International Disaster Risk Reduction Day observed at AAI’s HQ.

Staff Reporter, Guwahati, October 15: Airports Authority of India in association with Regional Meteorological Department, UNICEF and NDRF units of Guwahati observed International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction at Regional Headquarter, North East Guwahati on October 13. Every Year the day is observed to mitigate the process to reduce the risk and improve the preparedness in disaster management. This year, the theme is ‘Early Warning’. Airports Authority of India at Guwahati with its Fire Service Department conducted the Day in presence of expertise from various fields. The motive was to be aware and prepare for early warning about any disaster that the airport and its establishments may face. The programme was chaired by Sanmukh Jugani, Regional Executive Director, AAI. In his inaugural address to the participants, he said that the risk reduction for any disaster is very critical which involves various parameters. And early warning can reduce the gravity of consequences. Also, he mentioned that professionals at the airports should be aware of the risk factors and measures to reduce and minimize the losses.

Dr Sanjay O’Neill Shaw, from the regional meteorological department, Guwahati in his lecture described the early warning system IMD has installed and how it is disseminating over the entire north east region. In his message to the airport professionals he said, weather monitoring and early warning not only reduces the losses but gives them the time to imply over their preparedness to mitigate any risk before it becomes a disaster. A detailed presentation by Anand Prakash Kanoo, Disaster Risk Reduction Officer from UNICEF focused on complexities of risk management and how children are affected by the disasters. Santosh Kumar Singh, Deputy Commandant, NDRF, Fist Unit Guwahati emphasized on hazards that lead to disasters such as earthquakes. Entire north east region falls under seismic zone five of earthquake and how we as an individual and as a professional, can act as defense forces for immediate relief. Describing the airport as a lifeline for rescue operations during earthquakes. He focused on various means and channels that the airport should consider while executing the operation. He also motivated all participants to impart training for skill development which could help many. Further he mentioned various awareness programmes NDRF is carrying out at local and regional level to create community responders during a disaster. The programme was conducted by AAI’s Fire service Department, Regional HQ, Guwahati under the guidance and coordination by Gian Batra, General manager, HR. The head of the Fire Dept. W. Santosh. K. Singh liaison for the exercise. Vote of thanks was delivered by Sandeep Jha, OSD to Regional Executive Director, AAI.