Pre-Positioned Emergency Rescue Stores (PPERS) – New Earthquake Preparedness Strategy From NSET

Pre-Positioned Emergency Rescue Stores (PPERS) is the latest innovative mechanism to reduce earthquake vulnerability initiated in Nepal by the National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET).

PPERS is a collection of essential items required by first responders for search and rescue. The items are stored in a room or metallic container in safe areas at different locations in Kathmandu. PPERS provide a reserve of essential equipment needed for immediate response to a major disaster such as an earthquake. The project was designed to enhance local capacity and aims to strengthen cooperation through the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor, street helping street and community helping community.

The seeds of the project were sown in October 2002 when the British Army Civil Affairs (CA) Group conducted an exercise on “Emergency Planning Assessment for a Major Earthquake” in the Kathmandu Valley. One of the recommendations was to enhance community capability by establishing PPERS. A project concept was developed and NSET provided the required technical assistance to the CA group.

For more information on the earthquake mitigation initiatives of NSET contact Mr Amod Mani Dixit Secretary-General/Executive Director at adixit@nset.org.np  or visit
http://www.nset.org.np/