A for Alert, B for Bunker: How Maharashtra’s school kids are learning disaster ABCs

In several government schools across Maharashtra, a unique learning tool has emerged to teach children about disaster preparedness. The Alphabet of Alert, created by Palghar District Disaster Management Officer Vivekanand Kadam, introduces key terms such as A for Alert, B for Bunker, and C for Cyclone. These letters are paired with simple explanations of evacuation, mitigation, search and rescue, and tsunami early warning systems, making crucial concepts accessible through repetition and visual learning.

Kadam developed the chart in 2024, driven by concerns about the impact of climate change on future generations. Initially designed for his own child, the alphabet expanded into an educational resource for schools. It was officially launched on Kargil Vijay Diwas (July 26, 2025). Kadam sourced terms from a United Nations climate dictionary, ensuring accuracy and relevance.

The chart covers a broad range of topics. Natural hazards include F for Flood, L for Landslide, G for Glacier Melting, and Z for Seismic Zone, explaining regional earthquake vulnerability. Environmental risks are addressed through E for Environmental Degradation, while human and system responses are represented by N for National Disaster Response Force, O for Operation Centre, and V for Very High Frequency radio used by emergency teams.

Preparedness concepts are illustrated by D for Disaster Management Cycle, H for Hazard, and R for Risk Reduction. Specific terms like I for Isolation Ward, J for Jumping Net, and X for Xylene introduce specialized safety measures.

While not part of the formal curriculum, the alphabet serves as a supplementary educational tool. Teachers in Marathi explain the terms to students, and schools like those in Parbhani District, where the charts have been distributed to 50 Zilla Parishad primary schools, incorporate the alphabet into homework assignments. Recognizing student achievements with these concepts encourages engagement and reinforces the importance of disaster preparedness.