Disaster Risk Management issues were discussed with the DRM Councils of the consolidated communities of Vayk and Martuni

Disaster Risk Management (DRM) issues were discussed with the DRM Councils of the consolidated communities of Vayk and Martuni, as well as with other relevant stakeholders.

 On August 19–20 in Vayk and on August 21–22 in Martuni, two-day trainings under the theme “Disaster Risk Management at the Community Level” were conducted.

The training content was based on the communities’ DRM plans, which had been developed earlier (in July–August) in close collaboration with local authorities.

The purpose of the trainings was to present and discuss the DRM plans, including the identified actions, response procedures, scope of activities, post-disaster recovery strategies, and other related components.

Over the course of the two days, participants not only attended expert lectures but were also actively engaged in practical and group exercises. They assessed the hazards facing their communities, developed potential solutions, and explored ways to jointly strengthen preparedness and enhance rapid response capacity to possible emergencies.

Given the project’s specific focus, the trainings also addressed in detail the organization of community-led population evacuation when necessary, as well as issues related to hosting displaced persons from other communities.

A multidisciplinary group of agencies participated in the trainings, which enriched and deepened the discussions. Participants represented community institutions, schools, medical facilities, local NGOs, the Rescue Service and Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Gegharkunik regional administration, and utility services.

The discussions gave participants the opportunity to share their insights and suggestions, which will be incorporated into the finalization of the communities’ DRM plans.

The trainings and the development of DRM plans for the Vayk and Martuni communities were carried out within the framework of the UNHCR–Partners project “Strengthening Community Resilience and Disaster Preparedness for Forced Displacement in Armenia”, funded by the EU/ECHO and implemented by World Vision Armenia in partnership with the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the DRR National Platform, HEKS/EPER, the Armenian Association of Social Workers, and partners communities.