Mobile vans mobilised for quake safety awareness

By Raju Lamichhane

Rukum West, Jan. 16: Mobile vans or roving vehicles have been deployed in earthquake-affected Rukum West and Jajarkot districts to generate awareness. 

These ‘mobile vans’ showcase video materials to inform the affected communities about post-disaster reconstruction, safe housing and combating sexual exploitation and abuse in workplaces.

The programme is conducted by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) under a joint recovery initiative in Jajarkot and Rukum West, with support from the British Embassy (FCDO). Through the Rural Youth Concern Centre, the IOM has mobilised volunteers to operate the mobile van programme across 13 municipalities in these districts.

Chandra Adhikari, an IOM engineer, said that large-screen televisions mounted on pickup trucks were used to display the awareness videos in the most affected settlements of the two districts. He said that delivering messages through video materials during disasters has proven effective.

For individuals left homeless and distressed by the disaster, these video screenings served as a valuable medium for both entertainment and awareness. The video content focused on reconstruction, building safe houses, eco-friendly CSEB bricks and messages against sexual exploitation and abuse.

Adhikari said that the people from the affected communities gathered around the mobile vans to watch the videos. They also asked questions about unclear points in the videos and even requested video screenings in other areas.

Sharda Khadka Oli of Tribeni Rural Municipality-10, Rukum West, said that the videos taught her the importance of constructing earthquake-resistant homes following government standards. She also learned the importance of being vigilant against the potential for sexual exploitation of affected individuals.

Similarly, Kamala Chand of Kushe Rural Municipality-5, Jajarkot, said that the videos effectively highlighted the risks of workplace sexual harassment and abuse. She also gained insights about constructing homes in compliance with government regulations and expert advice.

According to Madhav Chand, Team Leader of the Rural Youth Concern Centre, volunteers were deployed over the past two months across seven municipalities in Jajarkot and six in Rukum West. These volunteers helped disseminate information, engage affected communities, address their queries and generate awareness during video exhibitions.

Under IOM's leadership, the mobile van programme was conducted in 35 locations in Jajarkot and 30 in Rukum West. Around 3,000 people attended the video screenings and gained valuable knowledge, Chand informed.