Disaster preparedness exercise held in Brep

BREP (UUPER CHITRAL): Pakistan Red Crescent Society in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) conducted a week-long disaster simulation exercise in Brep, Upper Chitral.

Brep is prone to frequent natural disasters like flash and glacier lake outburst floods, according to a statement issued here.

The disaster preparedness exercise had dual purposes to help in capacity building of the community to tackle the emergencies at initial stages and strengthen the integrated response by various humanitarian organisations.

Agha Khan Agency for Habitat, civil defence, district disaster management unit and other humanitarian organisations also contributed to the simulation exercise.

 

Furthermore, a well-equipped tent city was established for the displaced population where food, non-food items and other services were provided. A well-equipped medical unit along with isolation centre for Covid-19 patients was established in the tent city.

Meanwhile, risk awareness safer behaviour team of PRCS oriented the population on various potential risks and safe behaviour during the situation.

Speaking at end of the exercise, PRCS KP chairman Lt-Gen retired Mohammad Hamid Khan said: “We want the government and non-government institutions to respond jointly to disasters to serve the humanity in a better way.”

Speaking to mediapersons, Upper Chitral deputy commissioner Mohammad Ali said Brep had been hit by natural disasters frequently, resulting in damage to infrastructure and loss of human lives.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2021