'Response teams must for disaster mgmt'

Deputy Commissioner Dr M T Reju said that disaster response teams are essential for effective management.

He was speaking at a two-day training programme of the Disaster Response Team organised jointly by the district unit of Indian Red Cross Society and State Disaster Management Authority.

Stating that three persons had lost their life last year during monsoon, despite taking all precautionary measures by the district administration, he called upon the officials to introspect. 

He also stressed the need for decentralisation for effective disaster management. 

Referring to clogging of drains which pose threat to the lives of the public, he appealed that the NSS and the NGOs to set right the clogged drains near schools and colleges, to avoid any untoward incidents during monsoon. 

Reju said that there was lack of awareness among the people on how they should deal with disasters. Hence, the government was laying emphasis on community disaster management programmes.

Disaster Management Sub Committee Chairman Prabhath Kalkura said that the committee will hold disaster management programmes in the district. 

Mock drills will be organised in schools on the ways and means to check Malaria, chikungunya and other dieases. 

The Union government had passed the National Disaster Management Act in 2005.

Personnel from the departments of Police, Health and Home Guards, and lecturers, students and NSS volunteers participated in the programme.

Training in disaster management, first aid, community health, emergency treatment, water, assessment and others was part of the programme.