APF preparing 170,000 disaster informants across the country

KATHMANDU: The Armed Police Force (APF) is preparing a workforce of 170,000 disaster informants across the country to enhance disaster management.

The initiative aims to facilitate collaboration in obtaining disaster-related information at the community level and coordinate rescue efforts, according to DSP Shailendra Thapa, the joint spokesperson for the APF.

According to Thapa, all brigade headquarters have been told to form disaster informant groups of 25 individuals per ward in their respective areas by mid-June. “This initiative will prepare 168,575 disaster informants in 6,745 wards across the country,” he added.

Once the disaster informant groups are formed, they will receive disaster awareness training and participate in disaster simulation exercises.

The APF is also preparing community disaster rescuers. Last week, APF Inspector General Raju Aryal announced plans to train 1,000 community disaster rescuers across all seven provinces of the country this year. The APF headquarters has already initiated disaster rescuer training at its units. These volunteers will undergo an 18-day training conducted by skilled APF personnel trained in disaster management.

Eighteen trainings will be organized in the current fiscal year, while additional 147 training sessions have been planned for the next fiscal year.

“These trainings will enhance community-level preparedness for disasters and facilitate rescue and relief efforts should emergencies occur,” Thapa said.

Meanwhile, the No. 23 Manakamana Battalion of APF in Tanahun has started community disaster volunteer training. A total of 58 individuals are participating in the training organized in coordination with local governments and other stakeholders.