Himachal’s Cry for Help: Volunteers Urgently Needed as Disaster Looms...Learning lessons from disasters of 2023.

SHIMLA: With monsoon season already drenching Himachal Pradesh, the State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has finally sounded the alarm, seeking volunteers for a desperate bid to tackle the inevitable disasters ahead.

HPSDMA, now rallying under the banner of "Swift Action Volunteers for Emergency Response (SAVER)," is scrambling to put together teams at district and subdivision levels.

But the reality on the ground paints a grim picture: they’re severely short on both manpower and equipment.

We’re understaffed and under-equipped," admits an official. "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much."

This call for volunteers isn't just a formality—it's a lifeline. 

The Grim Reality

From July to August 2023, Himachal Pradesh was battered by heavy rains and floods, causing landslides, road blockages, and massive damage to infrastructure.

HPSDMA is limping along with only 120 disaster response personnel and a handful of equipment scattered across the state. For a region this prone to natural calamities, that's a drop in the ocean. It depends upon the NDRF for equipment and rescue so far. 

A Call to Action

HPSDMA is now urging the public to step up. The newly launched SAVER initiative aims to jack up the disaster response team with everyday heroes—people who can make a difference.

Whether it's clearing debris, delivering supplies, or providing first aid, SAVER or general public volunteers help could save lives.

To join, simply fill out the enrollment form available on the HPSDMA website. Your participation could be the critical support needed when disaster strikes.

A Glimmer of Hope

It may be late, but as HPSDMA underscores, **"there is never too late once you wake up."*

The monsoon has begun, and the clock is ticking. But with team effort, there’s hope to mitigate the worst and stand resilient in the face of natural fury, said the officials.