In the wake of the earthquake that struck and caused heavy damages in some states bordering Nepal recently, All India Radio stations situated in the affected areas have been playing a vital role in disaster management communication to bring succour to the affected people.

AIR Stations have acted as the fastest mode of communication to reach the affected people and provide them with vital information for their safety and well-being.

The External Services Division (ESD) has been especially very active in controlling and circulating correct information as a part of Disaster Management Communication Broadcasts by All India Radio in the wake of the devastating Earthquake in Nepal and India.

As soon as the news about the killer quake broke out on 25th April, 2015, AIR Stations serving the areas which suffered due to earthquake were advised to mount suitable programmes keeping in view the situation in their respective service areas.

These stations have also been advised that depending upon the extent of damage, they may contact various state and local government authorities who deal with disaster management activities such as rescue, relief and rehabilitation for their broadcasts in their respective regions.

As per standing instructions for AIR stations regarding disaster management in such situations, the concerned AIR stations in these areas have started giving wide publicity to helpline numbers of various relief agencies.

Special educative and informative programmes have been mounted disseminating information about the various relief and rescue measures taken by the administration in order to reach out to the affected people.

In this direction, AIR Patna, AIR Darbhanga, AIR Gorakhpur, AIR Lucknow, AIR Gangtok, AIR Siliguri, AIR Guwahati, AIR Delhi, etc put out suitable programmes to generate awareness among the masses, particularly informing them how to deal in such situations and also not to fall prey to rumour mongers.

Accordingly, the quake related broadcasts have been suitably devised and these programmes are being continued with updated information as the situation continues to unfold and concerned agencies step up their efforts to keep people abreast of the latest situation. Emphasis is also being given to educate the people on the possible post- quake health issues in specially mounted health programmes.

There had been continuous broadcast since 25th April, 2015 and are continuing till now. Programme presenters/ comperes are taking extra care to share precautionary measures that should be taken before and after earthquakes. Beside that important helpline numbers as 011-1078 is being provided regularly.

On May 2, FM Rainbow will run Saturday phone-in-programme on 'Bhukamp Aur Aapda Prabhandan' which will feature SAARC Disaster Management Centre director Santosh Kumar; IIPA Disaster Management consultant V K Sharma and NDRF director general O. P. Singh.

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