Disaster resilience through right based and capability perspectives of NGOs: A case study of 2004 Tsunami in Nagapattinam

Manifestation of disaster in the form of wide devastation and huge losses of life is a cause of concern, as it amounts to irreparable damages to the lives and property of the people. The chaos brought about by disasters in addition to breaking down the existing social structure, threatens the very survival and increases the vulnerability of the community. However, human suffering and almost total disruption of the community can be minimised with a well-coordinated disaster management system, having well functioning warning systems combined with preparedness on the part of the vulnerable community. Disaster management strategies and risk reduction mechanisms can be effective in protecting lives and livelihoods, only if it is focused on the needs of the people. In this regard, NGOs play a vital role in meeting the needs of the people. NGOs take a participatory approach in mitigating and managing disasters and respond to the priorities of local people and help them in building their capacities to manage future catastrophe. Thus, this paper intends to make an analysis of the role of NGOs in disaster resilience. The paper contemplates on the competencies deployed by NGOs in this direction. It further throws light on the good practices of NGOs, particularly their initiatives to promote livelihood, towards disaster resilience. The paper aims at developing a positive perspective into disaster management, using the theories of Human Right-based Approach and Capability Approach.