In a proactive move to bolster flood preparedness and disaster response, Rescue 1122 officials conducted a comprehensive pre-flood preparedness exercise at the Shahdi Khel site along the Sindh River in Attock on Friday. This critical exercise aimed to review and enhance the operational readiness of the teams, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle any potential floods or natural disasters.
Key Activities and Exercises
The exercise featured a series of practical activities designed to test and improve various emergency response skills. These included:
Provision of Medical First Aid: Ensuring immediate medical attention to those affected.
Scuba Diving and Swimming: Enhancing water rescue capabilities.
Line Search and Diving: Conducting systematic searches in water bodies.
Rescuing a Drowning Person: Demonstrating quick and efficient rescue techniques.
Snake Handling: Safely capturing and handling snakes, a common issue during floods.
Stalls were set up by the Civil Defence, health and livestock departments, and local welfare organizations, showcasing their roles and contributions during disasters. Additionally, rescue personnel demonstrated the process of shifting flood-affected individuals to safer locations, highlighting the importance of timely evacuation.
Incident Command Post and Equipment Briefing
At the incident command post, the deputy commissioner was briefed on the disaster response and medical equipment’s functionality and usage. This briefing was crucial in ensuring that all stakeholders are familiar with the tools available for efficient disaster management.
District Emergency Officer Ali Hussain emphasized the importance of such exercises. He stated, “The purpose of conducting such exercises is to enhance coordination among departments and be prepared to handle any untoward situation.” He also identified the most flood-prone areas in the Attock district, ensuring targeted preparedness.
Assessment and Future Readiness
Aamir Nawaz, the spokesperson for Emergency Service Rescue 1122, highlighted the exercises’ significance. He noted that these activities are vital for assessing preparedness, testing the efficiency, providing practical training, and ensuring a timely response from all government departments.
Assistant Commissioner Kamran Ashraf inspected the emergency equipment used by Rescue 1122, affirming the importance of readiness. He remarked, “The main objective of these exercises is to make preparations for floods and meet any eventuality during monsoon rains.” Mr. Ashraf praised the performance of Rescue 1122, underscoring the need for all institutions to prepare in advance to accurately assess their capabilities and address any shortcomings.
Conclusion
The pre-flood preparedness exercise conducted by Rescue 1122 at Shahdi Khel is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the emergency services in Attock. By focusing on practical training, inter-departmental coordination, and equipment readiness, these exercises play a crucial role in ensuring that the district is well-prepared to handle any flood-related emergencies efficiently. As monsoon rains approach, such initiatives are essential to safeguard lives and minimize the impact of natural disasters.
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