On the occasion of World Civil Defense Day 2022, Scientific Research and Postgraduate Studies Deanship at Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) held an event of Crisis and Disaster Management Master Program under the title “Planning for the Evacuation of Multi-Storey Buildings,” in collaboration with Civil Defense Service, Ministry of the Interior, and Ministry of Local Government.
Opening session
Prof. Yousef Aljaish, Dean of Scientific Research, stressed that the importance of Crisis and Disaster Management Program comes from the fact that society has never been beyond crises, whether natural, human or health. The situation in the Gaza Strip has been critical because of the successive and ongoing attacks and crises as well as the lack of resources.
Eng. Samir Mutair, Undersecretary of Local Government Ministry, stated that the ministry has partnered with Civil Defense Service at all related issues to assist the Palestinian community in crises and wars, as they are sensitive files that need grouping efforts of all. He hoped that there would be an integrated program throughout the year to address many of the issues facing professionals in the field.
Dr. Mahmoud Abu Watfa, Home Security, pointed out that the present day is a continuation of challenging reality through the planning and evacuation of the devastating infrastructure crises that have inflected the Gaza Strip, which require a crisis cell shared by various ministries, institutions and forces despite the lack of resources and crews, in order to provide a decent life for the Palestinian people.
Mr. Zuhair Shaheen, Civil Defense, said that this day marked the launch of a new phase of humanitarian Civil Defense Service through the development of adequate mechanisms, plans and response programs in scientific ways, and the design of new fire vehicles that will enter service in the coming days, as well as the provision of the necessary equipment and capabilities for service work in the Gaza Strip.
Prof. Nizam Alashqar, Dean of Crisis and Disaster Management Master Program, said that this day was carried out with participation of experts, scientists and students to provide experience to generations, and that such participations improve performance and demonstrate potential aspects of inner capabilities. He added that the Master Program of Crisis and Disaster Management is an active participant with society at all levels through the expertise of teachers, students and graduates.
First session
Regarding the Scientific Day sessions, the first session was chaired by Dr. Abed Alshukri, and the following topics were discussed:
- The viewpoint of high building owners on safe evacuation during emergencies.
- The assessment of accessing people’s gathering points at targeted buildings in 2021 attack on Gaza using GIS.
- Comparative study of local and Gulf systems.
- Cases causing evacuation in the Gaza Strip.
- The role of Palestinian Civil Defense Directorate in responding to evacuation.
- Regulations and procedures related to construction and organizational irregularities of multi-storey buildings (towers) in the Municipality of Gaza.
Second Session
The second session, chaired by Prof. Mohammed Alkahlout, reviewed the problems and challenges facing Malaysian civilians in evacuating tall buildings, and lessons learned through evacuation experiments, as well as the foundations and criteria used in making escape stairs design with external participation from Malaysia. Mr. Khalil Alwazir discussed relevant international legislation.
Third Session
With regard to the third session, chaired by Dr. Ziad Abu Hin, the following topics were discussed:
- Design determinants of applying security and safety factors in buildings.
- The culture and behavior of residents in high residential buildings and their impact on security and safety procedures.
- Responsiveness to alarms warning.
Press conference to announce the delivery of a fire vehicle
After the end of the scientific day, a press conference was launched to announce the ceremony of delivering a Malaysian-funded, locally-manufactured fire vehicle. At which Mr. Mohammed Alfarra, Deputy Head of Government Work Follow-Up, Mr. Alaa Mansour, Director of Programs at Cinta Gaza Malaysia, and Mr. Zuhair Shaheen, announced the vehicle’s entry into service. Following was testing the vehicle’s performance in maneuvering, rescuing and fire-fighting at Altuffah neighborhood.
