In a drive to bolster disaster readiness, over 30 participants have embarked on an intensive training program in Labasa, designed to optimize the functionality of emergency operations centers. This initiative, backed by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), gathers a diverse array of participants, including first responders, community workers, and government officials from both divisional and district levels.
The training program aims to provide participants with essential skills in emergency operations center (EOC) structures, activation protocols, radio communications, initial damage assessment, situation reporting, and incident action planning. It will conclude with a realistic simulation exercise to evaluate their preparedness for actual disaster situations.
Litiana Bainimarama, Manager for Emergency, Planning, and Coordination at the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO), inaugurated the session and stressed the increased risks of floods and heavy rains in Fiji’s Northern Division, which are intensified by the impacts of climate change. She stressed that this training is crucial for enhancing responders’ capabilities to save lives and protect livelihoods.
Bainimarama called for active collaboration among participants to ensure a swift and coordinated disaster response for communities in distress. She also acknowledged the support from international partnerships, notably Australia’s DFAT, for their indispensable contribution to fostering resilience.
This endeavor aligns with previous training efforts in Fiji, showcasing an ongoing and concerted drive to boost readiness for natural disasters. Prior programs, including urban search and rescue and business continuity planning collaborations, highlight Fiji’s active role in promoting disaster resilience. These initiatives are vital as the nation navigates increasing climate-related challenges, emphasizing the need for preparation and coordinated disaster response.
By reinforcing local and international collaboration to strengthen disaster response capabilities, Fiji continues to cultivate hope for a future where communities are better prepared and resilient against the perils of climate change. Initiatives like this not only fortify response mechanisms but also affirm Fiji’s leadership in regional disaster preparedness.