The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has today commenced the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in K. Guraidhoo, aimed at developing first responders for emergency situations.

According to the NDMA, this training program, conducted in collaboration with the Guraidhoo Island Council, will take place today and tomorrow. More than 30 participants, including council members and representatives from various institutions and sectors on the island, are taking part in the sessions.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) consists of individuals trained at the island level to provide the initial response during emergencies. Upon completion of their training, CERT members will operate under the guidance of the Island Disaster Management Committee during crisis situations.

The NDMA emphasized the importance of having trained first responders available at the island level in all inhabited islands across the country.

"The CERT training is a program designed to identify and train first responders at the island level for emergency situations. Our goal is to establish and train such teams in every island across the Maldives," stated Aishath Ifa Mohamed, Emergency Operations Manager at NDMA.

The training in K. Guraidhoo is being conducted with the support of UNICEF. The NDMA further noted that efforts are underway to extend this training to additional islands.

CERT training is a vital component of the Community Resilience Building (CBRB) program conducted by the NDMA at the island level. It aims to strengthen local resilience, enhance disaster preparedness, and build a well-informed and vigilant community.