Disaster Preparedness Boosted in Harinagar: DDMA, NDRF & NEADS Conduct Awareness Program

Cachar, July 9, 2025 : In a commendable move towards strengthening community-level disaster readiness, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Cachar, in collaboration with the 1st Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and North East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS), organized a comprehensive awareness programme today at the Harinagar Gaon Panchayat Office.

The day-long initiative focused on equipping the local populace with essential knowledge, practical skills, and emergency response mechanisms to better manage natural or man-made disasters at the grassroots level.

Live Rescue Demonstrations Captivate Villagers

The highlight of the program was a series of live rescue demonstrations conducted by NDRF personnel, showcasing real-time evacuation techniques, flood rescue protocols, and victim handling strategies. Attendees watched closely as trained officers simulated high-risk situations using life-saving equipment and swift response tactics that are typically deployed during disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides.

Hands-On Learning: Improvised Tools & Local Innovation

Beyond demonstrations, the program empowered villagers by teaching them how to create and use improvised emergency equipment using locally available materials. This initiative is designed to ensure that even in the absence of official gear, communities can respond quickly and effectively in the event of a crisis.

Representatives from NEADS conducted interactive sessions encouraging rural innovation and self-reliant preparedness models tailored to Barak Valley’s unique geography and recurring hazards.

Strategic Discussions: SDRF Guidelines and CFRC Role

The program also included an in-depth orientation on State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) guidelines, highlighting structured response plans, coordination protocols, and reporting mechanisms. Discussions were further enriched with insights into the role of Community First Responders Committee (CFRC) in enabling timely local actions before external help arrives.

Officials reiterated the importance of early warning dissemination, first response coordination, and community mobilisation as critical components of disaster management.

Administration Speaks on Preparedness

A senior DDMA official present at the event remarked:

“This collaborative effort is part of a larger mission to decentralize disaster preparedness. When every village becomes its own first responder, loss of life and property can be drastically reduced.”

He also urged local leaders, teachers, and youth volunteers to take active roles in upcoming disaster simulation drills.

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