TRAINING STRENGTHENS DISASTER COORDINATION...

SUVA - More than 30 participants from across the Northern Division have begun a week-long training in Labasa aimed at strengthening their ability to coordinate disaster response operations through effective use of Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs).

The "Working as a Team Member in an Emergency Operations Centre (WEOC)" training, organised by the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO), will equip participants, including first responders, community workers, and divisional and district officials with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver more effective and timely response during disasters.

Key modules covered during the five-day programme include understanding EOC structures and activations, radio telecommunications, conducting Initial Damage Assessments, developing situation reports, and preparing incident action plans.
The training will conclude with a simulation exercise on Friday, testing participants' ability to put theory into practice in a disaster-like scenario.

In officially opening the training in Lasaba today, NDRMO's Manager Emergency, Planning and Coordination (MEPC) Ms. Litiana Bainimarama reminded the participants that while the Northern Division continued to face increasing risks from heavy rains and floods due to the climate crisis, resilience could be strengthened through learning and preparation.

"This training ensures that disaster responders are better equipped to coordinate relief and response efforts, ultimately protecting lives and livelihoods," said Ms. Bainimarama.

Participants were also encouraged to engage fully and strengthen collaboration to ensure that communities receive faster, more coordinated support in times of disaster.

The NDRMO, she added, also extended its appreciation to the Government of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for its funding support towards this week's programme.