The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has facilitated the establishment and training of a search and rescue (SAR) team in Likoma District.
The SAR team will be responsible for providing life-saving interventions in case of disasters and marine accidents.
Speaking on Tuesday (12th April, 2022) when she presided over the opening ceremony, DoDMA’s Chief Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, Natasha Mbengo, said the Island had been operating without a SAR team despite being one of the disaster-prone districts in the country.
“Likoma’s exposure to disasters is not dependent on seasons. The district is exposed to strong Mwera and Chiperoni winds as often forecast by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services.
“Due to its geographical position, the district experiences a lot of marine accidents resulting in loss of lives and property. As a department, following a request made by the [Likoma] District Council, we decided to establish the team so that it should be providing search and rescue services.
“The team has also been imparted with knowledge on safety regulations for sailing through waters,” said Mbengo.
She then advised the team members to be committed to their cause as they will be working on voluntary basis.
In his remarks, Likoma District Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Leonard Kathalowamo, commended the department for the training.
“It is barely a month since we made the request for the establishment of a search and rescue team. For the first time, Likoma has a sound SAR team. As a council, we are committed to supporting the team in any efforts aimed at saving lives and property. As for the team, dedication is key to achieving any goal,” said Kathalowamo.
Eighty per cent of the established team comprises local fishermen from Chizumulu and Likoma Islands.
The team underwent a two and a half day training in SAR, basic first aid, emergency evacuation planning, basic water rescue, basic fire search and rescue and stress management for traumatic service providers.
