Every year 52 villages in Pazhaverkadu area (Pulicat) is affected by anyone of the natural disasters cyclone, heavy rainfall, fire and so on. ATSWA being pioneers in reaching the affected people since 2005 have initiated a Disaster Response & Risk Reduction program in this area since 2022. Our motto is to ensure the column under mortality Rate/number always remains “ZERO”.
We gave adequate awareness/training programs to school going children, youths, women on various natural disasters, man-made disasters, how to tackle the situation, escape mechanisms to safe guard themselves and others, move to safe places, first aid techniques, fire safety techniques, evacuation methods. ELCA ATSWA Rescue Team of 60 members was formed from these trainees to be in place during disasters. It had both gender representations; it was registered under local police station, fire safety department and state disaster management team.
The following are imparted with knowledge on disasters, escape mechanism, rescue management, first aid techniques, live saving methods, evacuation methods, leading people to safe shelters.
In a pioneering move, the “ATSWA Rescue Team” has emerged as a beacon of hope and solidarity for communities across ten villages, comprising 35 men and 15 women.
During Cyclone “MICHAUNG”, they operated boat services across isolated villages for nine days, relocating residents and distributing relief materials. Their work has inspired many to come forward and volunteer.
They are trained in disaster management, first aid and emergency response, and are officially supported by local administration bodies.
