Leribe, Apr. 20 – The Leribe District, through the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), has begun a two-day simulation exercise in Hlotse aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness in the area.
The exercise, which started on Monday and ends on Tuesday, brings together members of the District Disaster Management Team (DDMT), the Urban Preparedness Response Team, urban chiefs and councillors under the Urban Preparedness Project.
Officially opening the event, Leribe District Administrator Mr. Letsema Khalanyane said the simulation exercise is important in improving the district’s readiness to respond to disasters.
He noted that the exercise will help strengthen strategies to deal with possible disasters, especially as the winter season approaches.
Mr. Khalanyane further said that knowledge about disasters is key in overcoming their impact.
Speaking at the same event, DMA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Reatile Elias said the authority has the full mandate to respond to disasters.
He added that DMA has developed frameworks to guide disaster response, including the Urban Preparedness Project.
Mr. Elias said the simulation exercise is therefore critical in preparing the district for future disasters, warning that lack of preparation may lead to failure in executing duties when disasters occur.
On behalf of the facilitators, Mr. Khotso Mahomo said simulation exercises are an important part of the disaster preparedness cycle.
He explained that such exercises are cost-effective tools for planning and responding to emergencies. Mr. Mahomo also said the Exercise Management Team is made up of facilitators, evaluators and observers.
He added that participants are expected to follow rules which include playing their roles, working as a team and focusing on solutions.
The Urban Preparedness Project focuses on disaster risk reduction in Hlotse and Maputsoe, particularly in flood-prone areas such as Matukeng.
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