Oman to mark Civil Defence Day with focus on disaster management

By Mai Al Abria — MUSCAT: FEB. 28 - Oman, along with other country members of the International Organisation of Civil Protection, will celebrate the World Day of Civil Defence on March 1. The Sultanate, represented by the Public Authority of Civil Defence and the Ambulance (PACDA), will celebrate the day. This year’s slogan is  ‘Together with Civil Defence Against Disasters’ in recognition of the efforts of Civil Defence in protecting lives and property, and “minimising effects of emergencies”. The day is an opportunity to “spread the culture of risk prevention” through training and awareness campaigns in all the governorates across the country.

One of the most important services provided by PACDA is firefighting. In recent years, it has acquired several sophisticated devices and equipment in its efforts to protect life and property. The continuous training and rehabilitation courses held by its training department has helped create qualified human cadre with a high level of proficiency to deal with different types of fires. The ‘rescue service’ has emerged remarkably in recent times. Many vehicles, cranes, hydraulic ladders and modern equipment were acquired, aiding rescue operations during road accidents.

PACDA also enhanced the capabilities and potential of teams working in water rescue operations and provided them with the latest equipment.

It has saved many citizens and residents, including from drowning, during climatic adversities witnessed by the Sultanate.

PACDA has a mobile search team (K9) that began working since the beginning of 2016 through use of search dogs to look for bodies or those trapped under the rubble.

It has set regulations commensurate with the nature of risks involved in commercial and industrial establishments. The General Directorate for Civil Protection has updated electronic programmes to facilitate procedures of applicants

The Civil Protection Department is also working to intensify inspection campaigns for commercial and industrial facilities to prevent fires.

PACDA provides its services through 56 centres for Civil Defence and 36 stations for ambulance services. In the last three years, many centres were inaugurated in Bahla, Liwa, Al Duqm and Jaalan Bani Bu Ali.

PACDA provides ambulance services for those injured in road accidents.