The Preparedness Partnership of Cambodia (PPC) established under APP,  is working towards improving preparedness for response and recovery from disasters in Cambodia comprising representation from the government, the private sector and the local humanitarian network- Cambodia Humanitarian Forum. In accordance with its roadmap and action plan, PPC organized a 5-day training course on Emergency Assessment in Pursat province from 22-26 October, 2018.

Facilitated by ADPC with partners, 19 participants representing government staff from naitional, provincial levels and local NGOs working in DRR attended the event. Participants workes towards developing a common understanding on emergency assessment methodology, effective techniques for damage and needs assessment to be deployed for efficient humanitarian coordination in disasters.

Opening the session was H.E. Nkek Bunrith, Deputy Secretary General of the National Committee on Disaster Management (NCDM), who explained that the event was part of the NCDM strategy to strengthen capacity development in line with government policy. This was seconded by Mr. Him Saroeurn, Director of the Support Organization for Rural Farmers (SORF) and CHF Steering Committee Member, who commended the progress of local NGOs in improving their capacities to lead and coordinate during disasters but believes more needs be done.

H.E Khun Sokha, Director of Department of Preparedness and Training, NCDM, opened the first session with a sense of urgency. He emphasized to participants that people affected by disasters are waiting for us to respond, and believed that the course was designed to help those in need by providing an effective overview of disaster coordination and assessment methodologies. 

H.E Khun Sokha, Director for Department of Preparedness and Training, NCDM talking to participants.