231 volunteers trained for disaster response in Jalalpur Pirwala

MULTAN, Apr 03 (APP):REEDS Pakistan,(Rural Education and Economic Development Society) a non-governmental organization working on community development and disaster risk reduction with support from Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) and in collaboration with Rescue 1122 has trained 231 community volunteers as first responders in 20 villages of Union Council Sheni, tehsil Jalalpur Pirwala,here on Friday.

The initiative was carried out under the “Flood Recovery and Resilience Project” in district Multan, aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness in flood-affected communities.

According to organizers,the trained volunteers include 201 men and 30 women who will serve as Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).

Their role will be vital in enhancing local capacity to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.

A ceremony marking the completion of training for volunteers from 20 villages was also held.

The participants were equipped with essential skills,including first aid, search and rescue,fire safety,safe evacuation and village-level disaster risk management planning.

REEDS Pakistan stated that empowering communities through awareness and organization enables them to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from both natural and man-made disasters.

Tehsil Emergency Officer Rescue 1122, Aftab Ahmed, attended the event and appreciated REEDS Pakistan’s efforts in strengthening disaster resilience among flood-prone communities of Jalalpur Pirwala.

Among others, Dr. Benjamin Barkat, Hamza Shahid, Nasim Jehan, Hyacinth Peter and Ghulam Yasin were also present on the occasion.