Training for volunteers on disaster response

SHILLONG, May 23: In view of the dangers associated with disasters of different nature, the East Khasi Hills District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) will provide training on disaster response to community volunteers under the Centre’s ‘Upscaling Aapda Mitra’ scheme.
The training programme under the scheme was launched by ADC & CEO, DDMA, East Khasi Hills, D Phawa, in the presence of DDMO, East Khasi Hills, P Lyngba, and Commandant, CTI, B Kharkongor, at a function held in Central Training Institute, Mawdiangdiang, on Monday.
Under the scheme, implemented and funded by the National Disaster Management Authority in partnership with the State Disaster Management Authority, 200 community volunteers drawn from various localities, NSS, NYK, Bharat Scouts and Guides and Colleges of East Khasi Hills will be trained on disaster response.
In her inaugural address, Phawa said that the aim of the scheme is to develop the capacity and skills of the community volunteers, who are the first responders during any disaster so that they can deal with the same in a pragmatic manner.
As part of the scheme, Phawa informed that the East Khasi Hills DDMA will conduct training in six batches, each comprising 30-35 community volunteers.
Resource persons from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and experts from other departments such as Fire & Emergency Services will impart training to the volunteers.
On completion of the training, the community volunteers will be provided with protective equipment, emergency responder kits comprising life jackets, torch or emergency light, safety gloves, pocket knife, first-aid kit, rucksack, mosquito net, gumboots, safety goggles and helmet, etc.