Al-hodeidah: The first expanded consultative meeting for the Popular Civil Defense System was held on Monday in Al-Hodeidah city under the slogan "Integration of Official and Popular Efforts in Facing Aggression and Disasters."
According to Yemen News Agency, the meeting focused on enhancing the performance and field readiness of the Popular Civil Defense System. It emphasized the development of joint plans between official and community entities and coordinated efforts in training, rehabilitation, and securing necessary equipment.
Participants reviewed successful field experiences in disaster response and emergency management, highlighting the importance of raising community awareness on safety and prevention measures. They also stressed the need to expand public participation in rescue and relief activities.
Al-Hodeidah's First Undersecretary, Ahmed Al-Bishri, described the meeting as a significant step towards strengthening coordination between official and community bodies. This coordination is essential to ensure the Popular Civil Defense System's readiness in addressing various risks and challenges. He noted that current threats require improving rapid response mechanisms and enhancing the training of field personnel to effectively protect lives and property.
Al-Bishri emphasized that integrating efforts between government institutions and popular initiatives is key to strengthening society's ability to confront natural and emergency disasters. He highlighted the importance of involving various groups, including youth, students, and specialists, in protection and rescue plans. He affirmed that the provincial leadership is committed to supporting these teams and expanding their operations to cover all districts of Al-Hodeidah. This commitment aims to foster a culture of preparedness and response under all circumstances. He called on government agencies, organizations, and the local community to fulfill their responsibilities in supporting the Popular Civil Defense System as a collective national duty.
For his part, Mohammed Halisi, the Undersecretary for Services, considered the meeting a platform to unify visions and exchange expertise among stakeholders in the Popular Civil Defense System. He stressed that organized and planned work is essential to ensuring rapid response and minimizing losses during disasters or crises.
Meanwhile, Ali Khammash, the official in charge of the Popular Civil Defense System in the province, presented the system's upcoming field action plan. This plan includes specialized training programs, workshops, and disaster simulation drills to enhance preparedness. He explained that the system is expanding its network of field teams across all districts in cooperation with local authorities and youth initiatives to ensure swift and efficient response to emergencies.