Disaster Volunteer Mobilization Training Begins in Dhangadhi

Dhangadhi: A Disaster Volunteer Mobilization Training program has commenced in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City. A total of 24 participants, including municipal police, firefighters, and community representatives, are taking part in the 7-day course.

At the inaugural session, Shivraj Joshi, Administrative Officer and Disaster Focal Person from the District Administration Office, Kailali, emphasized the need for strengthening local capacities to cope with recurring disasters. He stressed that everyone must work together on disaster risk reduction and management. He expressed confidence that the training would further enhance the disaster response capacity of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City.

The session was chaired by Raj Bahadur Air, Chairman of Ward No. 3 of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City and Coordinator of the Forest, Environment and Disaster Management Committee. He highlighted the city’s commitment to disaster preparedness and the progress being made. “We know disasters come without warning and can occur anytime, so preparing volunteers is crucial. During emergencies, it may take time for the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, or Armed Police Force to arrive. Hence, the city police, being first responders, must be well-prepared,” he stated.

Dr. Ganesh Kumar Jimee, Training Coordinator from the National Society for Earthquake Technology–Nepal (NSET), shared that the course was developed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and is now in its initial implementation phase. He mentioned that a simulation exercise based on disaster scenarios will be conducted on the final day to evaluate participants’ learning outcomes.

Deepak Bhandari, Disaster Focal Person from Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City, highlighted the importance of the course and urged all participants to stay focused so they can contribute effectively during potential disaster events.

City Police Inspector Laxman Singh Dhami, along with Himal Ojha and Prasiddha Pokharel from UNDP, Deepa Poudel from UN Women, Bikash Nepali from the Red Cross, and representatives from other partner organizations also participated in the opening event.

The training is organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) in coordination with Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City. Technical support is provided by NSET in collaboration with UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, Handicap International, and RUWDUC under the SUPER Project. The course is facilitated by a team of nine instructors led by Dr. Ganesh Kumar Jimee, with participation from 24 individuals, including eight women.