MANSEHRA, Feb 20: Volunteers and officials of different government departments at a session held here the other day demonstrated their skills and training to cope with natural and manmade disasters.

The demonstration session of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mansehra unit was seen by assistant commissioner Zulfiqar Ali Shah.

Darting the session, in charge of the unit Bashir Swati apprised the assistant commissioner of the DDMA district and tehsil units’ performance over the last one year.

The trained officials and volunteers demonstrated quick response techniques in case of floods, blaze, earthquake and other disasters.

The volunteers demonstrated their skills to cut concrete and wood during emergency and rescuing disaster victims.

Help was given to the injured in the shape of fire tenders and rope for coming down high-rises.

The DC speaking on the occasion lauded the performance and quick response techniques demonstrated by volunteers and said the district administration would offer necessary skills and equipment to the staff of the authority.

“Had we have such authority before the Oct 2005 devastating earthquake, such a great human loss could have been prevented,” he said.

Mr Shah, who previously served as the chief of Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said the government was taking all possible steps to strengthen the authority and that the people should come forward for emergency training.

He urged trained officials and volunteers to contact members of the civil society at union and village levels for training so that the people could efficiently, effectively meet emergencies.

The DC said the district administration would provide every possible facility to trainers in this respect.