Tehran, as one of the most populous metropolises in Iran, always requires preparedness and coordination among various agencies when facing natural challenges such as floods. In this context, Ali Nasiri, head of the Tehran Disaster Prevention and Management Organization, announced the completion of this exercise on the sidelines of the second day of the fourth skill enhancement and operational exercise for floods and survival in harsh conditions.
Purpose of the Operational Exercise
Nasiri pointed out the main goal of this exercise was to increase readiness and coordination among rescue and service agencies. He stated: "This program was held over two days. On the first day, colleagues set up the camp, became familiar with tenting, and participated in seven skill training classes."
The training included topics such as flood rescue, working with GPS, crisis management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation of victims, environmental health, setting up sanitary services, chlorination of water, and working with various water pumping devices. These trainings were designed to ensure greater preparedness of forces in facing natural crises.
Second Day Exercises and Evaluations
On the second day of the exercise, various groups from five districts of Tehran and staff colleagues, divided into women's and men's groups, practiced the skills they had learned the previous day. Meanwhile, rescue agencies also engaged in their specialized activities and tested their equipment. According to Nasiri, "The Red Crescent forces tested their equipment, firefighters conducted rescues of hypothetical victims, and colleagues from the emergency services, Behesht Zahra Organization, water and wastewater company, electricity company, and other agencies also performed their duties."
Nasiri emphasized the importance of this exercise for the second time this year, stating: "Our goal is that if a flood occurs in Tehran, the agencies are more prepared and coordinated, and their equipment has been tested in advance. Given the concerns of warfare and security, we should not be caught off guard by the threat of floods."
He also discussed the assessment of the readiness of the forces, saying: "The evaluation of this course has been conducted by doctoral students in related fields of crisis management, and we have not yet received the final results. However, based on initial evidence and observations, the agencies were more coordinated and prepared compared to the camp held a month ago. Nevertheless, we are still far from the desired status; however, compared to our past, we are significantly more prepared."
