More than 50 representatives of Turkmenistan’s national institutions forming the Interagency Working Group on Emergency Response, as well as national public associations strengthened their knowledge and capacity for mass evacuation planning and interagency coordination in disasters through two-day training sessions organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on 26–27 October in Turkmenabat and 29–30 October in Ashgabat.
The training sessions were facilitated by the specialists in humanitarian response and coordination and management of temporary accommodation sites from IOM’s Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and IOM Headquarters.
During the training sessions, participants were introduced to IOM’s Mass Evacuations in Natural Disasters Guide and explored key approaches to preparing and conducting evacuations. Particular attention was given to coordination among government agencies and partners, as well as the role of information management throughout the evacuation process.
Dedicated sessions covered the main phases of evacuation, including preparedness, early warning systems, decisions to evacuate, public information and evacuation operations. Participants also examined the provision of emergency shelter and assistance to affected populations, as well as early recovery measures following emergencies.
Community participation in mass evacuation planning was another key focus of the training. Participants discussed ways to engage communities in emergency preparedness and to ensure protection and address the needs of the most vulnerable population groups throughout the evacuation process.
The practical component included group exercises based on emergency scenarios. Participants jointly analysed potential evacuation challenges, discussed interagency coordination mechanisms and explored approaches to improving disaster planning and response.
Participants represented the Directorate of Civil Defence and Rescue Operations under the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan; the State Migration, State Border and State Customs Services; the Ministries of health and medical industry, internal affairs, environmental protection, communications, energy, construction and architecture, labour and social protection, and roads; the respective city administrations; the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan; and public associations “Yenme”, “Ynamly Yegindesh”, “Beyik Eyyam” and “Taze Zaman”.
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The activities were conducted under IOM’s regional project, “Comprehensive Action Plan for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries”. The project promotes the socioeconomic integration of Afghan nationals in Turkmenistan and supports host communities, with particular emphasis on empowering women and girls. It also strengthens national partners’ capacity to prepare for emergencies and crises involving population mobility. This work includes improving interagency coordination, assessing needs and using data to support timely planning and decision-making. ///nCa, 2 November 2026 (in cooperation with IOM Turkmenistan)