The district will soon have a stronger community-based disaster response system, with around 250 youth volunteers set to receive focussed training in disaster management basics to handle emergency situations, including natural calamities and accidents. The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen the operations of community rescue squads while also creating a network of master trainers to guide preparedness efforts in their respective villages.

The training programme, inaugurated by Deputy Collector (Disaster Management) S. Sajid at the Kozhikode Youth Hostel on Monday (April 20, 2026), is being organised under the Yuva Aapda Mitra project, jointly implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS). The first batch, comprising NYKS volunteers, will undergo training till April 26.

According to District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) officials, the camp has been designed as a seven-day non-residential programme for the convenience of participants and trainers. Sessions will be led by subject experts, including the District Hazard Analyst and the Coordinator for the Disaster Management Plan (Local Self-Government department).