Aizawl: Mizoram Education Minister Vanlalthlana on Wednesday called for stronger disaster prevention measures and greater use of insurance to protect families from financial losses caused by fires, landslides and other calamities.
Addressing a two-day national seminar on “Fire and Financial Management for Disaster Resilience” in Aizawl, the minister said preventing losses before disasters strike was more important than relying solely on financial assistance after they occur.
Vanlalthlana highlighted the challenges posed by fire incidents in both rural and urban areas of Mizoram. He called for new techniques to prevent forest fires in rural areas and safer construction practices in urban centres.
He also stressed that government funds alone were insufficient to shield families from disaster-related financial hardship, urging people to recognise the importance of insurance and secure adequate financial protection against risks such as fires and landslides.
The minister further urged students and experts attending the seminar to apply their knowledge and expertise to benefit the government and the public.
The seminar was jointly organised by Mizoram University‘s Centre for Disaster Management and Oil India Limited on October 13 and 14 to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. Discussions focused on fire safety, natural gas usage and financial management for disaster resilience.