ITANAGAR, Jul 16: The three-day training programme on Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), the Arunachal Pradesh Disaster Reporting & Information System (APDRIS), Geographical Information System (GIS), and Drone Operations for all District Disaster Management Officers (DDMOs) concluded today in Itanagar. The training was organized by the Department of Disaster Management.
The first two days of the programme were dedicated to building capacity in Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). Dr. Mukunda Upadhyay, a renowned Disaster Management Expert, having a vast experience working with UNICEF and Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) facilitated the sessions. PDNA is a vital tool for assessing damages, economic losses, and recovery needs following a disaster. It helps guide the formulation of a comprehensive, evidence-based recovery and reconstruction strategy. As a government-led initiative, PDNA involves collaboration between national and international stakeholders, integrating sectoral assessments, socio-economic data, and community inputs. This holistic approach supports decision-makers in transitioning from relief to long-term recovery with clarity and prioritized action.
On the final day, the focus shifted to the hands-on training on the newly developed Arunachal Pradesh Disaster Reporting & Information System (APDRIS) which is designed to centralize and streamline the reporting, monitoring, and management of disaster-related incidents in the state. The system enables district-level authorities to upload real-time data, photographs, and situation reports during disasters such as floods, landslides, earthquakes etc. Through APDRIS, the State aims to significantly enhance situational awareness, facilitate inter-agency coordination, and support timely decision-making for disaster response and resource allocation.
The DDMOs also received hands-on training in the fundamentals of GIS and its application in disaster risk reduction. GIS is a powerful tool that aids in risk mapping, emergency planning, and informed decision-making during response and recovery phases. Additionally, participants were introduced to drone operations, which are increasingly becoming essential for real-time situational assessment and mapping during emergencies. Timothy Nima, Technical Officer and Vishnu Dutta, Assistant Scientific Officer, Arunachal Pradesh Space Application Centre (APSAC) imparted the training.
During the inaugural session, Christine Wanglat, Joint Director (Disaster Management), emphasized the importance of the training, stating that PDNA would greatly enhance the state's post-disaster response capabilities by introducing a structured and evidence-based methodology. Nob Tsering, Joint Director (Disaster Management), also addressed the gathering and highlighted the department's ongoing efforts in strengthening disaster preparedness and capacity-building initiatives across districts. He highlighted the critical role of PDNA, GIS, drone technology, and the new digital disaster reporting system in strengthening disaster preparedness and response. He urged all DDMOS to actively participate in each session to strengthen their practical skills and enhance overall disaster management effectiveness.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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