Friday, October 21 2005 10:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Hailing the services of armed forces during natural disasters like the one caused by the earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday (Oct 20, 2005) emphasised on the need for engaging in 'disaster management gaming' to prepare for all eventualities.

"I express our nation's profound gratitude to the men and women in uniform who helped in rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in the wake of a variety of natural disasters," he said addressing the Armed Forces' Commanders conference in New Delhi.

Singh said 'humanism and efficiency' of the armed forces in responding to the tsunami disaster, to floods in various parts of the country, to cyclones and earthquakes, especially the recent quake in Jammu and Kashmir, 'have made us all proud of our gallant armed forces'.

He said natural disasters had lately emerged as a major area of operation for the country's armed forces.

Apart from providing logistical support to the civilian authorities, the armed forces are being called upon to deal with humanitarian challenges, project capabilities abroad and engage the defence services of other countries, Singh said.

"Such demands will increase as we face forecasts of natural disasters of unexpected magnitude in the future," he said.

"We must therefore engage in scenario building and in disaster management gaming to prepare for all eventualities," he added.