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[FILE] Flooded roads.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of persons with disabilities as severe weather conditions continue across parts of the country.
The department says heavy rains, flooding and strong winds pose a disproportionate risk to persons with disabilities, many of whom face mobility challenges, limited access to emergency services and barriers to timely information.
Spokesperson Cassius Selala says, “As the country continues to experience more frequent and severe climate-related events, including floods and storms, it is evident that persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected due to existing social, economic, and infrastructural barriers…
“Persons with disabilities face heightened risks during disasters, including limited mobility, lack of accessible transport, and exclusion from emergency planning processes,” Selala adds.
The department says it is monitoring the situation and has called for inclusive disaster response measures to ensure the protection of vulnerable groups.
