Households and local communities have been identified as the first line of defence against disasters, with residents urged to adopt preventive measures and develop safety habits to minimise the impact of emergencies.
The call comes as the global community marks the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, themed “Resilience Starts at Home.”
Orange FM’s Abraham Isaac reports that the commemoration highlights the roles of households, communities, government and other stakeholders in strengthening disaster preparedness and building safer communities.
Ondo State has, in recent times, experienced disasters that underscore the need for improved preparedness and effective response mechanisms.
Heavy and sustained rainfall has triggered flooding in several parts of the state, including Ilaje and Ondo West Local Government Areas, affecting households, businesses and livelihoods.
The state also recently witnessed a tragic aviation disaster involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which crashed in a swampy area near the Naval Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, on October 5, 2026, claiming the lives of all 25 people on board.
These incidents highlight the devastating consequences of emergencies and the need for stronger disaster risk reduction strategies, effective early warning systems and coordinated response efforts.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Emergency Response and Safety Enforcement, Wellington Adebawo, called for collaboration among households, local communities, the private sector and government agencies to promote disaster-resistant and affordable housing.
Adebawo also stressed the importance of equipping households with practical safety information, relevant resources and timely early warnings to enable residents to take protective action before disasters occur and respond appropriately when emergencies arise.
From the community perspective, an environmentalist and climate change consultant, Dr Erima Orie, emphasised the need for community-led initiatives, proper waste disposal and regular clearing of drainage channels to reduce the risk of recurring urban flooding.
Orie maintained that building resilience requires more than government policies, noting that continuous grassroots education and collective responsibility are essential to creating safer neighbourhoods.
Although disasters may not always be preventable, their impact can be significantly reduced through proper planning, public awareness, effective early warning systems and collective action.
As the world marks the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13, the message remains clear: disaster preparedness must begin at home, extend to every neighbourhood and receive sustained support from government and other stakeholders.
