To enhance Search and Rescue skills, the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management has been providing De-suups with basic search and rescue training. Recently, 52 De-suups completed one such training. This is the first batch getting trained at the National Search and Rescue Training Centre at Tashi Gatshel.
Home Affairs Minister Tshering attended the closing ceremony of the 6th batch of the training at Tashi Gatshel in Chhukha on Saturday.
Among the 52 graduates is 18-year-old Anita Gurung from Dagana, the youngest participant to complete the training.
She is a student of Darla Higher Secondary School and had recently finished her eighth grade. She chose to make the most of her winter holidays by enrolling in the training programme.
After completing the training, she now feels ready to help people during emergencies.
Anita Guring said, “Earlier, I did not know anything about search and rescue. Now I have acquired a lot of new knowledge and skills. As I return to school, I will share these skills and knowledge with my friends. In the future, If I can again get similar training, I will surely participate to upgrade my knowledge.”
The De-suups were taught knot systems, rappelling and hauling, enabling them to navigate various rescue scenarios. They were also trained in swift water rescue, wide-angle rescue, firefighting, and urban search and rescue. They have also been taught basic first-aid skills.
“I have attended many trainings before, but this one is different. I did not have these skills before. I can already feel the positive impact this training has had on my life. In case of an accident—like someone falling off a cliff or drowning—I know exactly what to do now,” said Gem Dorji, a De-suup.
“This training has prepared me to handle any disaster or emergency. It is not just about being ready for myself; I am now equipped to help my community with the knowledge I have gained here,” said Ngedup Tshering, another De-suup.
Officials said such trainings equip participants with skills to save lives, deliver critical assistance, and foster resilient communities.
“The training is firstly aimed at creating a team capable of executing Search and Rescue operations at the national level, strengthening the national disaster management strategy. Secondly, it is to prepare for any kind of natural disaster. And then to establish Search and Rescue teams at all levels like gewog, dungkhag and district,” said Tshering Norbu, a Programme Officer with the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management.
The ministry has trained five batches in the past. With this batch, over 50,000 De-suups have been trained in disaster response and relief efforts.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Sangay Chezom
