The National Disaster Awareness Week (NDAW) 2024 has officially commenced with a Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDRM) training session held in Navuso, Naitasiri.
During the opening of the CBDRM training in Navuso Village, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, the Turaga na Qaranivalu, expressed gratitude to the Government for its dedication to equipping local communities with knowledge about the critical importance of disaster risk reduction (DRR).
The main celebrations for NDAW will occur in Nakasi this Wednesday, addressing the Central Division’s heightened susceptibility to disasters such as flooding and landslides. The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), operating under the National Disaster Risk Management Act of 2024, is tasked with organizing the NDAW annually.
NDAW aims to foster a cultural shift towards disaster risk reduction throughout society, ensuring that both public and private sectors, as well as community members, are well informed and prepared for potential disasters. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Future Generation for a Resilient Future,” resonates with the global focus of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024, highlighting the crucial role of education in safeguarding and enabling youth for a secure future.
In conjunction with NDAW activities, the Fiji NDMO and its partners will conduct a live flood evacuation drill in Navuso Village. This drill is designed to test the effectiveness of the village’s new flood early warning siren and the flood response plan, coinciding with a comprehensive government-wide flood response table-top exercise.
NDMO’s Manager of Emergency Planning and Coordination, Ms. Litiana Bainimarama, emphasized the importance of this training in enhancing community resilience and readiness for disaster situations. She also expressed appreciation to the partners, including PCDF, for their ongoing support of the NDAW initiative.
This proactive approach underscores the value of education and preparedness in building resilient communities, ensuring they are not only aware of potential risks but also equipped to respond effectively.
Overall, this initiative represents a significant effort to cultivate a sense of responsibility and readiness among communities, empowering all generations to face potential challenges with confidence and resilience.
Leave a comment