Mpika District Commissioner, David Siame has urged the newly formed Satellite Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to be proactive in order to help the community before and after disaster.

ZANIS reports that Mr Siame was speaking during the official launch of the Satellite Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) elections held in Mukungwa Ward of Mpika District in Muchinga Province.

He said SDMC’s are cardinal in the promotion of disaster risk reduction among communities and the district at large.

The DC explained that the Committee will be carrying out duties such as reporting disaster and potential disaster, as well as responding to disasters at community level among other duties.

“These Committee must ensure that all activities related to disasters are identified and reported to the District early enough so that necessary measures are taken swiftly,” Mr Siame said.

The District Commissioner further said that other than reporting and mitigating disasters, the Committee will be sensitizing communities on how to handle disasters.

Meanwhile Mpika Town Council Secretary Samuel Musenga has urged the community to support and work closely with the newly formed Satellite Disaster Management Committee in order to achieve the desired goals of the Committee.

And Mpika District Disaster Management and Mitigation Unity (DMMU) Officer Mwale Mwale said the Satellite Disaster Management Committees will be formed in all the 12 Wards of Mpika District.