00:00As the wet season approaches, officials are warning that beyond heavy rainfall, hazards such as flooding and hurricanes can seriously
00:07impact lives and livelihoods.
00:09Today, the Ministry of Rural Development and local government launched its 31 Days of Disaster Prevention and Preparedness campaign,
00:17aimed at helping citizens get ready for the rainy and hurricane season.
00:21Today, today's occasion marks the start of this year's effort to improve the individual capacity of citizens to hydrometeorological hazards
00:36and to be ready during the season.
00:39The initiative features a month of activities, including school tours and national push to recruit volunteers for CERT, simulation exercises
00:48and registration for the National Emergency Alert System.
00:52This month-long initiative is about turning awareness into action at the community level,
00:58from clearing and documenting our minor watercourses, to certifying shelters, to training our CERT volunteers and registering citizens on the
01:11public alert notification system.
01:13It is a collaborative effort involving agencies such as the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land
01:19and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Homeland Security, along with all 14 municipal corporations.
01:25Throughout the month of May, the Ministry will, in collaboration with our 14 municipalities and our key stakeholders, bring preparedness
01:34directly to communities across the country.
01:38So, this will not be limited to only messaging or putting ads in the newspaper. It will involve practical, visible
01:47action.
01:48Minister Khadija Amin says the public can expect increased maintenance work along major waterways,
01:54along with stronger community education efforts, as illegal dumping continues to be a concern.
01:59She notes that the system of litter wardens has deteriorated over time and stressed the need to work closely with
02:05communities to address known dumping sites.
02:08There are known dumping sites where people continue to dump irresponsibly coconut shells, appliances,
02:16and, quite frankly, if they make the effort, they can get their stuff to the dump, so we will work
02:23with all of our communities.
02:24Minister Amin is urging citizens to be proactive, not reactive. Promoting the acronym ME.
02:31M, mind your signs. That means stay informed of all the official advisories.
02:38Anchor your homes. Anchor your homes. Secure your property, your roof, your dog, your kennel, and ensure that we reduce
02:46risk.
02:47And why? You must be prepared. You, as a citizen, you must take responsibility for preparedness at the household level.
02:58Minister Amin urges all citizens to take this initiative seriously and to take action.
03:04Rochelle Edwards, TV6 News.
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