A view of Disaster Management Camp-8 launched by QRCS.
DOHA: Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched its 8th Disaster Management Camp (DMC-8) at the Marine Scout Camp in Al-Khor.
Sponsored by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM), the 10-day event is attended by 350 trainees and trainers from Qatari government bodies and NGOs, friendly National Societies, the United Nations, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The list of contributors to the event include the Permanent Committee for Emergency, Qatar Armed Forces (QAF), the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, General Administration of Civil Defence, General Administration of Traffic, North Security Department, Al Fazaa, Lekhwiya, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar Scout & Guide Association, Media Youth Center, Ras Laffan Emergency and Safety College (RLESC), Ooredoo, Qatar TV, Al-Rayyan Satellite Channel, Al Khor & Dhekra Municipality, and a number of companies.
As the only Arabic-speaking specialized training event of its kind, the purpose of the camp is to build a well-trained base of volunteers who respond to disasters timely and effectively, enhance coordination with relevant organisations and authorities, minimize casualties and property losses, and help the society recover from any future disasters.
The agenda of the Camp involves two categories of theoretical and practical training: (1) specialized training in six fields (assessment and field coordination, shelter and registration, water and sanitation, food and distribution, emergency planning, and emergency health care), and (2) general evening training in seven specialties (Sphere Project, media and communication in emergency, disaster management and leadership in humanitarian action, disaster management, leadership in humanitarian action, psychological support, safer access, and restoring family links).
Seven disaster management camps were organized in 2006, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017, which graduated hundreds of volunteers who later engaged in QRCS’s disaster response efforts internationally.
