NDMA Launches First Responder Training to Build Disaster Resilience in Guraidhoo

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the Guraidhoo Council, has launched a two-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training programme in Guraidhoo, Kaafu Atoll. Held from August 12 to 13, the initiative is designed to equip local residents with the critical skills needed to act as first responders during emergencies. More than 30 participants are taking part in the session, representing the island council, local institutions, and various community sectors. The training focuses on immediate response tactics, ensuring that those closest to an incident can provide life-saving assistance before professional emergency services arrive. NDMA’s Emergency Operations Manager, Aishath Ifa Mohamed, emphasized that establishing these teams is a strategic priority for the agency. Speaking in an exclusive interview with PSM News, she noted that the geographical challenges of the Maldives mean not every island has immediate access to all emergency services. This gap makes the presence of a certified CERT on every island vital for reducing casualties and managing crises effectively. “Our main objective is to form Community Emergency Response Teams across all islands in the country,” Mohamed stated, highlighting the programme's role in bridging the service gap across the archipelago. The Guraidhoo session is part of a larger national rollout supported by UNICEF. This training is a core pillar of the NDMA’s Community Resilience Building Program, which seeks to strengthen disaster readiness, increase local awareness, and foster grassroots resilience against natural and man-made hazards. By empowering local communities to manage the initial stages of a disaster, the NDMA aims to create a more robust national safety net, ensuring that no island is left vulnerable due to its distance from central hubs.