Disaster management training for journalists begins in Dimapur

A two-phase Disaster Management Training for first responders commenced on February 26 at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, organized by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). The first phase is being attended by journalists and media personnel from print, electronic, and digital media.
According to DIPR, the programme, conducted by experts from the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and the Fire and Emergency Services department, aims to strengthen emergency preparedness, response skills, and coordination during disasters. The training also seeks to enhance journalists’ capacity for ethical, accurate, and responsible disaster reporting, recognizing the crucial role media plays in spreading public awareness and preparedness messages.
The opening session, titled “Role of Media in Disaster Management,” was led by NSDMA assistant manager (Media & PR) Keren Rose. She emphasized the media’s responsibility as a bridge between the government and the public, urging journalists to prioritize ethical reporting, awareness, and coordination during crises. Rose highlighted risk mitigation, reporting preventive measures in flood-prone areas, and examining recurring incidents such as forest fires and drowning cases from a prevention perspective. She also underscored safety, advising journalists against entering floodwaters, and stressed truthfulness, impartiality, and sensitivity in reporting, particularly respecting survivors’ privacy.
The second session, “Basic Fire Safety and Relevant Sections of the Nagaland Fire and Emergency Service Act, 2021,” was conducted by fire prevention and audit officer Kenny Khing. He outlined fire prevention measures, regulatory requirements, and operational challenges, including traffic congestion, narrow roads, and unplanned urbanization. He discussed fire classifications, the proper use of extinguishers, LPG safety, and the mandatory Fire Safety Certificate under the National Building Code 2016. Sharing records, he noted 1,078 residential and 556 forest fires in Nagaland over the past ten years, highlighting Kohima for forest fires and Dimapur for residential incidents. He emphasized the media’s role in promoting fire safety awareness and responsible reporting.
The programme included a Q&A session and hands-on fire safety demonstration, moderated by director of Information & Public Relations, Achumo Khuvung, while Dzuvinuo Thenuo welcomed participants. The second phase, scheduled for February 27, will train in-service officials and staff of the Information and Public Relations department.