The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development organised emergency simulation exercises as part of the ongoing emergency reduction strategy to test the capacity of the local authorities for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from disasters.

The recent simulation exercise held in Mariental identified a shortcoming in the effectiveness of implementing local authorities' emergency response plans. 

Responding to a call during a staged collision, which involved a vehicle carrying passengers and a train carrying hazardous chemicals, the response teams made efforts to save lives and property by putting their knowledge and experience to the test. 

The response teams comprised the fire brigade, police, traffic control, ambulance services, the Mariental Hospital, the Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund, and assistance from Hardap Correctional Facility. 

The exercise also included local authorities from Aranos, Stampriet, Gochas, Kalrand, Gibeon, and Maltahohe.

Although the teams managed to respond to the emergency, they experienced challenges with resources such as insufficient ambulances, personnel, and protective equipment. 

Communication and coordination within response teams and between leadership of respective response teams was identified as one of the areas that need immediate improvement.

After the simulation, stakeholders recommended that the local authorities in Hardap continue holding more simulations. 

More refresher courses for first responders are also highly recommended. 

There was also a need for local authorities to revive their emergency response committees, inclusive of community members, and engage in continuous communication with all relevant stakeholders to improve the disaster and risk management plan and implementation strategy.