In an effort to strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance the capacity of block-level officials and frontline responders in effectively managing emergencies, the office of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), East Jaintia Hills District today the 29th April, 2026 organized a Training Programme on Block Incident Response Team (IRT) for officials of both Wapung and Lumshnong C&RD Blocks.
Held at the office of the Block Development Officer, Wapung C&RD Block, Khliehriat, the training programme was attended by (Retired) Deputy Director IPR cum Resource Person, Disaster Management Cell, Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute(MATI), Shillong, Shri P. Marbaniang, District Disaster Management officer (DDMO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. Donna L. Kharkongor, Block Development Officer, (BDO), Wapung C&RD Block, Dr. T.Shylla, Fireman, Fire & Emergency Services, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri. H. Lamare, represntatives from Civil Defence & Home Guards, Gram Sevaks of both Wapung and Lumshnong Blocks, traditional heads, Self-Help Group (SHG) members and others.
(Retired) Deputy Director IPR cum Resource Person, Disaster Management Cell, Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute (MATI), Shillong, Shri P. Marbaniang, while adressing attendees of the training programme, highlighted the importance of the Incident Response System (IRS) in ensuring quick and coordinated response during emergencies. He stated that the system enables authorities to act promptly whenever incidents occur, reducing loss of life and property. He clarified that while all disasters are incidents, not all incidents are disasters. He also noted that natural events such as earthquakes and tsunamis have occurred over centuries, making preparedness essential.
He further stated that disasters are characterized by unpredictability, uncertainty, threatand urgency, and are broadly classified into natural and man-made types. Natural disasters include floods, landslidesand earthquakes, while man-made disasters result from human negligence such as accidents and environmental damage. He also explained that hazards are potential events that can cause loss of life, property damageand environmental destruction.
Emphasizing community participation, he said the District Administration is strengthening disaster management at the grassroots level through Village Disaster Management Committees and Teams. He highlighted the importance of early warning systems, regular training, mock drillsand awareness programmes to ensure preparedness, and reaffirmed the commitment to building resilient communities through effective disaster risk reduction measures.
District Disaster Management officer (DDMO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. Donna L. Kharkongor in her address while addressingemphasized that the initiative was meant for practical learning and action. She stated that in any emergency, the first responders are the local villagers, while trained rescue teams arrive later, making community preparedness essential. She stressed that regular training and mock drills help individuals respond effectively during real incidents and failure to act promptly can lead to serious consequences. She also noted that while agencies like the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) provide warnings, disasters cannot be predicted with complete accuracy.
She further highlighted that the Disaster Management Act, approved on 23rd December 2005, was introduced to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms. Referring to past disasters such as the 2004 tsunami and the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, she underscored the importance of awareness and timely action in reducing casualties. Noting that the Northeast falls under Seismic Zone V, he urged for coordinated efforts between the government and the community to ensure quick response and build resilient societies.
As part of the programme, the Civil Defence and Home Guards team provided a detailed explanation and live demonstration on essential first aid techniques. They trained and demonstrated participants on how to use clean cloth as a temporary bandage. The team also showed practical methods for providing initial support during fractures, head injuries and jaw dislocations to stabilize the victim before professional medical help arrives. They also trained participants on how to improvise stretchers using easily available materials, ensuring that communities are able to respond effectively even with limited resources.
The team from the Fire and Emergency Services educated participants on essential fire safety measures and guided them on how to respond effectively during fire emergencies. They explained the common causes of fire, the types of materials that can easily ignite and the precautions needed to prevent such incidents. The team elaborated on the correct and safe method of using fire extinguishers, teaching participants how to control and extinguish small fires before professional help arrives, ensuring quick action and enhanced community safety.
