Cell Coming up to Deal with Post-disaster Scenario

The issue of developing a strong and effective emergency support system discussed

BHUBANESWAR: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to set up an independent disaster management wing to deal with post-disaster scenario affecting the Capital City and areas surrounding it. A training-cum-workshop was held at BMC office here on Friday to sensitise Corporation officials on disaster management and preparation of contingency plan.

Experts and officials from Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Odisha Disaster Response Action Force (ODRAF) attended the workshop and imparted training on standard operating procedures (SOPs), disaster preparedness and rescue operation.

Issues like developing a strong and effective emergency support system, incidence response team and strict adherence to SOPs were discussed at the workshop.

OSDMA personnel shared their assessment on the City’s preparedness to initiate rescue and rehabilitation in the event of a natural or man-made disaster and advised stakeholders on chalking a roadmap for future.

Issues of drinking water supply and restoration of power supply were prioritised. BMC officials and engineers will be assessing the scenario in local pockets and clusters prone to disasters and work out a plan in advance.

“To prevent water-borne diseases during rainy season, health and sanitation officials of BMC were asked to prepare a robust strategy for regular cleaning of filter plants and water tanks,” BMC Additional Commissioner Alok Kumar Kar said.

Besides, a back-up team must be ready to ensure uninterrupted supply of potable water and electricity for domestic use. The team should remain alert all the time to attend to mishaps, Kar added.

Issues such as setting up of a liaisoning agency in the event of a disaster, an integrated quick response and relief team, preventive steps to be taken through various line departments and minimising the impacts of disaster were also discussed at the workshop.

Each department of the Corporation will draft its own plans which would be incorporated into the final disaster management draft of BMC with adequate safety norms.

Apart from a system on sharing information on emergency rescue and relief, department-wise control rooms and emergency contacts, a training module for officials, disaster liaisoning officers of various departments and doctors would be prepared soon, sources said.

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