IOM hosts workshop to improve Dominica’s capacity to respond to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes
On Thursday 17, and Friday 18 November 2022, fifteen (15) emergency operators from communities across the island of Dominica attended training sessions at the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) facility in Jimmit. Most participants were volunteers on the management teams of the new purpose-built Regional Emergency Shelters (RESs) in Castle Bruce, Jimmit, and Layou along with other members of District and Community Disaster Management Committees.
The objective was to improve their understanding of volcano and seismic hazards in the Dominica context, in order to be more prepared. The training also focused on emergency communications, and how to make provisions for vulnerable populations in the event of emergency evacuation to the Regional Emergency Shelters because of a volcanic eruption or an earthquake.
Dominica has the highest number of potentially active volcanic centres in the Caribbean. The National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO) of Dominica and the ODM are taking a proactive approach, by providing training for emergency operators to improve their knowledge and ability to manage emergency sheltering and communications in the context of volcano-seismic events, to reduce the negative effects on the lives of community members.
Participants in the training saw the value of the information on volcanos and seismic hazards presented to them, as it helps build community resilience. Information presented included Dominica’s volcanic and seismic profile, the hazards that would accompany an eruption in Dominica, and the areas that would be expected to be safe from major effects.
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