India is vulnerable to a large number of hazards which is compounded by increasing vulnerabilities related to changing demographics and socio-economic conditions, unplanned urbanization, development within high-risk zones, environmental degradation, climate change, geological hazards, epidemics and pandemics. This poses a serious threat to India’s overall economy, its population and sustainable development. Vulnerability from disasters varies from one community to the other and in space. Community’s preparedness always plays an important role in reducing disasters and emergency risk and vulnerability.

Children are also most likely to suffer long-term developmental, physical and psychological setbacks following a disaster or emergency situation. Preparing ahead of time to meet children’s unique needs at times of disasters and emergencies is critical to their protection. If we do not prioritize children’s needs, we will never be able to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Sendai Framework for DRR and Hon’ble Prime Minister’s 10 point agenda of DRR. Hence, it is essential to ensure that children are safe and secure, thrive, and learn in both developmental and emergency scenarios. Every child, no matter who they are or where they come from, deserves safety, security, protection, relief and care in times of a crisis situation