A-PAD SL Elevates Swift Water Rescue Skills
Global warming, change in rainfall pattern, hurricanes, floods, droughts, landslides, loss of vegetation, etc. are some of the well-known impacts of climate change, and people are facing difficulties in their day-to-day life because of these disasters. In Sri Lanka, floods are the most common natural calamity where, localized and seasonal flooding is common especially during the monsoon seasons.
In this regard, the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) recently concluded a Swift Water Search and Rescue (SAR) Skill Elevation training taking significant steps towards strengthening its disaster response capabilities in water-related emergencies. Held from April 5th to 6th, 2024, at the scenic Handapanagala lake in Wellawaya, the training saw the participation of nationally and internationally certified A-PAD trainees in Swift Water Search and Rescue.
This initiative underscores A-PAD SL’s commitment to enhancing preparedness and ensuring an effective response during crisis. By conducting the training, A-PAD SL sought to enhance the team’s knowledge and skills in compliance with international standards in SAR, reinforcing safety protocols and drills in preparation for potential flood response deployment during the upcoming southwest monsoon season.
The training conducted is strategically timed to coincide with the approaching southwest monsoon season, which typically brings heavy rains and potential flooding to Sri Lanka and other regions in the Asia-Pacific. The training session provided a crucial opportunity for participants to refine their techniques and coordination in swift water rescue scenarios, ultimately aiming to save more lives by promoting efficiency and enhancing the quality of response efforts. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety, the technical training ensured that responders are adequately prepared to handle emergencies effectively, safeguarding both their own well-being and that of the community.
A-PAD SL’s commitment to promoting civil-military coordination in disaster response efforts is evident through the training of 160 civil and military personnel in swift water SAR techniques. By training both civil and military personnel in swift water SAR techniques, A-PAD SL fosters collaboration and synergy between different stakeholders involved in disaster response. This emphasis on CIMIC enhances the overall effectiveness and efficiency of response efforts, as it allows for better coordination, resource allocation, and communication among various response teams. In addition, the platform emphasizes the importance of leveraging private sector resources and mobilizing support towards effective disaster responses. A-PAD’s corporate members actively engage in DRR efforts through various means such as core business arrangements, collaborative actions, sustainability initiatives, knowledge transfer and corporate social responsibility programs. Working in consultation with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), A-PAD SL continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
A-PAD SL extends its heartfelt appreciation to the support rendered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan through the Official Development Assistance (ODA), the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, and the People of Japan for their unwavering commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and response efforts in Sri Lanka and the Asia-Pacific region.
