Brics delegates witness live demo of life-saving ops at Ramachandi estuary

Puri: The delegates, attending the three-day Brics Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group technical meeting in Puri, on the concluding day on Friday, witnessed a live demonstration of life-saving operations in water-related accidents at Ramachandi estuary. Wearing life jackets, the delegates navigated the water by boat, and observed various safety protocols and rescue measures in place.

As per a programme organised by Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (Oswali) at Ramachandi conducted the live demonstration.

Located at Ramachandi near Konark on the banks of Kushabhadra river adjacent to Bay of Bengal, Oswali serves as a premier centre of the govt for water safety and coastal resilience.

The delegates appreciated Oswali’s role in managing water-related disasters in the state, and watched the demonstrations with keen interest. “The level of training was very impressive,” a delegate from South Africa said. “It was amazing. We learned a lot,” another member said.

They delegates from member nations emphasised strengthening mutual cooperation in disaster management as they continued deliberations on various themes on the concluding day. They underscored that building disaster resilience hinges on robust partnerships and empowered communities.

They also thanked OSDMA for successfully organising the three-day international meet. The OSDMA executive director Kamal Lochan Mishra, along with senior officials, was present during the programme, an official release said.