First training on disaster management [Archives:2006/913/Local News]

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January 19 2006

SANA'A, Jan. 11 ) The Islamic Relief Organization (Emergency and Preparedness Unit) in Britain, in cooperation with Islamic Relief in Yemen, UNDP and Civil Defense, have organized a training course on natural disaster management.

Khalid Al-Mulad, IRO-Yemen resident representative, said the training course aims to train 45 participants, 20 from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt, and the rest Yemenis. The training project is considered the first of its kind in the Middle East, Al-Mulad added.

The trainers, two British and one Jordanian, will train participants in enhancing their abilities and knowledge of natural disaster management. Participants also will be trained in analytical measures to be taken by disaster management personnel. The course also will cover principles of humanitarian systems, working with refugees and dispersed people and adherence to international standards.

The training course will run five days, beginning January 21. Trainees will be given field training at the end of the course.

On Wednesday, the Geological Survey Authority (GSA) technical team began the first phase of an extensive program to survey surrounding mountains that overlook populated areas throughout the country. GSA head Ismael Al-Janad stated to Saba Net that the GSA team will evaluate the geological situation in Al-Dhafeer, Thila, Al-Ahjer and Al-Tawela. The team also will study geological and environmental phenomena so that future natural disasters will be avoided.

In the second phase, Al-Janad added, the GSA will continue studying areas susceptible to landslides and provide appropriate solutions to avoid such natural disasters.

On Tuesday, the GSA held a meeting that included officials from the GSA, the National Center for Observing Earthquakes, the Ministry of Public Works and Highways, Sana'a University and UNESCO. Attendees discussed possible ways to implement government directives to study areas susceptible to landslides.
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