The Rotary International District (RID) 3292 Nepal-Bhutan in collaboration with the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has scaled up efforts in the Kathmandu Valley. This is part of ongoing plans of providing the valley with fire-fighting and humanitarian kits.
As part of the programme, 10 acquaboxes have been handed over to Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Butwal and Dhangadhi Rotary Clubs each. The aquaboxes and fire-fighting gears were donated by Rotary Club of Wirksworth and the UK-based firm, respectively.
Fire-fighting gears were also provided with the objective of managing essential equipment and humanitarian goods before tackling disasters in the first phase. The acquabox contains clothing and hygiene equipment for humanitarian and emergency relief with special focus on women and children. Other materials include fireproof jackets and stretchers.
The RID 3292 is also doing its groundwork to provide aquaboxes and firefighting gears to nine other cities as well. Rotarian Governor Dilendra Raj Shrestha said they were planning to manage 200 units of shelter box to be used during disasters. “We have stepped up our efforts in association with the Government and the Nepali Army,” he commented.
John Monaghan, Station Manager of Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue, said his organisation has been working to produce skilled fire-fighters for the past five years. “We have offered fire-fighting training to 104 people in 22 cities of Nepal. Tangible change has been seen between then and now in terms of their capacity to tackle disasters,” he said. Monaghan’s office will also provide two small fire trucks to two municipalities soon.
