Graduates of a Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) training, held to teach fire fighting skills to members of Brigade 70, on March 15. RCA
Deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) General Mao Sophan stressed the importance of continually enhancing and implementing disaster relief and management to build resilience, improve community safety and harmony and align with government directives, notably the safe village-commune policy.
Sophan made the remarks during the closing ceremony of fire training and relief for the disaster rescue operation forces of Brigade 70 on March 15, as reported in a press release from the army on the following day.
“Disaster relief and management are multifaceted and interconnected, involving all social aspects. It is our duty, whether in state or private institutions, to engage in prevention, reduction, rescue and restoration efforts for sustainable resilience and development,” he stated.
Sophan noted that Prime Minister Hun Manet had spearheaded disaster management initiatives, including providing transportation, care and health treatment services for victims.
He said ‘disasters’ encompass flooding, droughts, fires, traffic accidents and landmine detonations.
“Like other countries, Cambodia faces various hazards such as extreme weather, high winds, lightning strikes, infectious diseases, fires, traffic accidents and river bank and building collapse, which can result in loss of life and property damage,” he said.
Soth Kim Kolmony, spokesperson for the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), highlighted the importance of the effort for the society, with the government increasingly focusing on this area.
He added that the Cambodia Country Strategic Plan 2024-2028 has been updated to include responses to disasters, strengthen information and data collection systems, exercises and rescue operations and training.
Kim Kolmony said the endeavour also involves fostering cooperation with development partners, civil society organisations (CSOs) and the private sector.
“Our forces are capable of extensive training and responding to various disasters like flooding, building collapse and fire. They have been equipped with the necessary rescue materials, skills and effective coordination mechanisms,” he added.
However, he pointed out that their current capabilities do not extend to all types of catastrophes, such as sunken ships, indicating a need for further training on both land and water. He said the government is therefore focused on providing additional equipment for these activities.
Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, acknowledged the importance of the work, noting that negative events can be both natural and man-made.
He said adequate intervention forces are needed to mitigate such occurrences.
“The army plays a vital role in rescue and disaster management. Just as armies around the world are deployed for these tasks, we need to bolster our capabilities to effectively respond to flooding, fires and structural collapse,” he added.
