THE ROLE OF A SANITARY ENGINEER IN CASE OF NATURAL OR OTHER DISASTERS Example of an international training program for drinking water supply

In case of natural or other disasters exceptional conditions that threaten not only individuals but also the community can occur in a very short period of time. Apart from loss of human lives and a number of injured, also great material damage appears. Demolished homes, damaged infrastructure, irregular power and water supply lead to conditions that prevent the stricken population from providing its own basic life conditions. It therefore depends on the aid of different humanitarian organizations. One of them is the International Red Cross Organization, which provides trained groups to take measures in times of crisis. Members of these teams are qualified for acquiring drinking water, building temporary homes and lavatories, executing disinfection and pest control. Furthermore, they help to supply provisions and other products, promote hygiene etc. Within the international project XH2O for supplying purified drinking water 15 Slovenian experts, including four sanitary engineers, received training and participate on international missions.