PRESS RELEASE
Awantipora, Oct 14: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) observed the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2026 by organising a one-day workshop on the theme ‘Resilience Starts at Home’ on Tuesday. The programme was organised by the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR) and the Disaster Risk Reduction Club, in collaboration with the Office of the Proctor, to promote disaster preparedness and community-level resilience.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Irfan Maqbool Bhat, Coordinator, CDRR, highlighted the Centre’s ongoing capacity-building initiatives and training programmes for university stakeholders.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Farooq Hussain Bhat, Dean, School of Sciences, emphasised the importance of integrating disaster preparedness into household and institutional practices. He called for risk-informed planning, interdisciplinary research and greater student engagement in disaster risk reduction, stressing that preparedness must become a shared responsibility and a part of everyday life.
In her special remarks, Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, IUST, highlighted the need for practical safety measures at homes and institutions, including accessible emergency exits and basic safety equipment. She emphasised that while disasters may be unavoidable, their impact can be minimised through preparedness.
Mr. Qazi Qammer Iqbal, Dean, School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, underscored the link between sustainable resource management and disaster risk mitigation, noting that the imprudent use of energy and natural resources can increase disaster risks.
A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation of disaster response plans and vulnerability maps of different districts by student groups, showcasing their efforts to identify risks and strengthen preparedness at the community level. The programme also featured a live fire safety and emergency response demonstration conducted in collaboration with Fire and Emergency Services, Awantipora, providing students and faculty with practical exposure to emergency response techniques.
