Evacuation simulations for communities and school children are being carried out in ten villages in Lahewa sub-district, Nias, as this project draws to a close. In each village, local SATLINMAS members responsible for disaster risk reduction have been trained by ACTED to evaluate and map risks, and draw up disaster reduction plans.

Ibu Sorila Gea took part in this evacuation simulation, and as a SATLINMAS member responsible for village safety in emergencies, she has also been trained in disaster risk reduction and first aid. Ibu Gea and 99 other SATLINMAS members trained by ACTED have since been passing this information into their communities. Ibu Gea has also attended Disaster Risk Reduction meetings and conferences and encouraged her neighbours to do the same.

Communities have been central in selecting, designing and implementing projects to reduce the damage done by natural disasters. These projects have included the construction of water tanks and latrines, the rehabilitation of evacuation routes, and the identification of community evacuation points for use in the event of an emergency such as a tsunami. Emergency boxes containing essential gear such as cooking equipment will be distributed in the coming weeks.

In Lasare, the community decided to construct a water tank and latrines. In dry season, the whole community will be able to use water from this system, which harvests and stores rainwater. In an emergency situation, this water could save lives.

Children in 11 schools and communities in 10 villages have been trained in disaster preparedness, and individuals have been allocated specific responsibilites, such as sounding an alert, or caring for the injured. Ibu Gea’s three children and their teachers have learnt through song and practice how to safely evacuate their classrooms, reach the designated evacuation point in the event of an earthquake and care for any injured classmates.

One of the final stages of this multi-dimensional project, funded by AECID, a simulation evacuation was held in Lehawa just two days after a large earthquake of 7.8 on the Richter scale which thankfully caused no casualties or serious structual damages in the area. The importance and relevance of this training was, however, uppermost in everybody’s minds.