NDMA Trains Kelaa Emergency Responders to Strengthen Island Disaster Resilience

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has concluded a five-day intensive workshop in Kelaa, Haa Alifu Atoll, focused on developing a comprehensive Disaster Management Plan and empowering local emergency responders. Running from August 16 to 20, the initiative brought together over 30 key stakeholders, including members of the Kelaa Council, representatives from local institutions, and community volunteers. The program was designed to move beyond theoretical planning, providing the island with a practical framework to handle environmental and geographical crises. The first three days of the workshop focused on strategic drafting. Participants conducted detailed analyses of the specific hazards facing Kelaa, discussing mitigation strategies and identifying concrete steps to reduce the risk of future disasters. The final two days shifted toward capacity building for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This team, composed of institutional staff and local volunteers, underwent rigorous training that culminated in a live simulation exercise. The drill served as a critical test of the community's coordination and operational readiness during an emergency scenario. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister of State for Defence and National Service Aishath Safoora emphasized that the training is a vital step toward achieving national self-reliance. She noted that the initiative aligns with the President's vision to build resilient communities across the archipelago, expressing hope that similar collaborations will be implemented on other islands. The workshop was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF. According to the NDMA, the creation of island-level disaster plans and the professional training of responders are central pillars of its Community-Based Resilience Building (CBRB) program. Following the successful implementation in Kelaa, the NDMA has announced that plans are already underway to roll out these resilience programs to other islands across the Maldives, ensuring that local communities are the first line of defense against natural disasters.