To strengthen disaster preparedness and response in communities, the National Land Commission officials have resumed their disaster management integrated training. The 21-day integrated training was held at the National Search and Rescue Training Centre in Tashi Gatshel, Chhukha.
17 batches of training were conducted before the COVID pandemic. This batch had the highest enrollment so far, with 115 participants.
The trainees said the programme equipped them with vital skills in disaster management, emergency response, traffic and fire safety, and firefighting. Through this training, they are expected to nurture positive attitudes, self-leadership, ethics, and integrity.
Chencho Tshering, survey engineer of NLCS said, “Since we come from different parts of the country, we have greater outreach. The instructors here also highlighted on the importance of spreading awareness in the communities which we can do. So, once we go back to the communities, we will be able to spread awareness on disaster preparedness and response in communities.”
Reshma Rai, another survey engineer said, “Our profession demands us to travel around to different places which sometimes turns out to be risky. So, this training has equipped us with knowledge and skills that will be very useful in our fields. We will be able to take immediate action.”
Lt Colonel Tshering Penjor, the training officer of the National Search and Rescue Training Centre said, “We are providing them with skills and knowledge on search and rescue, river rescue, rappelling, first aid, fire safety and many others. We train them in all necessary areas of search and rescue, and emergency preparedness in the communities. They have also been awarded certificates of Community Action for Disaster Response and Emergency.”
Since its introduction in 2015, more than 700 officials have successfully completed the training. For the participants, the training is not just about gaining technical skills but also about becoming better prepared to safeguard lives and communities in times of need.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Tshering Zam
