State will soon get 15-member disaster response team

The programme, which began here on Thursday, saw participation from two volunteers of the Society from each district. The training programme is being conducted at a cost of around Rs 3.5 lakh.

Dr Kumar V L S, member, National Disaster Response Team (NDRT), said 60 candidates in the 30-40 age bracket will undergo a drill and examination once the training is completed. “We will shortlist 15 people who will form the core team of trainers. They will in turn go to their districts and train 30 to 50 volunteers who will form the District Disaster Response Team,” he explained.

Although the national headquarters of the Society did not recognise Karnataka as one of the 13 States prone to natural disasters, Kumar felt there was a need for one after the floods in North Karnataka last year.

The disaster response team will assess disasters, undertake relief distribution, communication and co-ordination, rescue and first aid. They will also be trained to set up relief camps and co-ordinate with various government agencies.