Training in initial damage assessment was delivered by The Asia Foundation, through ongoing support from the USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance.
The course was developed under the Pacific Disaster Risk Management based in Fiji.
Members of the IDA resource team included: Pacific Disaster Risk Management program director Kathryn Hawley, FSM OEEM representatives Oleen Poll Peter and Anthony Neth, Pohnpei Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management state disaster coordinator Dais Lorrin, Pohnpei Department of Public Safety Corrections Capt. Patterson Lawrence, and IDA course coordinator Vinson Henry.
If any area is struck by a disaster, local communities need to be able to count upon knowledgeable individuals who are immediately available to make accurate assessments.
IDA training provides individuals with the tools necessary to perform comprehensive assessments, which are a basis to request appropriate assistance.
Participants in the IDA training course came from a variety of government departments, Tofol-based organizations, and surrounding municipalities.
The training also enabled participants to develop partnerships and networks among the organizations and agencies in Kosrae involved in disaster management.
Such partnerships ensure an integrated approach to the building of national and state capacity in disaster management and response.
