Wokha schools get a taste of disaster response action

EMN
KOHIMA, MARCH 16

Wokha town was the scene of one of the biggest and most shocking explosions, on February 24, that left at least 7 dead and about a dozen injured. Memories of that tragedy perhaps lent to the need of the district for more preparedness in meeting emergency situations when from March 10 personnel of the emergency services conducted a series of disaster management programs in a number of the twon’s institutions.
The department of Civil Defense and Home Guards of Wokha conducted a week-long training on disaster management in Wokha town from March 10.
As part of the week-long event, a painting competition and exhibition about search-and-rescue tools was conducted on the first day in the Lotha Tribal Council Hall in the town. The competition was for high school students in Wokha town.
During the event, the Deputy Controller of Civil Defense & District Commandant of Home Guards Wokha, Avinuo highlighted the importance of disaster management plans at the school level and the significance of the students’ role in spreading awareness to the community.
The painting competition was conducted under the theme ‘Envisioning Disaster Management at School’. Cash prizes were given out by the District Education Officer of Wokha, Marius Lotha, to the five best paintings. Gilgal High School won the first prize while Don Bosco Higher Secondary School and Cistus High School were adjudged second and third-prize winners. Lidemo Memorial School and Bloomfield School were awarded consolation prizes.
On the second day, cadets of the National Cadet Corps were imparted basic Civil Defense and Disaster Management training. Basic techniques, emergency methods of rescue, knotting and lashing, CPR and basic first-aid were taught to the cadets, subsequently followed by demonstrations.
Mock drills were also conducted in three schools namely Mount Sinai High School, Fernbrook School and Government Higher Secondary School of Wokha. The district commandant delivered a discourse about disaster management to the authorities and staff of the school. Also, the trainers displayed basic rescue techniques to the students.