Now, a lesson in disaster management for every Delhiite

Delhiites will now be taught how to counter any natural calamities, thanks to an ambitious disaster management drive being launched by the Delhi government.

To begin with, the campaign will be flagged off on December 8 and will teach people the basics of disaster management. "The 

idea is to create sufficient awareness and preparedness so that Dehiites are able to prepare for any disaster. There will also be a preventive exercise on December 8, which will require students to go through the duck-cover-hold exercise," said Vijay Dev, divisional commissioner, Delhi government.

As part of the campaign, there will also be several workshops and seminars in schools, colleges, malls and market associations. "We will also have brand ambassadors to motivate the youth. Since Delhi has several unsafe buildings and very few buildings that are resistant to disasters, we are trying to examine the issue and make it part of the campaign," added Dev.

As part of the Disaster Management Act of 2005, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has identified 12 emergency support functions such as communication, evacuation, search and rescue and medical help to equip students effectively to combat an earthquake or a similar disaster.

The DDMA, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will conduct a major Earthquake Preparedness Drive from December to February, with a mock drill exercise to be held on February 15.