Disaster preparedness training held in Ghizer.

GILGIT -- The National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) conducted a three-day training and simulation exercise (SimEx) for summer contingencies in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The aim of the SimEx was to prepare district-level stakeholders for potential disasters that may occur during the summer season.

The event was attended by over 55 participants from various fields, including academia, district authorities, rescue services and related departments.

Speaking at the concluding day, retired Air Commodore Tanveer Paracha, Chief Coordinator NIDM, emphasised the importance of disaster preparedness and training exercises like the SimEx as they can significantly improve the response to an emergency situation.

Multiple scenarios for potential summer contingencies were simulated during the SimEx, including flash floods, landslides and GLOFs.

The first day of the event covered basic disaster management concepts, climate science, hazard mapping, quantification and group-based activities on hazard analysis. This was essential for participants to familiarise themselves with the basics of disaster management and understand the potential hazards they might face in the region.

The scond day was devoted to vulnerability assessment at the district level, coordinating and managing camps...