Training In Disaster Management
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - Realising the important needs to establish an emergency relief team equipped with the appropriate tools and knowledge in preparation for any disaster, Brunei Darussalam sent two officials to attend the Earthquake Disaster Emergency Relief course in China.

The course held for developing countries came at the heels of the recent visit by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, to the National Disaster Coordinating Council in Manila, Philippines.

Senior Superintendent at Brunei's National Disaster Management Centre, Pengiran Sabli bin Pengiran Damit said he hoped to exchange and share knowledge on the best measures to minimise losses and other .negative impacts of any unforseen catastrophe with other participants.

"The occurrence of any disaster can hinder and even destroy a country's economic and physical development, and countries need to be equipped with the appropriate tools and knowledge in preparation for such calamities to minimise losses and other negative impacts," he said before leaving for China yesterday.

He said the course which is also attended by a senior officer at the Ministry of Health, Pengiran Hj Hashim bin Pengiran Hj Besar, will feature simulations exercises and case studies to familiarise participants with earthquake disaster preparations, particularly in the fields of mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation.

Brunei has previously participated in similar courses in other countries. This however will be the first time for China to organise and invite its Asian counterparts in disaster training, which is, meant to strengthen cooperation and coordination in the field of disaster management.

"Disaster management is now more relevant than ever and has become a global concern because of the vat and varying nature and cause of disaster. Disasters does not only come from natural events, but can also be caused by human error and malice, such as accidents and terrorism," Pengiran Sabli pointed out.

He also added that apart from allowing the exchange of knowledge and experience, the course which ends on November 27 are beneficial in regional and international disaster personnel can develop and expand their networks.

"It is one of the long-term goals in disaster management to initiate disaster management courses or programmes in the local university to provide training for the community."

This vision was highlighted by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince earlier in the year during the International Forum on Disaster Relief," said Pengiran Sabli.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam had consented to pass the Disaster Management Order 2006 on May 2, which provides for the establishment of the National Disaster Council and the National Disaster Management, Centre.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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