Tajikistan : Village disaster preparedness committees exchange best practices

DOUCHANBE [ACTED News] - ACTED organized competitions between 97 Village Disaster Preparedness Committees (VDPCs) in 3 flood-prone districts of Khatlon province, Tajikistan : Farkhor, Hamadoni, and Pyanj, under its community participatory flood management project funded by the Asian Development Bank.

VDPCs aid timely mobilization of the community to help cope with, mitigate, and prevent disasters. Established with ACTED’s facilitation, VDPCs provide information on the identification of potential risks and hazards, and best practice in emergencies.

Competitions tested the 291 VDPC members’ (including 72 women) awareness of disaster preparation and response, facilitated experience exchanges regarding risk and hazard monitoring, and demonstrated examples of self-implemented projects. Competitors drew evacuation maps, were quizzed on VDPC functions, and installed first aid tents. Winners received certificates and valuable prizes.