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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has named The Chronicle the best disaster emergency response organisation in Bulawayo while describing Thursday’s disaster preparedness drill as a success.
CAAZ conducted a disaster preparedness and responsiveness exercise at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport where they faked a plane crash and alerted emergency services, causing panic countrywide.
The Chronicle was named the fastest emergency response team after being the first on the scene from Bulawayo, about 20km away.
Second place went to the Bulawayo Fire Brigade and Ambulances Services.
The Chronicle was the only media organisation that disseminated accurate information about the incident throughout the day.
Social media went into overdrive with people claiming there was an actual accident while others went as far as claiming there were deaths.
The chronicle put up the true story on its website less than an hour after the “accident” was announced.
JMN International Airport manager Mr Passmore Dhewa yesterday said more than 300 personnel from various emergency service teams in Bulawayo reacted to the simulation exercise.
Mr Dhewa said through the exercise they were able to assess disaster preparedness.
“This was one of the best responses that we received from emergency services and ambulances. We got a response from more than 300 people from different organisations. We got calls from as far as South Africa and the United Kingdom,” said Mr Dhewa.
He said the critique teams are yet to make a detailed analysis of the response of the emergency services providers.
— @nqotshili
Online Reporter