focuses on the restoration of livelihoods, infrastructure, and essential services to a state of equilibrium or better. Support early/immediate recovery and long-term recovery of disaster affected communities, businesses, particularly led by women, agri-infrastructures, and essential health systems. Improving agriculture practices and production, and supporting entrepreneurs (MSMEs) among disaster-affected communities. Support the recovery of damaged agriculture infrastructures, MSMEs and productive assets of community affected by Disasters.
