The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has officially launched a new digital platform, the ‘Hushiyaaru’ website, dedicated to bolstering disaster preparedness and risk communication across the nation.
The unveiling took place at the NDMA's ‘Viluntheri Fest’, coinciding with International Crisis Risk Reduction Day, and was presided over by the Minister of State for Defence, Aishath Safoora.
The ‘Hushiyaaru’ website serves as a comprehensive resource, designed to empower communities with vital information for safety and preparedness. It will deliver warning messages in multiple languages, offer practical guidance on mitigation measures, and provide access to awareness videos, posters, and technical information tailored for the education sector. The platform has been developed with inclusivity in mind, available in five languages and accessible to individuals with special needs.
NDMA Chief Executive Hisan Hassan emphasised the website's crucial role in achieving the ‘Empowering Society to Respond’ objective outlined in the Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2024-2030.
"The launch of a dedicated website today... is a remarkable achievement. It is our hope that the national campaign will be further expanded and this will build a disaster resilient society,” he explained.
Hisan further highlighted the platform's aim to establish early warning systems and disseminate technical information, contributing to the vision of a disaster-resilient Maldives.
The development of the Hushiyaaru website was a collaborative effort, supported by the NDMA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and funded by the Governments of Denmark, Luxembourg, and South Korea. In parallel, the NDMA is strengthening its partnership with the Maldives Red Crescent to further enhance the nation's resilience against potential disasters.