Ģ����ý

In Sri Lanka, many still remember the 2004 tsunami with vivid clarity. With coastal communities that remain highly vulnerable to tsunamis and other climate-related hazards, the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) has been organizing Swift Water Search and Rescue (SAR) training programmes to directly support national tsunami preparedness efforts.

One of the trainees, Dr. Anjalee Biyanwila from the Sri Lanka Medical Association, said “World Tsunami Awareness Day is a hallmark of appreciating the preparedness, recognising the threats, and refining the response."

Swift water search and rescue operations: An opportunity for private sector engagement

Through the specialized programmes in swift water and technical rope rescue offered by A-PAD SL over the years, 160 personnel—including 110 military members and 50 civilian participants from the private sector— have undergone rigorous training and are equipped to conduct lifesaving operations in challenging water-based scenarios. These skills are essential for tsunami response, where floodwaters, debris, and hazardous conditions can complicate rescue efforts. 

The private sector’s involvement also plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness, bringing valuable resources, infrastructure, and logistical support that enhance community readiness and help bridge potential response gaps. For instance, local businesses often contribute transportation, communication networks, and even safe shelters, ensuring that the response is swift and that affected areas receive timely assistance.

has also been a focus, with 20 women trained to date. It strengthens community trust, improves communication, and ensures that the specific needs of all survivors – especially women and children – are met during rescue operations. By empowering women in these roles, A-PAD SL is not only enhancing gender equality in disaster response but also building a more comprehensive and resilient approach to community safety and well-being.

Investing in greater preparedness: International training in Taiwan

If a river was described as having swift and unpredictable currents punctuated by rapids, most people would steer clear. The Xiuguluan River in Hualien County, Taiwan, matches that profile, making it ideal for SAR operatives to practice essential swift water search and rescue skills: drifting, flat jumps, rafting, river-crossing, navigating capsizing scenarios, swimming in eddy currents, and more. 

That’s what 30 individuals have been doing over the past two weeks. Representing Japan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand, they participated in a swift water and rope rescue training programme led by a team of internationally certified trainers. This was deemed a pivotal opportunity to bolster Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, and ultimately saving lives during emergencies.

The team also concentrated on whirlpool rescue operations, mastering critical survival techniques, and executing coordinated rescue scenarios within a specialized simulation facility. These exercises were designed to strengthen the team’s capacity for handling complex water rescue emergencies.

This intensive 14-day training programme in Taiwan was supported by the National Fire Agency of the Ministry of the Interior of Taiwan, the OCHA/UNDP Connecting Business initiative, and A-PAD International. The goal of the “2024 Joint Indo-Pacific Region Swift Water and Rope Rescue Training Program” was to enhance the skills needed for swift water and technical rope rescue, preparing personnel for the unique demands of tsunami response and other water-related disasters.

By promoting and integrating private-sector partners into emergency response frameworks, A-PAD Sri Lanka strengthens the overall capacity for rapid, coordinated, and effective responses to coastal disasters in a way that engages across sectors and caters to specific needs of vulnerable populations – and sets an example for others to follow.