Since the beginning of this year, in the Balkan velayat branch of the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan, a project has begun to work on «Strengthening Local and National Capacities for Emergency Preparedness and Response in High Earthquake Risk and Natural Hazards Prone Countries of Central Asia». The Bereket, Gyzylarbat and Magtymguly etraps were selected to carry out the activities. Due to their geographical location, these areas are most at risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes, mudflows, landslides, and dust storms.

Employees of the velayat branch of the NRCST organized working meetings in schools, archinliks and hospitals. The purpose of the events was to familiarize local activists with the activities of the project and create local public committees. People from different structures and organizations of etraps, from young specialists to honorary elders of settlements, took part in the meetings. There was a lot of discussion among the participants in terms of responding to disasters and identifying potential hazards in the area. As a result, at the suggestion of the elders, the most vulnerable places in the indicated etraps were selected. In the future, members of the Public Committees will conduct informational events, raising awareness of the local population about the rules of conduct in emergency situations. For the quality work of members of Public Committees, the National Society will provide them with information materials.