The National Disaster Awareness Week (NDAW) 2024 has officially commenced with a Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDRM) training session in Navuso, Naitasiri. The event was inaugurated by Turaga na Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, who expressed appreciation for the Government’s dedication to educating local communities about disaster risk reduction (DRR).
The central celebration of NDAW will be held in Nakasi on Wednesday, addressing the Central Division’s heightened vulnerability to disasters, specifically flooding and landslides. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is tasked with conducting this awareness week annually under the National Disaster Risk Management Act (2024).
NDAW aims to foster a shift in behavior regarding disaster risk reduction across all sectors of society. This initiative promotes comprehensive awareness at various levels within both the private and public sectors, ensuring that communities are well-prepared and resilient against potential disasters.
This year’s NDAW theme, “Empowering the Future Generation for a Resilient Future,” resonates with the global theme of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024. It underscores the critical importance of education in safeguarding and empowering youth to create a disaster-free future.
As part of the commemorative activities, the Fiji NDMO, in collaboration with partners, will conduct a live flood evacuation drill in Navuso Village. This exercise aims to test the effectiveness of a newly installed flood early warning siren and the village’s flood response plan. It will coincide with a comprehensive governmental flood response simulation.
The NDMO’s Manager of Emergency Planning and Coordination, Ms. Litiana Bainimarama, emphasized the importance of this training in enhancing community capacity to effectively respond during disasters. She also thanked their partners, including the PCDF, for their ongoing support of this pivotal annual event.
In summary, the NDAW 2024 showcases a collaborative effort to build resilience and awareness in the face of natural disasters, particularly focusing on empowering future generations. This proactive approach not only prepares communities for immediate risks but also instills a sense of responsibility and knowledge among youth, leading to a safer, more informed society.
It is hopeful to see communities actively engaged in disaster preparedness, demonstrating a commitment to resilience that could protect lives and livelihoods in the face of inevitable challenges posed by natural disasters.
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