A community-level disaster response volunteer group has been formed in Dhankuta with the aim of making search, rescue and relief work effective during disasters.

The Armed Police Force has started training the group on introduction to disasters, search and rescue in floods, landslides and water-borne disasters, earthquakes, fire control and safety, search and rescue in collapsed structures, first aid and basic skills of disaster management.

The training, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law of the Koshi Province Government, Armed Police Force Nepal No. 1 Barah Vahini Headquarters Pakali Sunsari and Armed Police Force No. 6 Gulma Headquarters Chhintang Dhankuta, is attended by 20 people including city police, disaster indicators and locals.

At the training inauguration program organized at the Armed Police Force Gulma Headquarters Chhintang premises, Chief District Officer Rudra Devi Sharma said that the role of volunteers is important in disaster incidents. She said that if skilled human resources are prepared in the community, it will be of great help in minimizing the impact of disasters and making the rescue work faster and more effective. She mentioned that disaster management is not only the responsibility of the government agencies, but also the active participation and preparation of the community is equally necessary.

At the program, Chhintang Gulmapati of the Armed Police Force, Prem Prasad Sigdel, said that disaster response work would be made more effective by prioritizing cooperation with the community. He said that coordination between the local community and security agencies is indispensable to minimize loss of life and property during disasters.