Vulnerability in Disasters

The elderly, the young and the sick are often the most vulnerable in times of flooding. The potential for water-borne diseases in the early stages of a disaster is high, but with the intervention of effective water and sanitation practices this can be greatly reduced or prevented. Special attention paid to the specific needs of the vulnerable population is essential. The floods in June 2012 in the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam, North-east region of India devastated most states and led to huge displacement of population. This picture was shot at Sonitpur district, Assam.