Latest news with #EmergencyOperationsCentre
Scoop
17 hours ago
- General
- Scoop
Hurunui's Emergency Preparedness Builds Rural Resilience
Press Release – Hurunui District Council Backing the work of the CERTs is the ongoing development of Emergency Operations Centre staff trained Council officers who coordinate emergency responses. Over 40 staff members train monthly for the EOC, with two major exercises held a year. Hurunui District Council is strengthening community resilience and preparedness as part of its Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) work, recognising that in rural areas, emergencies are not 'if' but 'when'. An update presented to Council recently revealed the scope of work undertaken over the past six months. A highlight was last month's Hanmer Springs evacuation exercise, which saw over 100 responders, volunteers from the community, and community groups working together to successfully evacuate 120 people and check on 400 properties in just two hours. Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black, who participated in the exercise, said what was achieved in Hanmer Springs showed the incredible power of community, 'with locals taking the lead'. Council provides training and support to community-based volunteers organised in nine teams across the district. Allan Grigg, Emergency Management Officer for Hurunui District Council, said the members of these Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) manage local response operations within their communities, using local knowledge. 'The Hanmer evacuation demonstrated the value of this community-based training.' The district is also enhancing its communications capability with Starlink satellite units to be rolled out, ensuring communities can stay connected when traditional networks fail. Backing the work of the CERTs is the ongoing development of Emergency Operations Centre staff — trained Council officers who coordinate emergency responses. Over 40 staff members train monthly for the EOC, with two major exercises held a year. Hurunui youth are also stepping up to build district-wide resilience. The Youth in Emergency Services (YES) Camp in April saw 19 young people mastering emergency skills under the guidance of experienced responders. They had an opportunity to put what they had learnt to the test in the final day exercise, locating, assessing and rescuing 25 'casualties', including Mayor Black, in just 90 minutes in an earthquake scenario. 'Natural events are part of the landscape of rural life and it's vital we ensure our communities are ready when an emergency happens,' Grigg said.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Polio campaign launched to immunise over 10m children
The Sindh government's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has launched a province-wide anti-polio campaign, which will continue until June one. According to the EOC Sindh spokesperson, the campaign aims to vaccinate over 10.6 million children under the age of five across 30 districts of the province. More than 80,000 trained polio workers will go door to door to administer the drops, supported by 25,539 security personnel. In addition to polio drops, children aged six to 59 months will also receive Vitamin A supplements to help boost their immunity. Following successful rounds in February and April, this phase is considered crucial in strengthening nationwide efforts to eradicate the poliovirus. Although significant progress has been made, environmental samples from districts like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Larkana still show traces of the virus. So far, four polio cases have been reported in Sindh this year. The spokesperson emphasised that as long as the poliovirus exists anywhere in the world, it remains a threat to our children. This campaign reflects our collective commitment to reaching every child and eliminating polio for good. The campaign is currently underway in 1,292 union councils across Sindh, where district administrations, the health department, and partner organisations are actively supporting polio teams. EOC Sindh urges parents, teachers, religious scholars, media, and community leaders to play a proactive role in this national cause. If a child has missed their polio drops, citizens are encouraged to call the helpline at 1166 or send a WhatsApp message to 0346-7776546.
Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
As India-Pakistan tension escalates, Delhi takes emergency steps, tests air raid sirens, creates shelters, sensitises public
Test and activate air raid sirens; identify vulnerable areas and vital installations prone to military attacks; create emergency shelters, and sensitise the public — authorities in Delhi are taking extensive precautionary measures amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Officials said district magistrates of the Capital's 11 districts have been directed to invoke the Civil Defence Plan. 'Civil defence plans are invoked in war-like situations. Under this, the government issues a call to 550 Civil Defence Volunteers… In the preparatory stage, they are trained… on how to help the public, rescue and take them to a safe area…,' said a senior official. Civil Defence Volunteers participated last in the 1971 war, said officials. 'Fifty volunteers each have been inducted per district. They are being trained daily and are included in mock drills like testing and operating air raid sirens, what to do if a civilian is injured, how to perform CPR etc…,' said officials. Officials said 3,000-4,000 more volunteers will be roped in, if required. The recent mock drills were part of this plan — the public was trained on what to do when such an emergency-like situation arises. Testing and installation of air raid sirens are done during the preparatory stages, to create public awareness and inform the public about loss of power supply, etc, explained the official. Meanwhile, district magistrates have been told to take several important measures, such as preparing a list of schools, community halls, and basements that can double up as emergency shelters, if required, said officials. They have also been asked to invoke the disaster management plan, procure, install, activate and test integrated public warning sirens which are robust enough to be operated in challenging environments like loss of power supply, etc. Other methods, like public address systems and mobile-based groups, may also be incorporated to help warn the public. Officials added that security coverage in vulnerable, high-risk, and densely populated areas is crucial. Further, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), district, and state-level control rooms have been directed to remain operational 24×7. 'The EOCs have been directed to ensure that updated contact lists, communication equipment, and coordination protocols are in place for inter-agency response and activation (and deactivation) of warning sirens, emergency support functions… and establish hotlines with other agencies including local military authorities on priority, if not already done,' said officials. Air raid sirens tested As per officials, districts have installed air raid sirens on the rooftops of high-rise buildings. In the Central district, air raid sirens, installed at the PWD headquarters in ITO on Friday, were tested for 15-20 minutes at 3 pm. The New Delhi district will carry out similar trials of air raid sirens installed on the rooftop of the NDMC Palika Kendra on Saturday. A senior official said, 'Existing sirens, which have a reach up to 3 km, have been installed. A total of 7 are installed in the New Delhi district at the Palika Bhawan, NDMC headquarters etc. Districts have ordered high-range sirens which will have the capacity to reach 10 km… Three in each district will cover the entire area.' A total of 27 new air raid sirens are being procured. The Southwest district, meanwhile, has installed manual and electrical sirens at BPCL, Bijwasan, Vegas Mall Dwarka, Uttam Nagar police station, Dwarka Mor Metro station, India Gandhi Hospital in Dwarka Sector 10, Dwarka Sector 21 Metro station, and Najafgarh SDM office. 'Coordinated rehearsals of activation of sirens and blackout drills will be carried out to improve the overall protective posture of the community with due focus on schools, RWAs, panchayats, market associations, etc, through a focused campaign,' said an official. Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh stated that 40-50 air raid sirens will be installed on prominent multi-storey buildings throughout the city. These sirens will have a range of up to 4 km. 'The Delhi government is working closely with disaster response agencies to ensure that all key and sensitive locations are covered and that public awareness protocols are effectively communicated,' he said. Officials said the Delhi government had decided to procure 500 sirens to be installed across the city and train 1,800 Apada Mitras (friends for disaster management) through an agency suggested by the National Disaster Management Authority. 'All districts have been directed to prepare detailed plans as per these points and directions, whichever applies to their district, and share these with the divisional commissioner and Delhi government,' said a senior official.
Scoop
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Selwyn Mayor Announced State Of Emergency From Wellington
A decision by the Selwyn mayor to fly to Wellington while his region was under a heavy rain warning has been defended by the council boss. Mayor Sam Broughton announced a state of emergency for his flood-hit region in a social media post on May 1 at 6.30am, from a hotel room in the Capital. Broughton and councillor Elizabeth Mundt flew to Wellington on the afternoon of April 30 for the All of Local Government meeting – a gathering of council and Government representatives. The Metservice had issued an orange rain warning for Canterbury on the morning of April 30. Locals have expressed anger on social media that Broughton was not in Selwyn during the emergency. Selwyn District Council chief executive Sharon Mason defended the decision for Broughton – who is the Local Government NZ president – to attend the event. 'We had been watching the weather forecasts all week, and the advice was that the bulk of the rain would fall in Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura, and it was okay to travel,' Mason said. As the weather changed, Mason said she discussed with Broughton that it was better for her to remain in Selwyn. 'Sam stayed updated on developments from the team that evening and early Thursday morning when the decision was made to declare a state of emergency,' Mason said. 'As it became clear that the predicted rain was falling further south than anticipated by both MetService and ECan [Canterbury's regional council] Flood Controllers, every effort was made to ensure smooth communication, and Cr Sophie Innes was deputised with the powers associated with the state of emergency. The stormy weather in Wellington cancelled all flights in and out of the Capital, so the mayor drove to Palmerston North to catch a flight back on the afternoon of May 1, she said. The state of emergency was lifted at 3pm on Friday. On his return, Broughton travelled in a helicopter with Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mithcell, MP Vanessa Weenink members of the civil defence team. Mason said it 'provided a clear view of the hardest-hit areas and an overview of where swollen rivers and streams had overflowed'. 'This was also an opportunity to explain to Minister Mitchell the dynamics of Te Waihora, particularly the importance of the lake's water level and the right tidal conditions for an effective opening.' A week later, the district is still counting the cost of the heavy rainfall and flooding, but Mason said it was too early to estimate the cost of recovery. Mason said the focus is on supporting people who had homes and properties affected by flooding. The council was also assessing the damage to roads and bridges. Broughton said the goal is always to prepare early, communicate clearly, open the Emergency Operations Centre promptly, and take a precautionary approach. 'While I believe we did these things well, there will always be room for improvement. 'I am incredibly proud and thankful for the hard work of our teams, our emergency services, and the great work neighbours did with and for each other.' The hardest hit areas were around Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere, including the towns of Leeston and Doyleston, which suffered severe surface flooding. There was some criticism that Te Wiahora Lake Ellesmere could have been opened to the sea sooner to avoid the water flowing down the bulging Selwyn River from backing up and causing surface flooding. ECan hazards general manager Leigh Griffiths said it was supposed to be opened before the heavy rain, but an opening wasn't possible. 'We didn't attempt an opening at that time because of the sea conditions – the swell was too large, so we were confident any attempts at opening wouldn't succeed.' The lake opening is jointly managed by Ngāi Tahu and ECan, and governed by the National Water Conservation Order and suite of Resource Consents. Griffiths said consultation for a lake opening started on April 28, and a joint decision was made to open late on April 29, with the heavy rain starting on May 1. An opening was made on May 3, but the tide and waves closed it up again overnight, Griffiths said. The lake was successfully opened to the sea again on Monday and remained open for 24 hours. 'Sea conditions are currently good. Machinery remains onsite to help the process along.' The cost of each opening ranges from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on the amount of work.
Otago Daily Times
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
Selwyn mayor announced state of emergency from Wellington
A decision by the Selwyn mayor to fly to Wellington while his region was under a heavy rain warning has been defended by the council boss. Mayor Sam Broughton announced a state of emergency for his flood-hit region in a social media post on May 1 at 6.30am from a hotel room in the capital. Broughton and councillor Elizabeth Mundt flew there on the afternoon of April 30 for the All of Local Government meeting - a gathering of council and government representatives. MetService had issued an orange rain warning for Canterbury that morning. Locals have expressed anger on social media that Broughton was not in Selwyn during the emergency which saw heavy rainfall and flooding. Selwyn District Council chief executive Sharon Mason defended the decision for Broughton - who is the Local Government NZ president - to attend the event. 'We had been watching the weather forecasts all week, and the advice was that the bulk of the rain would fall in Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura, and it was OK to travel,' Mason said. As the weather changed, Mason said she discussed with Broughton that it was better for her to remain in Selwyn. 'Sam stayed updated on developments from the team that evening and early Thursday morning when the decision was made to declare a state of emergency,' Mason said. 'As it became clear that the predicted rain was falling further south than anticipated by both MetService and ECan [Canterbury's regional council] Flood Controllers, every effort was made to ensure smooth communication, and Cr Sophie Innes was deputised with the powers associated with the state of emergency." Stormy weather in Wellington cancelled all flights in and out of the city, so the mayor drove to Palmerston North to catch a flight back on the afternoon of May 1, she said. The state of emergency was lifted at 3pm on Friday. On his return, Broughton travelled in a helicopter with Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mithcell, MP Vanessa Weenink and members of the civil defence team. Mason said it 'provided a clear view of the hardest-hit areas and an overview of where swollen rivers and streams had overflowed'. 'This was also an opportunity to explain to Minister Mitchell the dynamics of Te Waihora, particularly the importance of the lake's water level and the right tidal conditions for an effective opening.' A week later, the district is still counting the cost of the heavy rainfall and flooding, but Mason said it was too early to estimate the cost of recovery. Mason said the focus is on supporting people who had homes and properties affected by flooding. The council was also assessing the damage to roads and bridges. Broughton said the goal is always to prepare early, communicate clearly, open the Emergency Operations Centre promptly, and take a precautionary approach. 'While I believe we did these things well, there will always be room for improvement. 'I am incredibly proud and thankful for the hard work of our teams, our emergency services, and the great work neighbours did with and for each other.' The hardest-hit areas were around Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere, including the towns of Leeston and Doyleston, which had severe surface flooding. There was some criticism that Te Wiahora Lake Ellesmere could have been opened to the sea sooner to avoid the water flowing down the bulging Selwyn River from backing up and causing surface flooding. ECan hazards general manager Leigh Griffiths said it was supposed to be opened before the heavy rain, but this wasn't possible. 'We didn't attempt an opening at that time because of the sea conditions - the swell was too large, so we were confident any attempts at opening wouldn't succeed.' The lake opening is jointly managed by Ngāi Tahu and ECan, and governed by the National Water Conservation Order and suite of Resource Consents. Griffiths said consultation for a lake opening started on April 28, and a joint decision was made to open late on April 29, with the heavy rain starting on May 1. An opening was made on May 3, but the tide and waves closed it up again overnight, Griffiths said. The lake was successfully opened to the sea again on Monday and remained open for 24 hours. 'Sea conditions are currently good. Machinery remains onsite to help the process along.' The cost of each opening ranges from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on the amount of work. - By Jonathan Leask Local Democracy Reporter
