Jammu and Kashmir Government launches disaster awareness drive

Srinagar, Mar 17 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir Government's Disaster Management Cell has launched an awareness drive on various types of natural disasters in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Fire and emergency department officials participated in a mock drill along with health officials.

The drill was organized in a hotel located on a busy road and is part of a weeklong drive to raise awareness levels about natural disasters.

Officials were shown how to handle a disaster situation.

UNDP Coordinator Aamir Ali said, "Our aim of conducting this mock drill was that if a natural disaster especially an earthquake hits the valley then we want to see how good is our response and how fast is the response."

Civil Defence personnel Altaf Hussian said that they wanted to use this training for help to as many people as possible.

"We have been specially trained so that we can help the people in need. Since Kashmir valley falls in zone-5 and is earthquake prone, an earthquake can hit the city any time. We want to help as many people as possible," said Hussian.

Srinagar and its adjoining areas fall in Seismic Zone V. The area is thus vulnerable to earthquakes and major disasters. (ANI)