SHILLONG, Oct 30: Three brave deep divers from Khatarshnong Laitkroh C&RD Block — Ridenstar Mawpat of Warbah, and Tarsan Khongshei and Tyngngait Khongshei of Mawsohmad — and a Village Disaster Management Committee (VDMC) of Kenmynsaw village, Mawsynram C&RD Block, were felicitated for showing tremendous courage during disasters and difficult times.
Their crucial contribution and selfless service to disaster response and management in the district was recognised by East Khasi Hills District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
The felicitation programme took place at the Central Training Institute, Mawdiangdiang, and also marked the observance of the National Disaster Reduction Day.
The VDMC of Kenmynsaw and the villagers of the area were able to rescue people trapped in a house during a landslide which occurred on June 17 this year. The three deep divers, dubbed as an asset to the district and the state as a whole, retrieved bodies from rivers, which was difficult to venture due to the terrain conditions and strong current of water.
Deputy Commissioner & Chairperson of DDMA, East Khasi Hills, Isawanda Laloo besides Additional DC and CEO, DDMA, HML Kynta, officers from the DDMA, SDMA, district administration, police, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Fire & Emergency Services, Rangbah Shnongs and Aapda Mitra Volunteers were also present during the programme.
During the day, the DDMA also distributed Emergency Responder Kits to 202 Aapda Mitra volunteers who have completed the training organised by DDMA between May-September under the guidance of experts from Civil Defence & Home Guards, Fire and Emergency Services etc., under the scheme “Upscaling of Aapda Mitra”.
The NDMA in partnership with the SDMA, Meghalaya, is implementing the scheme in East Khasi Hills with the aim of developing the capacity and skills of the community so that they can deal with disasters in a more pragmatic manner.
The volunteers trained belong to different blocks and localities under Shillong area.
The trained volunteers were provided with protective equipment or emergency responder kits comprising life jackets, torch or emergency light, safety gloves, pocket knife, first-aid kit, gas lighter, whistle, water bottle, rucksack and mosquito net, T-shirt with NDMA logo, gumboots, safety goggles, safety helmet, etc.
The DDMA has also made an effort to translate the Aapda Mitra Handbook to Khasi. Each volunteer was given a copy of the handbook to capacitate them and keep themselves updated and informed about the disaster responding skills. The volunteers will be covered under an insurance scheme identified by the government.
