Caption: Deputy Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mr. Mitieli Cama, National Fire Authority (NFA) Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sowane Puamau, National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Director Ms. Vasiti Soko, Australian High Commission representative Mr. Ken Cokanasiga and members of the Australian Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART) with first responders, emergency personnel, and senior government officials are currently undergoing a three-day training on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).
SUVA – More than 50 first responders, emergency personnel, and senior government officials participated in a three-day training on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) in Suva last month.
The exercise is Fiji’s first-ever USAR training to be conducted locally, with the intention of equipping Fiji’s first responders and emergency personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively respond to disasters and save lives.
The training is supported by the Australian Government, through the Australian Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART). The DART team is currently in the country to conduct the three-day training.
In opening the training, Deputy Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mr. Mitieli Cama highlighted that as the government office responsible for disaster preparedness, it was essential for us to ensure that first responders were well-prepared.
“Fiji is not immune to the forces of nature. Cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and other disasters can strike at any moment, and it is our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” Mr Cama said.
“Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is a specialized form of emergency response that focuses on locating, extricating, and providing medical care to individuals who are trapped or injured in urban or built-up environments following a disaster or other emergency situation. This type of search and rescue operation is essential in scenarios such as earthquakes, building collapses, explosions, floods, and other disasters that can occur in densely populated areas.”
This year alone, more than 40 earthquakes have occurred globally, some causing significant destruction and resulting in the loss of thousands of lives.
“We no longer consider ourselves immune to such devastating events. Look at the Turkey earthquake that killed over 50,000 people- that’s almost the population of Nadi, the recent fire in Maui – Hawaii, and the eruption of the Tonga volcano. Urban search and rescue operations are some of the most challenging tasks that emergency responders can face. They require teamwork, courage, and a deep commitment to saving lives. The skills you will acquire in this training will be invaluable in moments of crisis, when the community relies on your expertise and swift action.”
“As we gather here today, let us remember that we are not just preparing for emergencies; we are building a culture of resilience that will serve Fiji well in the years to come. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that the lessons learned here are put into practice, that our communities are informed and prepared, and that we are ready to respond when disaster strikes.”
Meanwhile, the USAR training is conducted in the lead-up to National Disaster Awareness Week (NDAW) which will be held at Albert Park in Suva from 17 – 18 October.
This year’s event will feature two components – the National Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) and the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Exhibition.
The training will prepare first responders and emergency personnel from the National Fire Authority, the NDMO and other relevant agencies in the simulation exercise which will be held during the NDAW.
Members of the public can access more information about this year’s event at the following link: http://fiji-ndaw-23.com
Caption: First responders, emergency personnel, and senior government officials who participated in the three-day training on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) in Suva.
-ENDS-
The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is responsible for implementing development strategies that bring Fijians living in rural and maritime regions the same level of access to essential services and economic opportunities as anywhere else in the country. We coordinate and implement the Fiji Government’s rural and maritime development initiatives with a mission to empower Fiji’s rural sector. We also spearhead disaster risk reduction initiatives at national and sub-national level including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We have offices for each of Fiji’s 14 provinces including Rotuma, leading the Fijian Government’s rural development and disaster risk management operations.
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For press enquiries:
Aqela Susu, MRMDDM, Tel. +679 3216456/+679 9985670,
Email: aqela.susu@govnet.gov.fj/susuaqela@gmail.com
