Write one of the disaster
you have experience in
your life ?
Answers
Answer:
ampan is disaster which happening in west Bengal side
My first experience of handling a natural disaster
Humanitarian Response and DRR
by Domaki Bhutia, Programme Officer, PHP
17 Dec, 2018

I have travelled across the country to improve the water and sanitation programme for some of the poorest people imaginable that have been hit by a disaster. The work is exhausting and tiring but if executed thoughtfully, it is very satisfying.
As one of the youngest members of Humanitarian Hub in Kolkata, I have spent three years in Oxfam India. Basically, it’s a dream come true for me as I have always wanted to be associated with humanitarian activities! That’s why I chose to study nursing after completing my basic education. For me, the nature of profession is important than the volume of remuneration. Before becoming a humanitarian activist, I enjoyed a very unusual journey, with lots of twists and turns, and unforeseen opportunities! Despite starting my career as a teacher and enjoying the profession for almost 3 years, I pursued my Master’s Degree in Public Health and then joined Oxfam in December 2015. With this, a teacher became a humanitarian activist, with a specialization on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene).
Almost immediately, I was sent to Tamil Nadu to serve the people affected by one of the worst floods in recent history. The disaster prompted everyone in Oxfam India Humanitarian Hub to become active, with some preparing situation reports, writing proposals and others assessing the situation in the field. I was in a confused state mainly because of lack of experience in the humanitarian sector. I had just completed 2 weeks in Oxfam and was tasked with the responsibility of leading the Public Health promotion activities in southern India as a part of Oxfam’s Flood Response Programme.
I still remember my situation - an enthusiastic person who was eager to do ‘good’ work for people, but lacked experience! However, the objective of our WASH team was clear to me, as we had to ensure access to safe water and sanitation to prevent water and sanitation-related diseases. After spending a week in the field, assessing the ground situation and talking to the community (and other members of the team), I realized my responsibility. I also received good support from my team members who made my job easier.

In the last three years- as the Public Health Promotion team lead in humanitarian context– I have carried out a number of awareness campaigns on safe water and sanitation. As a part of the work, we had to demonstrate hand-washing, involve children in various competitions, like sports competition, and organised village sanitation fair and mass awareness campaigns through street plays, radio and community led rallies etc. We have also found many innovative ideas to promote PHP programmes. For instance, a PHP mobile van - a vehicle moving in the communities and disseminating key hygiene messages - was quite successful in raising awareness among the community. The move created a good opportunity to pause and reflect on all I have learnt and experienced along the way.
Explanation: