Port Blair, Feb 8: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to activate all the self-help groups present in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for Disaster Management Work.

Inviting attention of Lt. Governor towards the pressing matter of disaster preparedness and its significance in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that recently struck Turkey and Syria, resulting in the loss of over 11,000 lives, the Member of Parliament mentioned in a letter that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are situated in zone V in the Seismic map and are also prone to several natural disasters including cyclones, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

He commended the administration for their excellent efforts in the past, particularly during and after the 2004 tsunami and mega earthquake, as well as during and after the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The administration's prompt response and effective measures during these challenging times are a testament to their dedication and commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he said.

The Member of Parliament said that despite the commendable efforts of the administration in the past, it is imperative that more be done to ensure that we are fully prepared to face any eventuality in these remote islands. In the event of a disaster, it may take some time for the rescue teams to reach the affected areas and initiate relief and rescue operations.

With this in mind, the MP proposed activating all the self-help groups present in the Islands, which comprises primarily of women. These local groups can play a crucial role in providing immediate assistance to the community during a disaster, until professional rescue and relief teams arrive on the scene.

He mentioned that these self-help groups have already been activated and the women are participating in them. If these groups receive proper training in disaster management, these thousands of women can become a valuable asset and lifesavers for their communities in times of crisis.

He pointed out that if this is done, not only will the local community receive prompt assistance, but the self-help groups will also gain a deeper understanding of the community and be better equipped to make informed decisions to provide comfort and support until the administration and relief missions arrive.