Kulgam DDMA Holds Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Awareness and Mock Drill at GHSS Malwan

KULGAM, AUGUST 05 — The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kulgam, in joint coordination with the State Disaster Response Force and Home Guards (SDRF/HG) Unit Kulgam, the Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) department, and trained Aapda Mitra Volunteers, organized a comprehensive disaster preparedness awareness campaign and simulation exercise at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Malwan.

The joint initiative saw energetic participation from more than 200 students and institutional staff members. Designed as an interactive capacity-building module, the session covered crucial aspects of disaster risk reduction, structural mitigation strategies, earthquake safety protocols, and systematic evacuation techniques. As part of the practical training, emergency response teams staged a simulated building collapse scenario to demonstrate specialized search-and-rescue techniques for extracting trapped individuals safely.

Participants also received targeted instruction on fire hazard management, including guidelines for the safe handling and operation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) setups, everyday fire safety measures, and hands-on demonstrations using correct fire extinguishers across various fire classifications.

The overarching objective of the awareness program and live mock drill was to equip young students with essential, life-saving emergency skills while establishing a robust network of trained first responders within the community to minimize potential loss of life and property during real-world crises. Acknowledging the impact of the initiative, the District Administration commended the collaborative efforts of the SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, and local Aapda Mitra Volunteers for actively instilling a proactive culture of safety, readiness, and resilience among local youth.