AKAH's emergency response training for Shimshal residents

Around 310 community members simulated emergencies such as snow avalanches, floods, fire and earthquake as part of emergency response training provided by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in Pakistan. The community members included students, who were given the skills of providing first aid in emergencies.
The major threat facing these communities has been the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Community monitoring of these glacial lakes was central to the training, which was marked by a ceremony at the completion of the project, which was funded through USAID's Small Grant Ambassador Fund Program (SGAFP). Usman Ahmed, Commissioner Gilgit Division, was the chief guest of the event, which was attended by representatives from the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), the Education Department, Pakistan Meteorological Department, World Wildlife Fund, Rescue 1122, and agencies of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Addressing the workshop, Usman Ahmed, Commissioner Gilgit Division, remarked that AKAH's initiatives helped ensure community participation in closely monitoring the hazard risk. The workshop also helped enhance the linkages and partnerships with donors and government institutions in supporting the project.
Representing the community of Shimshal, Shaheen Khan, President, Ismaili Council for Shimshal, remarked on the importance of building the capabilities of men and women in the area for emergency response. He went on to say that the idea of training volunteers to monitor the glaciers meant a lot tothe people of Shimshal. Timely communications and planning to reduce the challenges posed by the natural hazards to the communities was essential, he said.
In his message, Nawab Ali Khan, the Chief Executive Officer of AKAH emphasized, "Our role does not end with the short term initiatives to enhance awareness of the community and to train them on glacier monitoring. Rather our role becomes more challenging as we have to plan how to ensure the sustainability of such initiatives to ensure resilience of the communities. To achieve this, it is important for all stakeholder including government institutions, donors, and the AKDN agencies to continue their efforts in empowering the communities to become resilient and secure a better quality of life".
The event concluded with a detailed discussion on the status of glaciers in Shimshal and suggestions for improving disaster mitigations and preparedness at the community level.-PR