SADC Emergency Response Training Begins in Nyanga

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

The Southern African Development Community has begun training the second cohort of its Emergency Response Team in Nyanga as part of efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in the region.

The programme, funded under the 11th European Development Fund Intra-African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Programme, has brought together participants from across SADC Member States for induction training.

Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection, Nathan Nkomo, said hazards in the region were becoming more complex and frequent, posing serious humanitarian challenges.

“Trends are showing us that hazards are becoming more frequent and more complex, causing humanitarian challenges in the region and the world in general,” he said.

He added that the establishment of the Emergency Response Team was a bold decision taken by the SADC Committee of Ministers responsible for Disaster Management to support affected countries.

“I believe that the trust bestowed upon you by your respective countries is testament to your unwavering support towards the good cause that we are all yearning for as SADC, which is to have a versatile Emergency Response Team that will come in handy in times of disaster,” Nkomo said.

The training, which follows the first cohort held in July 2024 in Maun, Botswana, is aimed at preparing members for rapid deployment to assist disaster-stricken Member States with coordination of regional humanitarian response.

It is being conducted in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and is based on the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Mission Cycle, adapted to the SADC context.

The course combines plenary and group sessions, desktop exercises, and simulation activities designed to strengthen readiness for emergencies.