Udupi: Around 300 volunteers are expected to be trained in search and rescue operations under the ‘Aapada Mitra’ scheme in various disaster conditions.
The first batch of 100 volunteers began their training on June 20 at the Sri Dharmasthala Rural Development Institute in Brahmagiri. The District Administration, the Fire Department, and the district’s disaster management unit are all providing training.
It was considered that people should be trained in crisis management because it is difficult to mobilise first responders from the police, paramilitary, or army at short notice. Locals, who have a greater understanding of their environment, can be the first to arrive at catastrophe sites until backup from other authorities arrives.
Volunteers are trained for 12 days in disaster rescue and management. The trainees are provided with food and lodging. After they have been completed, the disaster management unit will keep in touch with them and deploy them during a disaster.
Landslides, floods, building collapses, sea erosion, and even cyclonic storms are among the disaster risks listed for the district, and the volunteers will be trained to deal with them. During calamities, they will be able to successfully deal with the public, move people to safe areas, and cooperate with government agencies.
