Disaster Mitigation Institute (DMI) - India

Summary

DMI is introducing long-term social security among vulnerable poor communities who are subject to repeated disasters, most recently in the Tsunami-affected Chennai region.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

India is one of the most prone countries to experience disasters, both man-made and natural, however, it lacks centralized disaster mitigation efforts. Moreover, schemes to deal with disasters are often not productive and do not take local perspectives into account. DMI is helping the poor in disaster-prone areas to create secure mechanisms and institutions as part of a comprehensive approach to disaster preparedness and quick recovery.

How will this project solve this problem?

DMI promotes community-based, people-centric disaster risk mitigation, bottom up, and reduce short-term dependence on the so-called ‘relief measures’.

Potential Long Term Impact

DMI's current focus is reaching the Tsunami victims in cthe oastal area of South India and responding the immediate needs. The long-term focus is on implementing overal disaster migitation.

Project Message

Mainstreaming mitigation is not easy, everyone loves immediate relief. But in the long run mitigation is worth it.
- Mihir Bhatt, DMI Director

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources