Mandela University lecturers participated in flood response training in Malawi, organized by Rescue-SA and UK-ISAR. The “Train-the-Trainer” program focused on strategic flood response and powerboat rescue skills. With Africa having the highest drowning rates globally, this training aims to combat drowning incidents exacerbated by climate change. The initiative promises benefits for students and strengthens the University’s role in global disaster response education.
Lecturers from Mandela University have recently participated in specialized flood response training in Malawi, organized through partnerships by Rescue-SA. This initiative falls under a comprehensive program led by UK-ISAR, aimed at enhancing disaster response capacities in Africa. With prior collaboration during events like Cyclone Freddy in 2023, such training is integral in addressing regional emergencies.
The training, titled “Train-the-Trainer,” concentrated on strategic and tactical flood response techniques, incorporating essential skills for powerboat rescues. Participants are expected to disseminate their newly acquired knowledge within their institutions and communities, with a specific focus on combating the high drowning statistics observed across Africa, which are aggravated by suboptimal rescue services amidst floods.
Africa witnesses the highest drowning rates worldwide, with estimations of 66,000 fatalities each year, predominantly in rural and flood-prone areas where emergency services are scarce. Shockingly, this amounts to approximately 1,477 drownings annually, translating to a rate of 2.54 deaths per 100,000 population. Children under the age of five represent the most vulnerable demographic, frequently succumbing to drowning incidents in bodies of water.
The increasing frequency and intensity of floods, largely driven by climate change, exacerbate the drowning toll, particularly affecting individuals in low-lying and informal settlements. Recent disasters like Cyclone Freddy have underscored the urgent requirement for adept aquatic rescue teams in these vulnerable regions.
This training signifies a pivotal advancement for Mandela University and the Department of Emergency Medical Care (EMC), promising extensive advantages for students, staff, as well as the larger emergency response ecosystem. The expertise and insights gained will be woven into the EMC curriculum, equipping students with advanced flood and aquatic rescue techniques necessary for modern emergencies.
Moreover, the experience will contribute to creating novel simulation-based learning modules, providing students with opportunities to engage in realistic rescue training prior to graduation. The program not only strengthens the University’s commitment to emergency response education but also promotes partnerships with global entities like UK-ISAR and Rescue-SA, paving the way for future collaborative training and projects in the region.
In summary, the participation of Mandela University lecturers in flood response training in Malawi represents a significant advance in enhancing disaster response capabilities. It addresses the critical issue of drowning in Africa while equipping students and professionals with vital skills. This initiative fosters collaboration with international organizations, ensuring improved preparedness and response in the face of increasingly severe flooding events.
Original Source: news.mandela.ac.za
