SRINAGAR: Director of Civil Defence and SDRF Kashmir, Imtiyaz Hussain, on Thursday emphasised the urgent need for widespread awareness campaigns to prepare communities for natural disasters, citing the region’s high vulnerability to floods and earthquakes.
Speaking during a three-day training programme on disaster management, Imtiyaz Hussain, said that while advanced countries succeed in reducing casualties and property damage through widespread awareness and scientific planning, Kashmir still lags behind.
“We should know how to tackle and deal with calamities. Recently, we experienced devastating floods, and Kashmir continues to fall in a high seismic zone. It is therefore very important for people to be aware of the risks and always be prepared to deal with any eventuality,” Hussain told participants.
He said the training aims to equip volunteers, students, and community leaders with the skills needed for first response in emergencies. Civil Defense and SDRF units are focusing on creating preparedness manuals, evacuation drills, and public demonstrations in both urban and rural areas.
Hussain added that awareness, community participation, and coordination between institutions are essential to safeguard lives and property. He called for joint responsibility of government agencies, schools, and local bodies to foster a culture of resilience in the valley. [KNT]
