By Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health, University College London, Professor II, UiT the Arctic University of Norway

Southasiadisasters.net is so important to me because it teaches and connects. The publications and website have taught me a great deal about disasters and disaster risk reduction across South Asia, while allowing me to connect with those who are involved in the teaching and the actions.

I have not had the privilege of spending much time in South Asia. My total experience spans a week in the Maldives, primarily around the capital atoll of Malé, and just over a week in Delhi. Barely an opportunity to get to know the region, its challenges, the opportunities, and the people striving for and succeeding in making the region safer.

Southasiadisasters.net gives me a vital window into the region and the ongoing work there. It highlights for me what I ought to know and the people involved in enacting activities to deal with disasters and reduce disaster risks. Their perspectives vary by profession, location, and mandate, proffering rich diversity in insight and advice.

All this helps me connect with people from the region and those with similar interests. In addition to the disasters which hit the headlines, extensive successes and long-term programmes inspire me. It is not just about seeing people succeed within and for South Asia, but also about connecting with the people who are making it happen. Then, I can seek advice and support for the work I do where I live.

I hope that Southasiadisasters.net will be able to continue this teaching and connecting in the future. One possibility could be to expand the formats of contributions: poems, short fiction, photo essays, drawings, theatre scripts, and musical scores. Audio and video files can be included for readers of the publications online. Varying the formats could facilitate a wide variety of contributors, including children, elders, taxi drivers, artists, shopkeepers, teachers, and many more, regardless of their formal disaster-related education and training.

I look forward to continuing to be inspired and to hopefully visiting so much more of this amazing region to learn from its wonderful people.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.