Search-rescue units get specialised prep for natural disasters

The training was focused on upgrading search-and-rescue operations in disasters such as floods, landslides, windstorms and even infectious disease outbreaks. NCDM

The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) held a training course on techniques for search and rescue operations to further strengthen the skills of Cambodia’s emergency responders and improve their efficiency.

Chan Lumphat, NCDM vice-chairman and head of the coordinating team for disaster management, presided over the opening of the training session held at the special military zone command 706 on December 6.

He encouraged the attendees to train regularly to respond to natural disasters because they can occur at any time and they must always be ready to rescue those in distress.

NCDM spokesman Khun Sokha told The Post that 120 trainees had attended the course.

“This training will ready our forces for eventual disasters such as floods and building collapses. Should such incidents happen, all members of the force have the duty to intervene immediately,” he said.

He said that at the training seminar experts gave seminars on skills such as motor-boat driving, rescue methods, avoiding accidents and the serious dangers they may face during disasters. The training was focused on upgrading search-and-rescue operations in disasters such as floods, landslides, windstorms and even infectious disease outbreaks.

According to Sokha, since the beginning of 2020 a total of 720 trainees have received this training.

“We have held the training courses for six units with 120 members in each unit. According to our plans, we will train all 16 units eventually, so there are 10 units left that we need to train,” he said

Prime Minister Hun Sen established two rescue teams – including the coordinating team for disaster management and the disaster search-and-rescue operations intervention team – in 2019.

“[Hun Sen] intended these teams to be well-equipped for the urgent and necessary task of rescuing people quickly during emergency incidents. We have the means, equipment and materials already but when they undergo this training they will have the knowledge and skills to be able to rescue victims in time with effectiveness,” Sokha said.

Contact author: Lay Samean

MOST VIEWED

Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games
From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the
Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity
At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to
Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat
Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to
Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste
Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one
Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24
The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.
Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1
A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the