Students sensitised on disaster management

KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 22: Kohima Village Gazetted Officers’ Association (KVGOA) conducted a one-day awareness campaign on disaster response at Government Middle School (GMS), Seikhazou, in Kohima village on September 22 and sponsored by the department of Civil Defence and Home Guard, Kohima district.
The awareness campaign was necessitated to educate and train the staff, teachers and students considering that Nagaland falls under seismic Zone-V placing under high risk State. The awareness camp was also conducted to make them prepared in the event of unforeseen emergencies like earthquake and fire.
Deputy Commandant of Home Guards and Civil Defence, Medozhalie Pienyü, in the introductory remark, said disaster management is a vast subject encompassing various aspects. Stating that in any kind of disaster, people of a particular area are the first responders, he said it was necessary for everyone to be aware of what is to be done in an emergency.
While pointing out that the Government of India’s policy in regard to disaster earlier was response and relief, he said emphasis was given on preparedness, mitigation, timely and effective response to disaster after the enactment of Disaster Management Act 2005. Pienyü also said disaster management was earlier attached with agri sector but now shifted to Home Affairs.In a power point presentation on mock drill, District Commandant of Home Guards and Civil Defence, Mulai Lamniah, explained that mock drill is a participatory method to practice the safety-related measures and evacuation of a building during an emergency situation. He further explained that the objectives of conducting such mock drill was to educate and train the staff, students and teachers to teach life saving and rescue techniques, testing the efficacy of the school disaster management plan and to evaluate the practicability and suitability of the school disaster management plan. He added that October 13 has been suggested as UN International Day for disaster reduction.
Emergency mock drills and exercises such as drop, cover sand hold (for earthquakes) and drop, cover and roll (for fire) and post disaster activities like relief operations and rescue operations were explained. The presentation also stressed that school administration should pay attention to the needs of students, who were differently-abled so that they will receive proper assistance in any emergencies.
In conclusion, he added that all schools should conduct pre-announced mock drills till they attain proficiency.
A short speech was given by Kikrulhoulie Khezhie, Head Teacher of GMS Seikhazou, Kohima village, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Er. Keviletou Yiese, President KVGOA. The programme was followed by mock drill exercise and demonstration cum training on disaster response.