Highlighting the significance of disaster preparedness, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) official emphasized the importance of having a disaster management structure in place within schools and colleges, with the principal as the chairperson.
According to a DIPR report, the importance of disaster management structure was highlighted by NSDMA assistant manager of training and education, Khrolou Koza Lohe at a mock drill exercise on earthquake organised by the NSDMA in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kohima at Kohima Science College (KSC) Jotsoma, Tuesday.
She stressed on the need for constituting a Disaster Management (DM) team, developing a disaster response plan that includes hazard identification, safety assessment, resource mapping (internal and external), formation of various DM teams, and an evacuation plan with designated assembly areas.
Lohe also briefed the students of KSC about the significance of disaster preparedness, citing examples of the damages caused by the Bhuj Earthquake in 2001.
She also highlighted the roles of different teams within the disaster management structure, which include – Disaster Awareness Team for Warning and Information Dissemination: Responsible for spreading awareness and providing vital information during emergencies.
Evacuation Team for Each Class: With teachers taking charge as leaders, these teams ensure the orderly evacuation of students during disasters.
Search and Rescue Team: Tasked with locating and rescuing individuals in need of assistance.
First Aid Team: Trained to provide immediate medical aid to the injured.
Fire Safety Team: Equipped to handle fire-related emergencies. Bus Safety Team: Focused on ensuring the safety of students during transportation.
Speaking on the importance of mock drill exercise, Lohe said it served as a valuable tool to test preparedness and improve the correct methods of conducting such drills.
“Sensitizing the masses to disaster management measures can significantly reduce the impact of disasters, even though it may not be possible to prevent hazards entirely”, said Lohe.
A mock drill exercise would also be held on July 20 at Living Tree School, Tsiepugei, Kohima.