Shillong, Nov  26: Training program on Disaster Psycho Social Care was held on Tuesday organised by Meghalaya State Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority , New Delhi. A Day long training was held to address the need of the hour  for all stakeholders in disaster management initiatives to also focus their efforts on addressing the psycho–social effects on victims of disasters.

Minister i/c Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Meghalaya Kyrmen Shylla, while speaking at the inaugural function of the one day training programme on Disaster Psycho Social Care, said  “No one who witness a disaster is untouched by it”.

Stating that disasters leave long lasting social, economic and psychological scars,  Shylla added that the need of the hour is for all stakeholders in disaster management initiatives to also focus their efforts on addressing the psycho–social effects on victims of disasters. Adding that the guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is a comprehensive policy guidelines which outlines the need for integrating Psycho-Social Support in Disaster Management, he said that it is the responsibility of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of the country to take stock of the NDMA’s guidelines and take necessary measures for the same.

Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Meghalaya, M. S. Rao, in his address   said that in view of the dearth of professionals in the field of psychological support, the workshop is aimed at capacity building of volunteers who could reach out to victims of disasters and help them in the road to recovery. Pointing that most rescue and relief efforts focus on the physical aspects of handling of disaster situations,  Rao said the psychological aspects also need to be given equal importance throughout the phases of the exercise which includes rescues, relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding.

Representatives from DDMA, UNDP, Education Department, Health, Social Welfare, Fire and Emergency Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, MIMHANS, Shillong, Commissioner of Disabilities, MATI, Shillong, Mary Rice School and Bethany Society attended the programme.

 Senior Consultant, NDMA , Maitreyee Mukherjee, conducted the training programme as resource person on topics which included Psychosocial Support for Disaster Management,  Psychosocial Support for Vulnerable Groups and Self Care for Psychosocial Support Providers.