Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 26 June 2025
In line with the directive of the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, mandating quarterly mock drills and sensitization initiatives, the Directorate of Disaster Management organized a Sensitization and Awareness Programme at the Community Hall of Gram Panchayat, Calicut, South Andaman, on 24th June 2025.
The event was conducted in coordination with the Fire & Emergency Services and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and witnessed active participation from around 60 villagers, including members and staff of the Gram Panchayat.
The programme aimed to equip the local community with essential knowledge and skills to effectively respond to emergencies and disasters. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Janik Ram, Assistant Director, Directorate of Disaster Management, underscored the importance of community participation in disaster preparedness. Citing the devastating impact of the 2004 Tsunami in the region, he emphasized the critical need for awareness and readiness at the grassroots level.
During the technical sessions, the NDRF team provided hands-on training in basic life-saving procedures, including Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and Medical First Responder (MFR) techniques. Additionally, the Fire Department demonstrated household fire-fighting methods and shared essential tips on fire safety and the use of extinguishers.
The programme concluded with a call to action from the officials, encouraging participants to put the acquired knowledge into practice and play an active role in ensuring community safety and resilience in the face of future disasters.
