Over 2,200 people died last year in India due to natural disasters and extreme weather events. Heavy monsoon rains, flooding, and extreme tropical cyclones are devastating, but people living in underserved
urban and rural communities are most negatively affected. Those without stable homes, infrastructure, and resources to construct protections from the elements are the most vulnerable and at risk of devastating tragedy.
The GPM Rural Emergency Response Program that began during
Covid has launched a ‘First Responders’
training course to support the 57 villages of Mokhada in times of natural
disasters. The training course, which takes place at the GPM medical clinic,
the Mokhada Community Healthcare Center, is being taught by expert government
trainers to fifty participants, including five GPM staff, in life-saving methods
and
techniques to use in climate emergencies.
“We hope that this cohort of first responders will receive
the knowledge and skills that they need to save lives of people living in Mokhada,”
said GPM India director Kenneth Dsouza. “I’m proud that we at GPM are able to
serve the community in such a vital and meaningful way.”
