Emergency response kits were today handed over to 100 trained Aapda Mitra or community volunteers, of West Khasi Hills at a programme organised by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) at Nongstoiñ today.
Aapda Mitra is an initiative of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to train people in the community to be the first responders in a disaster situation.
Today’s programme was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner and DDMA CEO HK Thabah in the presence of the District Disaster Management Officer J Mawthoh, Deputy Controller of Civil Defence and District Nodal Officer of Aapda Mitra W Nonglang, Sub-Inspector of Civil Defence and Home Guards T Tynsong, Aapda Mitra Volunteers and others.
In his address Thabah encouraged the volunteers to share their knowledge in life-saving skills gained through the training programmes with their family and community members and to use the same when disasters strike and whenever their services are required.
The kits include life jackets, solar emergency lights, safety ropes, pocket knives, first aid kits, raincoats, gum boots, mosquito nets, rucksacks, etc.
Most of the Aapda Mitra volunteers who received the kits at this programme are from the National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme.
