[ 20 March 2009 ]

Mongolian rescue teams will undergo an advanced training in dealing with hazardous materials (Hazmat) on 20-30 April 2009. A specially selected core group of 15 trainees from 3 special units, namely the NEMA Special Rescue Unit, City Rescue HQ and Emergency Unit #105 will improve their skills in identifying, controlling, monitoring and neutralizing hazards and hazardous situations, deactivation and burying of radioactive pollution, modus operandi in biological contamination emergency.

The training which is organized with support from UNDP project “Strengthening Disaster Mitigation and Management System in Mongolia” will also equip participants with skills to operationalize the advanced equipment that was procured during the second phase of the project. The equipment, consisting of numerous chemical detectors, decontamination and mitigation tools will greatly enhance National Emergency Management Agency’s capacity in HazMat response.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Ganbold, Deputy Director, Commissioner of NEMA, Ms. Tungalag, Environment Practice Manager of UNDP, Ms. Bulganmurun, Programme Officer of UNDP, Mr. Boldbaatar, National Project Manager and Mr. Bayarsaikhan, National consultant as well as a  very experienced consultant Mr. Michael Chua Szu Chiap from COSEM Singapour who conducted the training. This advanced HazMat training will serve as a strong foundation and platform in achieving the overarching aim of implementing the long term strategy of Mongolia for disaster risk management to minimize vulnerability, improve preparedness and enhance institutional capacity for emergency response.

Before this advanced training, a two-week foundation course was conducted in October 2008, as part of the UNDP funded project to enhance Mongolia’s capacity for dealing with Hazardous Chemicals. The course which was highly successful provided the foundation for NEMA to improve the capability for HazMat emergency response.

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