Okhaldhunga, Nepal – In a significant step towards strengthening disaster resilience in rural Nepal, Volunteers Initiative Nepal (ViN), in collaboration with the Nepal Armed Police Force, successfully conducted a Community Preparedness Response Training (CPRT) for disaster management volunteers in Okhaldhunga. The training was held from March 3-5 for the Taluwa Disaster Risk Management Volunteers Task Force and from March 8-10 for the Thulachhap and Bhadaure DRM Task Force at the NaraTika Community Learning Center.
A Bold Initiative to Strengthen Community Resilience
ViN has established dedicated Disaster Risk Management Volunteers’ Task Forces in Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure to create a structured, community-led disaster response system. Each task force consists of 21 trained volunteers, ensuring every ward has a permanent emergency management volunteer group capable of responding swiftly to earthquakes, floods, landslides, and fires.
The formation process was democratic and community-driven. Mini-assemblies were conducted in each village, leading to a larger assembly of over 90 participants per ward, where the final selection of 21 volunteers was made. These task forces now serve as frontline disaster response volunteers prepared to handle crises effectively and support their communities in need.
CPRT Training: Building Capacity for Effective Emergency Response
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Prabhat Kumar Gautam and his team from the Nepal Armed Police Force, Okhaldhunga, led the three-day intensive CPRT training. Participants were trained in disaster risk management, damage assessment, search and rescue techniques, and basic first aid.
Key training highlights included:
- Disaster Risk Management & Response: Volunteers learned to assess risks and develop quick action plans.
- Basic First Aid & Triage: Hands-on training on providing emergency medical aid.
- Search and Rescue Operations: Practical exercises on extracting victims from disaster-affected sites.
- Fire and Flood Safety Measures: Techniques for mitigating fire hazards and handling flood emergencies.
- Community Coordination & Crisis Communication: Effective communication strategies during emergencies.
Voices from the Training: Testimonials from Volunteers
Several volunteers expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to serving their communities:
“This training has given us the confidence and skills to act as first responders in our village. Before, we relied on external help, but now we are equipped to handle disasters independently.” – Mahendra, Taluwa Task Force Member.
“Learning from professionals has been an eye-opening experience. The hands-on first aid and rescue operations training was incredibly valuable.” – Maya, Bhadaure Task Force Member.
Future Support & Sustainability
ViN has pledged continued support to these community resilience volunteers by providing the following:
- Essential equipment and emergency response kits to ensure readiness.
- Legal registration assistance to integrate the task forces into the municipal disaster response framework.
- Advanced training opportunities to enhance skills over time.
Establishing these task forces is a milestone for grassroots disaster preparedness in Nepal. It ensures communities have trained humanitarian aid volunteers who can act swiftly and efficiently in crises.
Why Community-Led Disaster Preparedness Matters
According to Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the country is ranked among the world’s most disaster-prone nations due to its geographical vulnerability. Every year, Nepal faces an average of 500 disasters, ranging from earthquakes and landslides to floods and wildfires. In such a high-risk environment, local disaster preparedness volunteer networks are critical in saving lives and reducing economic loss.
Studies show that community-based disaster preparedness can reduce casualties by up to 50% during major disasters. When local volunteers receive proper training, they become first-line responders, bridging the crucial time gap before professional rescue teams arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Community Preparedness Response Training (CPRT)
- What is Community Preparedness Response Training (CPRT)? CPRT is a structured training program to equip local disaster relief volunteers with first aid, search and rescue, crisis management, and disaster response planning skills.
- Who can become a disaster response volunteer? Anyone interested in serving their community during emergencies can join. ViN ensures a democratic selection process, prioritizing community representation.
- What types of disasters does CPRT training cover? CPRT prepares volunteers for earthquakes, floods, landslides, fires, and other natural disasters.
- How long does the training last? Each CPRT session lasts three days and covers theoretical and practical disaster response techniques.
- Does ViN provide any financial support or resources to task force members? Yes, ViN provides essential emergency response equipment and continuous training and helps with legal registration for sustainability.
- Can international volunteers participate in CPRT training? Yes! ViN welcomes international emergency response volunteers who wish to contribute by sharing expertise or participating in training programs.
- How can I support or volunteer for disaster preparedness programs in Nepal? You can help by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness about ViN’s disaster management volunteer programs.
Call to Action: Get Involved in Disaster Preparedness with ViN!
Disaster preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. You can make a difference whether you are a local community member or an international emergency services volunteer.
- Volunteer: Join ViN’s disaster risk reduction volunteer programs.
- Donate: Help fund vital training programs and equipment.
- Spread Awareness: Share this article with friends and family to promote community resilience.
For more information, Contact us and join Nepal’s disaster preparedness movement today!
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