Guyana: CDC launches disaster risk management project in Orealla/Siparuta
As part of its International Day of Disaster Reduction observance, held under the theme “Knowledge for life”, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) launched its disaster risk management project in Orealla/ Siparuta on Tuesday.
This project saw youths from the two communities in Region Six being trained in various areas of disaster management.
UNICEF’s Guyana Country Representative, Marianne Flach pointed out that this Community based disaster risk management approach by the CDC can help the country in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “for and by all children everywhere.”
She congratulated the agency for the undertaking, which received support from UNICEF.
Director General of CDC, retired Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup pointed that disaster risk management is important because disasters are unpredictable, and everyone needs to be prepared.
He reported that for this year, approximately 20 million people have already been displaced due to disasters.
Mr Ramsarup stressed that preparation is key in this process as such, he highlighted that there could be an impending disaster in the Region Nine, which could be a possible drought. He added that a team from CDC along with Minister of State Joseph Harmon recently visited the Region and found a grim situation.
He explained that this training programme which targeted Orealla and Siparuta will be carried out countrywide since it aims to train individuals and basically prepare communities for any unexpected natural disasters.
As part of the event, teams from the villages participated in a simulation exercise and demonstrated their talents and skills acquired.
CDC along with UNICEF also handed over protective gears to the teams.
Credit GINA