Guardian ( Trinidad and Tobago )
16 October 2023 ( Page 11 )
Penal corporation gets citizens ready for disasters
RADHICA DE SILVA - SENIOR MULTIMEDIA REPORTER
RADHICA.SOOKRAJ @GUARDIAN.CO.TT
In response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, the Disaster
Management Unit of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) has
launched an extensive sensitisation campaign designed to equip citizens
with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively prepare and respond.
Speaking with Guardian Media during a recent outreach effort at the
bustling Penal Market, Videsh Lal, the coordinator of the Disaster
Management Unit at the PDRC, admitted that some residents remain
hesitant to evacuate their homes and abandon their belongings when
disaster strikes.
Commemorating World Disaster Risk Reduction Day, observed annually on
October 13, Lal emphasised that the initiative seeks to raise awareness
regarding shifting environmental conditions and empower individuals
with the necessary skills to cope effectively in the face of adversity.
He said the goal of the sensitisation programme was to impart essential
information about various types of natural disasters, including hurricanes,
floods, and earthquakes, and guide the public on how to respond when
confronted with these potentially life-threatening events.
“We have trained 25 personnel to operate dinghies in flood situations. As
you know, we are a corporation situated in a flood-prone area, and we
maintain a fleet of dinghies to rescue individuals stranded during floods,”
Lal explained.
He noted that the corporation possesses submersible pumps, essential
lighting equipment, safety vests, and other crucial tools, all intended to
provide comprehensive assistance during disaster response efforts. He
also revealed that more than 5,000 sandbags are annually distributed to
the public as a preventative measure.
Saying the concerted efforts of the PDRC have been bolstered by the support and collaboration of key stakeholders including the Office of
Disaster Preparedness, Lal said corporation chairman Diptee Ramnath as
well as council members have been diligently working together.
“Our goal is to ensure that the local community is fully prepared to face
any impending disaster with the collective knowledge and resources
required for a comprehensive response,” he said.
He added that as natural disasters continue to pose a significant threat,
the Disaster Management Unit will remain resolute in its mission to
enhance public preparedness and safety within the PDRC.