78 volunteers complete ‘Youth Disaster Responder’ training in Hyderabad

Seventy-eight volunteers have successfully completed a week-long specialized training program organized by HYDRAA under the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) ‘Youth Disaster Responder’ initiative. The program aimed to equip young volunteers with essential skills to protect themselves and others during emergencies and respond effectively to natural disasters.

The training, which began last Wednesday at HYDRAA and included participants selected from Giriraj Government Degree College in Nizamabad district, combined classroom sessions with hands-on field exercises. Volunteers learned first response techniques, basic rescue operations, fire safety, flood preparedness, and interpreting meteorological data, along with other practical skills essential for disaster management.

On Tuesday, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath presented certificates to the trained volunteers. Addressing the participants, he encouraged them by saying, “There is nothing you cannot achieve with effort.” He also emphasized the importance of personal development alongside technical skills and advised volunteers to remain calm during crises and coordinate with other agencies for effective disaster response.

As part of the practical exercises, volunteers visited areas like Gulzar House and Batukamma Kunti to gain hands-on experience in handling fire hazards and flood situations. They were trained in first aid, kitchen safety, understanding weather alerts, and the functioning of command control rooms. Officials including HYDRAA Additional Director Varla Papayya, Additional Commissioner R. Sudarshan, Range Forest Officer (RFO) Jayaprakash, and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Gautam participated in the program.

Volunteers expressed that the training had boosted their confidence and provided a clear understanding of government procedures during emergencies. They found the field exercises especially valuable, stating that it not only taught them disaster management skills but also teamwork and coordination. The participants said they now feel prepared to protect themselves and others, and thanked the HYDRAA officials for the guidance and support.