Emergency response equipment worth MVR 2.6 million has been donated to the Maldives Police Service to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities nationwide.

The equipment was handed over by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Maldives. A total of 2,064 items were provided to the Police Service across five key operational areas.

The donated equipment includes firefighting gear, water pumps and electrical appliances, marine safety and rescue equipment, medical emergency supplies, field operations and support tools, as well as personal protective equipment.

The equipment was procured with the support of the governments of Denmark, Luxembourg, and South Korea under the UNDP project, “RIDS in SIDS”. The project aims to strengthen national resilience by supporting climate change adaptation and reducing disaster risks associated with development activities.

UNDP said the assistance forms part of efforts to reduce the vulnerability of islands to climate related disasters, strengthen early warning systems, and improve disaster response mechanisms across the country.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen recalled the 26 December 2004 tsunami and highlighted the role played by police officers during the disaster. He expressed gratitude to the NDMA and UNDP for their continued support in strengthening the Police Service’s ability to respond to emergencies and incidents.

NDMA Chief Executive Hisan Hassan said the purpose of procuring the equipment was to minimise damage caused by disasters and to ensure public safety. He noted that police officers, stationed across islands and working closely with communities, are often among the first responders during emergencies. He expressed hope that the new equipment would enable faster and more effective responses at the island level.