Participant name: Mr.Samir Abbasov
Program name: Disaster management for landslide and sediment-related disasters (triggered by heavy rainfall, earthquake and volcanic activity)
Program period: October 3 – December 9, 2016
Japan International Cooperation Agency conducted training program on Disaster management for landslide and sediment-related disasters (triggered by heavy rainfall, earthquake and volcanic activity) during October 2 – December 10, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. 20 delegates from 14 countries attended this training program. During the first decade of the program, each participant made presentations on the role of the organizations in the management of sediment-related disasters, disaster management in their countries, as well as on the measures taken and the existing problems.
The number, frequency and intensity of natural disaster is increasing around the world. Flood, landslides during the recently years reflects the growing number of disasters like these. On the other hand, growing number of the population living in dangerous areas affected by flood and landslide causing further aggravation of the problem. Under the influence of natural and anthropogenic disasters, increasing the amount of casualties and economic losses are increasing.
The aim of the training program was to increase knowledge and skills in the field of the sediment on the disaster prevention and mitigation through structural and non-structural measures.
The structure of the training program consisted of four elements:
- general knowledge on administration and activity of disaster prevention/mitigation;
- basic and applied technology on countermeasures of sediment-related disasters;
- field study of disasters and their countermeasures induced by heavy rain, earthquake and volcanic activity;
- exercise on issues related to sediment-related disaster prevention/mitigation.
Training in Japan provided me with theoretical knowledge and practical skills as well it was also great opportunity for me to know more about history, traditions and customs of Japan. İn my opinion, one of the main reasons for the rapid progress of Japan had been mutual confidence and trust among people. This mutual trust should be an example for everyone.
At the end of the course all participants individually, including representative of Azerbaijan presented the Action Plan presentation, which reflected the experience in Japan and their possible application in the future. All participants were awarded a JICA certificate of completion of training course. I am sure, that all the knowledge and experience that I gained during the training in Japan will be very useful for my future career, as well contribute to the development of disaster management sector in Azerbaijan.
We visited relevant organizations and facilities, and learned about the roles that need to be played by the central and local governments, lifeline companies, research institutes, meteorological agencies, the media, hospitals, and NPOs. We also learned about GIS technologies, international disaster reduction cooperation, and disaster prevention education.
Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the JICA HQ and JICA Activities in Azerbaijan for providing us with such a chance to participate at this training.
Mr. Samir Abbasov is on the left