National Disaster Managment Authority

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29^th July 2010

Air Blue Crash Update

Islamabad:

On 28th July, at about 0945 hrs Air Blue Flight ED-202 (Air Bus A-320) operating from Karachi to Islamabad with 152 persons onboard crashed into Margalla hills near Daman-e-koh. An immediate rescue and search operation by the Army, Navy, Rescue 1122, CDA Urban Search and Rescue Team, Ministry of Health Team (including eight Surgeons and four Orthopaedic Surgeons), Capital Police and other government agencies/volunteers was initiated. An Army Aviation helicopter reached the crash sight immediately after the incident. Chairman, NDMA also had aerial reconnaissance of the crash site to look for the possibility of any survivors and for directing/guiding the ground rescue effort. The possibility of any survivors was bleak in view of the force of impact which had resulted in total disintegration of fuselage of the aircraft, strewn across a steep Margalla slope. Notwithstanding the force of impact, concerted efforts continued to locate and evacuate any survivors. Simultaneously, Army Authorities were requested for availability of additional helicopters (1 x MI-17, Lama and Alloeutte each) for recovery of dead bodies as it was not possible to move dead bodies on ground due to the difficult nature of terrain. After deliberate coordination, arrangements were made for recovery of dead bodies from the crash site through sling operation by helicopters. The Army Aviation pilots worked professionally under challenging flying conditions and were able to recover 128 dead bodies which were shifted to PIMS by last night. The physical combing of crash site to search remaining dead bodies has resumed on 29th July morning, as per the last reports, few body parts have been collected so far. The search shall continue till complete physical combing of the entire crash site to recover remaining dead bodies. A CAA Technical Team has also reached the site to search for aircraft Flight Data Recorder (Black Box) and collect relevant evidence.

At PIMS, the dead bodies were documented and through a process of identification 62 dead bodies have been identified so far. Out of these 58 bodies have been handed over to the respective family members. The remaining unidentified bodies have been shifted to a Cold Storage at Sector-I/10 and DNA Tests are in progress to establish their identities.

23^rd July 2010

Flood Situation in Balochistan

Islamabad:

Based upon PMD Forecast for widespread rains during the period from 20th - 22nd July, the NDMA issued a Weather Advisory to all concerned forewarning them against likely possibility of inundation in low lying areas on 20th July. Heavy rains in various parts of Balochistan during the night of 21st and 22nd July have affected tehsils Kohlu, Barkhan, Duki and Dera Murad Jamali.

As per the preliminary reports received from PDMA, Balochistan and Military authorities, following damages have been reported so far:

1. Number of kiliis / villages badly affected by the flood are:-
1. Tehsil Kohlu   -   8
2. Tehsil Barkhan   -   3
3. Tehsil Sibi   -   2
2. Death toll is as under:-
1. Barkhan   -   15
2. Sibi   -   2

1. Relief activities:-
1. The NDMA has released 1200 tents, 800 blankets and 2400 plastic mats which are being collected by PDMA authorities from Quetta Warehouse.
2. On request from NDMA, PRCS has mobilised its teams in the affected areas and shall cater for the food / health care requirements of the affected population (approximately 15,000) for the next 3 months.
3. Apart from moving a company-size force on ground, along with four medical teams, 3 military helicopters carrying 1.25 tons of relief goods have moved (today) to the affected areas for recovery and relief operations.
4. The Army has provided 9 tons of relief goods, whereas the civilian administration has also moved 6-8 trucks carrying relief items to the affected areas.
5. The Army troops provided food items to the population of the affected areas on the night of 22nd – 23rd July, 2010 and the same will be done today as well.

The NDMA is in close coordination with the concerned agencies and monitoring the situation closely. The exact detail of losses is being ascertained through the provincial authorities. Chairman NDMA, Lt. Gen. (R) Nadeem Ahmed is also visiting the affected areas on 24th July, 2010.

15^th July 2010

Disaster Response training held for communities in Chitral

Islamabad:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the UNDP, organized a three- day capacity building training on “Disaster Response”, from 12-15 July, 2010, for the TMAs and CBOs staff in Chitral District. The training focused on providing basic skills and knowledge in responding to local disasters in an organized and effective manner so as to saving lives and minimizing the disaster impacts. Around 40 participants from different government departments, members of the civil society and volunteers attended the training.

The training was formally launched by handing over of “Basic Search and Rescue equipment” to TMA, Chitral. Mr. Arshad Nawaz Cheenna, Deputy Director (M&P) NDMA and Mr. Qadir Naseer, Administrator, TMA Chitral, along with the ERRP team, were present at the occasion. Speakers at the workshop urged the need for capacity building of the communities, as well as government functionaries. They strongly felt that it was mandatory for responding effectively in wake of unforeseen disasters in order to savings lives and properties of the masses.

The training imparted skills to the participants on Casualty Handling & Evacuation Techniques, Search & Rescue Team mobilization & Response, Basic Rescue Knots, Triage System, First Aid and the Role of First Aider and Introduction to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). A demonstration of the search and rescue scenario was conducted at the conclusion of the training to exhibit the skills of the participants. This was also witnessed by Prince Mohiyyudin, MNA Chitral, Ms. Rabia Khattak, Assistant Country, Director UNDP and other notables from the Chitral municipality.

Prince Mohiyyudin, in his concluding remarks, said that the need to prepare the communities and the government of Chitral to face unforeseen disasters was mandatory, keeping in mind the recent lack of response during the recent flash floods which caused 12 deaths and injured 10 persons, besides badly damaging the Uchosht village in Chitral. He distributed certificates amongst the participants and thanked the NDMA and UNDP for imparting the training. He hoped that it would help build the capacities of the local authorities to effectively cope with the any future disasters in Chitral District.

It may be mentioned here that the NDMA and UNDP is jointly working to implement an “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness Programme” (ERRP) in the Municipalities of Murree, Chitral, Quetta, Mansehra and Muzaffarabad. The project aims to promote and achieve earthquake resilience in most vulnerable locations by conducting detailed earthquake risk assessment. The risk assessment is followed by action planning for earthquake risk mitigation, awareness raising, capacity building of local administration and members of civil society and by implementing pilot demonstrational activities on safer construction practices. Capacity development of local government authorities and institutions is the main priority under this project.

14^th July 2010

Workshop on Disaster Reporting concludes

Islamabad:

For better understanding of the disaster mitigation, response, early recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction process, there is a dire need to improve the capacities of the journalists in identifying key challenges while reporting disaster stories.

A three-day training workshop on ‘Disaster Reporting’ was organized by the National Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program, at a local hotel in Islamabad. The main objective of the training course was to enhance the reporting capacities of journalists by imparting essential disaster reporting skills and techniques to 26 participants from the electronic and print media, representing 26 districts of the four provinces, FATA and the AJK region.

Inaugurating the event, Mr. Niamatullah Khan, Senior Member, NDMA said that the journalists are the eyes and ears of the society, in other words they play a role of watchdogs on every segment of the society. . He further said the main aim of journalism is to provide accurate and reliable information to the target population. Therefore, they should be very careful in gathering their reports, based on accuracy and facts.

Risk communication was a major source for disaster managers for getting necessary information on better preparedness and timely response, he said. Empowerment of hazard-prone communities to hold public and private entities accountable is the linchpin of sustainable disaster risk management. He hoped that the training would build the capacity of the journalists to report disaster stories in a better way in their future course of duty.

During the interactive workshop speakers and experts from the media gave comprehensive lectures on duties and responsibilities of journalists for making the country disaster resilient. The participants also shared their views, experiences and problems faced by them while reporting disaster stories which the experts responded to effectively.

Mr Toshi Tanaka, Country Director, UNDP chaired the concluding session of the workshop. He said that the UNDP is implementing a two-year project under One-UN DRM Joint Programme in Pakistan, in collaboration with the NDMA, which seeks to strengthen the national disaster risk management system through policy-level inputs, research, capacity building, and community based initiatives. One of the activities includes imparting training on disaster reporting to correspondents of the print and electronic media stationed in vulnerable districts across Pakistan. Highlighting the role of media in the wake of any disaster, he said that timely and credible information plays a pivotal role for an informed response, early recovery, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and long-term mitigation measures. He added that, although many humanitarian agencies and public sector departments continue providing a variety of information to various stakeholders, but it carries a potential risk of being less objective and a little biased which may result in misleading the whole process. It is in this context that the role of media in disaster risk management has been argued over the last two decades the world over. He distributed certificates to the participants and thanked them as well as the guests for attending the workshop.

7^th July 2010

Program for Enhancement of Emergency Response (PEER) builds disaster response capacity in Pakistan

Islamabad:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), hosted a gathering of International organizations, Government Departments, Civil Society Organizations, NGOs, Emergency Services and other agencies working in Disaster Preparedness and Management at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad. This was an opportunity to share experience from Pakistan and plan for better management of future disasters.

The meeting was the launch event for a new phase in the Program for Enhancement of Emergency Response (PEER); an Asia-wide regional program, operational in nine countries and funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with supplemental support from American Red Cross (ARC).

The PEER Program has been operational in Pakistan since 2007, with NDMA support, providing trainings to enhance the capacity of professional disaster responders for Medical First Response and Collapsed Structure Search & Rescue, and Hospital Preparedness for Emergencies (HOPE). For this new phase of PEER, operational until 2014, in addition to the three on going courses a new training course will be rolled out, to supplement the significant capacity building and trainings already being implemented by the NDMA and other organizations in Pakistan.

The new course is the Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE), which will consolidate and enhance community level response capabilities, so that communities are enabled to support themselves, and increase survival rates in the event of any disaster or hazard.

The PEER program in Pakistan received support and endorsement from Ministers, Officials and representatives from NDMA, and other keynote speakers. While welcoming guests from USAID-OFDA, ADPC, NSET and other organizations, Lt. Gen. (R) Nadeem Ahmed, Chairman NDMA said “The PEER program is of crucial importance to Pakistan. The NDMA is working proactively with programs like PEER to better prepare ourselves for any disaster. We still need to enhance all levels of preparedness, especially in communities. We also need to work on more collaboration amongst different Disaster Preparedness and Response agencies to make the Disaster Preparedness system more robust.”

Representatives from the two PEER implementing organizations – Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and National Society for Earthquake Technology, Nepal - working in partnership on PEER with the support of the NDMA – also introduced PEER. Mr. Amod Dixit, Director of NSET said: “We work to optimize the effect of PEER and promote collaboration, building a stronger and more sustainable PEER Program.” Mr. NMSE Arambepola, Director, ADPC, assured that the ADPC is committed to promoting disaster preparedness in Pakistan. He also commented that Pakistan had important experiences in disaster management to share with the Asia region.

Mr. William Berger, Senior Regional Advisor, USAID-OFDA stated that it was a privilege to work with valued partners in Pakistan by supporting the building of capacity in disaster response. PEER uses best practice learning methodologies, with the highest standards of training and instructor development. PEER fits well into the big picture of Disaster Management in Pakistan, built on the experience of disasters here, and the experience of other regional organizations under the umbrella of NDMA’s preparedness plan.

1^st July 2010

First meeting of working group on “Compendium of Indigenous Housing” held

Islamabad:

Past experiences of disasters in the country, like the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and Kashmir and the 2008 earthquake in Balochistan caused colossal losses to buildings. This has recognized an urgent need for shelters. Due to the diverse landscapes, and geographical conditions in Pakistan, there are a variety of traditional construction techniques consisting of heavy thick stone walls in Chitral, mud construction in the Indus Valley and bamboo framed fishermen’s houses on the southern coasts.

In order to discuss that local knowledge “a traditional wisdom” is captured and accessible and local typologies are documented in a consistent and technically adequate manner, as well as identifying existing resources for training and information or gaps requiring further research and development, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with UN HABITAT, organized the first meeting of a Working Group titled “Compendium of Indigenous Housing” at NIDM, Islamabad.

Mr Niamatullah Khan, Senior Member, NDMA chaired the meeting. Mr Sarosh Lodhi, Professor, NED Karachi, Mr Qaisar Ali, UET Peshawar, Mr Salman Beg, AKCSP, Ms Yasmin Lahri, Heritage Foundation, Ms Shama Usman, PCATP and representatives from UN Agencies and research institutions participated in the meeting.

Mr. Niamatullah Khan, in his opening remarks, hoped that through this initiative the best local practices in housing construction will be compiled and promoted as affordable and low cost risk reduction and mitigation measures. He further added that during the SAARC workshop on Earthquake Risk Management in South Asia, held in Islamabad in October, 2009 under the banner of NDMA, the issues of compendium of building typologies and indigenous technology were confirmed as regional priorities for risk mitigation.

During the meeting experts from various organizations gave presentations on assessment of building vulnerability, analysis of Dhajji /stone masonry, documenting the traditional techniques in northern areas and Indigenous construction practices of hazard-prone areas of Pakistan. The meeting recommended making the data available on the website so the people can access pictures and technical information on housing construction from any part of the country.

28^th June 2010

4th Pre-Monsoon Annual Coordination meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat

Islamabad:

Monsoon floods are the most regular hydro meteorological hazard that happen every year in Pakistan. With global warming, the intensity of these floods, as well as timings, is undergoing great variations and uncertainties. Therefore to safeguard the lives and properties of the people it is essential to take precautionary measures to handle it efficiently.

The National Disaster Management Authority, being the focal agency of the federal government, has been convening coordination meetings with all the stakeholders on an annual basis since 2007. The 4th meeting of this series was held at the National Disaster Management Authority on 28th June, 2010. The purpose of holding of holding of these meetings is to carry out an assessment of pre-monsoon preparedness, response and recovery capacity of the federal and provincial departments and also provide a forum to the stakeholders for sharing their experiences with each other so that the best practices can be replicated in different parts of the country for benefit of the people particularly the communities at risk.

While opening the meeting, Chairman NDMA, Lt. Gen. (R) Nadeem Ahmad welcomed the participants and explained the purpose of the meeting i.e. to identify the gaps and weaknesses in the existing arrangements and to suggest corrective measures thereof to deal with any monsoon related emergency situation. He gave a brief account of the NDMA experience in dealing with disasters, including floods, with the assistance of line partners. He particularly appreciated the role of PDMA Sindh and Balochistan and the relevant response agencies in dealing with the recent Phet cyclone that hit the coastal areas of Pakistan. He further asked the stakeholders to expedite the approval and funding arrangements for the long pending projects like the Shahdara Bridge and Pat Feeder Canal. At the end of his opening speech, the Chairman assured all the stakeholders full cooperation and technical assistance from the NDMA for bringing about a desired change and improvement in the existing system.

After the opening remarks by the Chair, the representative of Pakistan Meteorological Department informed that this year’s monsoon will be slightly higher than the previous year and it will start within the next 10 days in some parts of the country. He assured all the stakeholders that the PMD will provide necessary forecasting well in time.

The Engineering Directorate representative in his presentation assured the participants that relevant army formation/necessary assistance to civil departments will be provided in case of any flood situation. Representative of the Federal Flood Commission in his briefing informed that a number of remedial measures have been taken by the FFC, including formation of a Flood Coordination Cell, arrangement for provision of daily flood situation report, instructions to relevant authorities for removal of encroachments at the waterways etc. in case of floods. The representative from WAPDA, in his presentation, assured that there will be no threat to Tarbela Dam in case more water comes as a result of glacier melt and additional water from the Hunza Lake.

The representative from the Ministry of Health informed that the center of Health Emergency and Preparedness and Response (HEPR) has been established at PIMS and stockpile of medicines for water-borne diseases have been improved. Beside this, the sufficient quantity of snake venom has been dispatched to concerned stations to deal with snake bite cases.

The Provincial Irrigation Departments of Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa informed that relevant staff of the Irrigation Departments is well-trained and capable to deal with any flood-like situations. However, they expressed apathy over financial constraints for effective implementation of such initiatives at the provincial level. The representatives of PDMAs, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan shared the details of the actions taken in advance for dealing with any untoward situation in the forthcoming Monsoon season.

During the concluding session, the Chairman, NDMA appreciated the deep interest shown by the participants in the proceedings of the conference and the quality of their presentations on the respective subject. He further stated that the over-all objective of the conference was achieved as it will assist the local authorities in terms of allocation of resources and disaster preparedness to deal with any emergency situation during the forthcoming monsoon season. He further emphasized close coordination between all stakeholders to make an efficient and timely response to disasters.

24^th June 2010

District Disaster Management critical for effective Disaster Mitigation and Response

Lahore:

District Disaster Management Authorities are the linchpin of the new disaster management system in the country as demonstrated by the effective measures taken in districts affected by the recent Cyclone Phet. This was highlighted at a two-day workshop organized by the United Nations in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Punjab.

Under the “ONE UN” joint programme on Disaster Risk Management, the emphasis is placed on building institutional capacities of districts and communities in 12 hazard prone districts throughout Pakistan. These districts will serve as model to more effectively manage hazards which would be replicated in other 50 disaster prone districts in the country.

The workshop reviewed experiences of 12 model districts prone to natural disasters including the response to Cyclone Phet and Attabad landslide disaster. The participants discussed thematic issues such as: Institutional Mechanisms; Capacity Building; Disaster Risk Management Planning; Community Based Disaster Risk Management; and Financial Mechanisms. The workshop concluded with 12 model districts developing Disaster Risk Management Action Plans.

Mr. Ikhlaq Ahmed Tarar, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Government of the Punjab was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr. Wolfgang Herbinger, Country Representative of World Food Programme (WFP) in Pakistan and Mr. Toshihiro Tanaka, Country Director of United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), Mr. Amir Mohyuddin, Director Mitigation and Preparedness , National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir, Former Senior Member NDMA, District Coordination Officers from 12 model districts, representatives from United Nations agencies, NGOs and government officials from Punjab participated in the workshop.

Wolfgang Herbinger, WFP Representative while welcoming the participants said, “Natural as well as man-made disasters are growing all over the world including Pakistan. Timely preparedness, mitigation and response could effectively help in reducing the impacts both on humans as well as physical and economic losses.” “I am sure the deliberations in these two days will reflect the needs of districts and we assure UN commitment to support priority joint interventions in the disaster prone districts during 2010-11,” he added.

Amir Mohyuddin, Director Mitigation and Preparedness, NDMA deliberated upon the pre-2005 earthquake scenario. He brought attention of the participants to the disaster management arrangements before the creation of NDMA He said that all Ordinances and Acts were post disaster response, however, the 2005 earthquake was a trigger where Government of Pakistan adopted a comprehensive approach of managing all phases of disasters including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response/relief and reconstruction and rehabilitation. He said that the National Disaster Management Framework is an overarching document which is based upon not only domestic requirements, but also international commitments. The framework identifies nine priority areas, such as establishment of institutions and legal arrangements, conduct national hazard and vulnerability assessment, promote training, education and awareness, promote disaster risk reduction, establish multi-hazard early warning system, mainstream DRR into development process, role of media, private sector, etc.

In his key note address, the Senior Member Board of Revenue, Government of Punjab, Mr. Ikhlaq Ahmad Tarar said that we need to have professional arrangements at the federal and at the provincial level which should ensure that the risk assessments are carried out, we prepare our plans according to risk assessments, the 2005 earthquake was an eye opener for everyone. We had been dealing with floods, disasters in Cholistan and lately we had been managing disaster like virus that infested cotton crops in Punjab. We did not have a professional institutional mechanism in place, which NDMA has taken up the responsibility. On behalf of the Punjab government, we are appreciative of these efforts, assistance and guidance in the provinces and districts. This is the best way to do things.

District Coordination Officers from the 12 Model districts were invited to share their successful experience through the planned interventions, lessons learned and exchange information on best practices that the districts adopted during any recent disaster. The model districts include Badin, Thatta, Dadu and Tharparkar in Sindh, Quetta and Gwadar in Balochistan, Haripur and Nowshera in KP, Sialkot, Jhang, Bhakkar, Rajanpur in Punjab and Gilgit in Gilgit-Baltistan province. During the presentations, it was encouraging that more DDMAs are now functional and started work on strengthening of DRM activities at District and community levels.

The Country Director, UNDP, Mr. Toshihiro Tanaka said “recent Cyclone Phet experiences demonstrated the invaluable evidences of importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation measures implemented by DDMAs and partners. The people of Gwadar were well organized when they were asked to evacuate. All families had essential documents and identity cards with them. The loss of human lives and assets were minimized as compared to earlier disasters. We were able to make a difference in the lives of people because of effective disaster risk management.”

As the co-chairs of UN DRM programme, Wolfgang and Toshihiro concluded that the DDMAs workshop was very successful and productive, and the UN will continue to support communities, District Governments and build national capacity in the upcoming years. Eventually the national stakeholders both governmental and non governmental including the private sector need to build locally tailored mechanisms for enhanced resilience of the communities.”

Let’s hope that through a unified approach by combining the strengths of United Nations, Government departments and communities we will continue to save precious lives and protect livelihood by building capacities for disaster response, recovery, mitigation and preparedness.

15^th June 2010

NDMA repatriates Pakistani students and families from Kyrgyzstan

Islamabad:

On special instructions from Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani, to ensure early and safe return of the Pakistani students stranded in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, the National Disaster Management Authority has successfully airlifted the students and families back home. The first C-130 flight landed at the Chaklala airbase in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, 15th June, 2010, with 134 passengers on board. The second flight, carrying the remaining 129 Pakistani nationals and their foreign spouses, including body of Ali Raza who was killed in the Kyrgyz-Uzbek ethnic violence, landed at around 5pm.

Upon arrival of the first flight at Chaklala air base, they were warmly received by the Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Mr Qamar Zaman Kaira, Chairman NDMA, Lt. Gen. (R) Nadeem Ahmed, and officials of the NDMA, Foreign Office and the PAF. A large number of anxiously awaiting family members of these Pakistani students was also present to receive them.

Speaking on their arrival, Mr Kaira praised the arrangements made by the NDMA, in coordination with the Foreign Office and the PAF, which initiated the smooth process of the timely and safe return of all the Pakistani to their homeland from riot-stricken Kyrgyzstan. Chairman NDMA, Gen. Nadeem Ahmed said that harmonized efforts by all concerned agencies could make it possible he further added that the NDMA has made all arrangements to extend support and facilitation for the students, to contact their family members, as well as, to travel to their hometowns. On its way to Osh, the aircrafts carried 15 tons load which included tents, blankets, food and medicines donated by the Government of Pakistan to the Kyrgyzstan Government.

Upon arrival the students and families were very excited and relieved to return to their homeland and thanked the Government and NDMA for providing them with all the facilities. Their parents also thanked the GOP for extending its full support and ensuring the safe return of their children.

Click here for Pictures.

11^th June 2010

UNDP, NDMA join hands for disaster management

Islamabad:

There should be strong coordination among relevant departments in order to mitigate risks, enhance preparedness and handle post disaster situations in a sustained manner, said speakers while addressing a four-day workshop. The orientation workshop was organized by the United Nations Development Programme and National Disaster Management Authority under One UN Disaster Risk Management Joint Programme Component.

The workshop focused on District Disaster Risk Management Planning in districts Mianwali and DG Khan (Punjab), districts D.I. Khan and Nowshera (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and district Bajaur in FATA.

The objective of the workshop was not only to sensitize the participants regarding hazards, vulnerability, disasters and their impact on the communities in their respective districts but also to enhance their capacity to develop District Disaster Risk Management Plans. Disaster Risk Management Systems, both at provincial and district levels, were introduced in Pakistan in 2006 following the promulgation of National Disaster Management Ordinance. This resulted in mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction into planning and development processes.

To date, NDMA has organized similar trainings in 45 districts throughout Pakistan. One of the key focuses of UNDP support to NDMA is to ensure that capacities on disaster risk management are made effective at provincial and district level. The workshop was inaugurated by Arshad Nawaz Chenna, Deputy Director NDMA and supported by Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab. Retired Major Rizwan Ullah Baig, DG Relief and Crises Management Cell PDMA was also present on the occasion.

The participants of the workshop hailed from different government departments such as Revenue, Planning, Civil Defense and PDMA (Punjab) etc and possessed relevant experience in managing emergencies, relief work and disasters in their areas. Participants were of the view that role of coordination cannot be understated as all relevant departments should work pre, during and post disaster situations in coordinated manner to reduce the impact of the disasters and respond to the situation timely and effectively. Manager Planning, District Bajaur Abdul Hafeez said “Pakistan is located in a region which is prone to a number of natural disasters; Attabad Lake and Phet Cyclone are the most recent examples of this time.

“The impact of such disasters can be minimized tremendously by strengthening the district management. Therefore, this training on drafting DRM plans is a step forward in this direction,” he said.

7^th June 2010

National Working Group reviews mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management into development process

Islamabad:

There is a dire need to integrate Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in the planning process and development programs by all ministries for better management and reduction of risks as the current practices are not fully considerate about Disaster Risk Reduction. In order to review the progress made on decisions of the previous meetings, the National Working Group met on 7th June, 2010, in Islamabad. This 6th meeting of the NWG on Disaster Risk Reduction was chaired by Mr. Niamatullah Khan, Senior Member, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Welcoming the participants of the meeting Senior Member, NDMA said, “In light of International commitments, Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters, the National Disaster Risk Management Framework of Pakistan (NDRMFP) was approved by the National Disaster Management Commission (NDMC) and circulated to all Ministries and Provincial Governments in 2007. One of the priorities under the framework was to “Mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction into our Development ventures”. For ensuring that all future development programs and projects of Ministries in disaster prone areas incorporate elements of DR assessment and reduction in the planning, design and implementation stages, a strategy paper was prepared by the NDMA and a National Working Group (NWG) on DRR was constituted to steer the process further in the policies, programmes and projects of selected Ministries”.

He said that this is an opportunity to take lead in becoming the agents of change towards adapting DRR sensitive development practices in our respective Ministries. For this, he assured that the NDMA will extend its fullest support and provide all possible assistance to the partner Ministries and Donors Community.

He added that since the creation of Pakistan, disasters have caused losses of billions of rupees to the lives and properties of people of the country. Therefore, there is a need for all the Ministries and the Provincial Governments, together with support from the NDMA, to accord high priority to the vital issue of DRR. He stressed that to bring a change in the current development practices, it is vital to make it disaster resilient and sustainable in the true sense.

On this occasion presentations were made by the Planning Commission and Ministries of Housing & Works, Water & Power, Industries & Production, Defence, Communications, Education, Environment, Health and Food and Agriculture on their process of integrating DRR into their development plans. During the presentations it was encouraging to learn that majority of the ministries have created DRR Cells to smoothen the implementation of the DRR Mainstreaming initiative. Moreover, they have also conducted a number of capacity building activities for the concerned staff members.

The provinces being the main stakeholders in the overall national development process, the meeting unanimously approved inclusion, into the NWG, of all the Director Generals of the Provincial / State Disaster Management Authorities.

Mr. Tariq Rafique, National Project Manager, One UN DRM Program, on this occasion said that the hiring of DRR Consultants for the remaining ministries would be completed soon so that work on mainstreaming DRR into development projects is accelerated.

Besides representatives of the ministries, the meeting was largely attended by the Provincial and Regional DRM Authorities as well as donor agencies e.g. World Bank, UKAID and key implementing partners of UN agencies.

In the end, Mr. Niamatullah Khan thanked the participants for attending the meeting stressed the need for initiating concrete work on the decision taken in the meeting for achieving the objectives in the best national interest.

27^th May 2010

Army USAR training successfully completed

Islamabad:

The closing ceremony of the 10-week training of medium Army USAR Team was held at Rawalpindi Cantonment on 27th May, 2010.

To undertake urban search and rescue operations a 54-member Army team has been trained in accordance with international standards. This team is now capable of responding to disasters which require urban search and rescue capacity. At the end of the training, a 36 - hour mock exercise was held to assess the:

• Compliance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for search and rescue operation
• Capabilities and effectiveness of the Army medium team to deal with natural or human-induced disasters.

Chief Guest Brig. Shamim Akram, speaking at the occasion, said that the Pakistan Army has been actively involved with Civil Admin in all the disasters, however with this raising of a new Army USAR team and the specialized equipment provided by NDMA, the capacity of the Pakistan Army will increase manifold.

The medium USAR team of Pakistan Army has been raised using Pakistani trainers who were trained by international experts. The resource persons from NDMA and instructors from CDA’s USAR team worked together for the subject training. With the raising of this team, Pakistan’s total capacity in USAR has been enhanced to 2-heavy and 1-medium team. NDMA is planning to further improve the capacity by raising two more teams in addition to the existing ones in the near future.

Certificates were given to the participants who successfully completed the training. Brig. Shamim Akram also presented souvenirs to NDMA and representative of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

It is worth mentioning here that the devastating earthquake of 2005 highlighted the inadequacy of emergency and disaster response capacities in Pakistan. The resources that existed were largely unable to deal with the collapsed Margalla Towers in Islamabad and hundreds of other structures across the earthquake zone. Likewise there was no formal institutional arrangement to deal with such disasters. The Government of Pakistan therefore decided to institutionalize the disaster management systems in Pakistan which would deal with whole spectrum of disaster management i.e. mitigation and preparedness, response, recovery/rehabilitation and reconstruction.
 

19^th May 2010

NDMA to launch “One million safe schools and hospitals” program in July 2010

Islamabad:

To discuss the launching of “One Million Safe Schools and Hospitals” global program in Pakistan, a meeting with the concerned stakeholders was held on Wednesday, 19th May, 2010 at the National Disaster Management Authority, Prime Minister’s Secretariat and was chaired by Senior Member, NDMA, Mr. Niamatullah Khan.

The Senior Member opened the discussion by remembering the 2005 earthquake. He said we lost scores of children due to lack of safe schools and hospitals. However, now we have the Manila example with us by which we can specially focus on constructing safer schools and hospitals for our future generations. Mr. Amir Mohiyuddin, Director M&P, NDMA said that we have laid the foundation of a Disaster Management system in Pakistan and now we are inviting partners to join us in this activity. He informed that we have shared the concept paper with all the stakeholders, including ISDR, for adopting a vibrant and participatory approach. He said that inputs from the Ministries of Health and Education have been received. He further informed that the NDMA plans to launch the program in July 2010, targeting 50,000 schools in two years, in the 12 most vulnerable districts of Pakistan. He said that the Health and Education Ministries will be taken on board while the health and education institutions from the private sector will also be included in the program. A representative from Action Aid floated the idea of adopting a holistic approach in the implementation of safer school constructions for which a vulnerability marking should be developed. An ERRA representative said that they are extending help in providing earthquake-resistant construction designs as well as advocating and ensuring its implementation by the institutions. He added that ERRA has started an awareness program in nine districts. The representatives of FOCUS and Agha Khan Foundation offered their technical support and volunteers in different areas for implementation of the program which was warmly accepted by the Senior Member. He said, in order to achieve maximum results, the implementation would be carried out in close collaboration with all the stakeholders, in all parts of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltitstan.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Emmeline U. Managbanag, Deputy Director Programme, CWS, Mr. Allan A. Calma, Coordinator (interim) DRM, Mr. Dirk Komm, Country Head, German Red Cross, Mr. Gareth Aicken, Country Director, Asia Foundation, Mr. Ali Effendi, Senior Programme Officer, Aga Khan Foundation , Mr. Fikre Zewdie, Country Director, Action Aid ,Mr. Muhammad Ayaz, Programme Manager, Training PRCS, Ms. Ayesha Aftab, Programme Officer, Focus Humanitarian International, Mr. Naunehal Shah, Advisor DRM, Ms. Zaib-un-Nisa, Programme Officer, ERRA, Mr. Adil Sheeraz, Senior Programme Manager, CRS, Mr. Shaharyar Khan, Programme Manager World Vision KPK, Mr. Amjad Ali, Assistant Program Director Concern Worldwide, besides senior officers of the NDMA.

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18^th May 2010

Chairman briefs media on latest Hunza landslide situation

Islamabad:

The NDMA Chairman, Lt. Gen. (R) Nadeem Ahmed has said that there are remote chances of bursting of Hunza Lake but all arrangements are in place to tackle the worst case scenario. Addressing a Press conference on Tuesday he said that flooding would put at risk 40,000 people with residents from up to 34 villages which have already been evacuated to safer areas.

He said that water level in the lake is rising about one meter per day due to increase in water inflow which will take five to six days to overflow through the spillway made by the Pakistan Army. The Chairman informed that a Monitoring and Early Warning System has been established for timely communication of any threat to the local population. A message service, with the cooperation of cellular company Telenor, would be introduced to warn the people who are likely to be affected by the flooding. Army troops, including engineers, have been deployed in Hunza, Gilgit and Chilas to assist the civil administration cope with any eventuality. The Frontier Works Organization has been tasked to keep clear the Gilgit-Hunza road so as to ensure uninterrupted supply of relief items. He said that seven helicopters of Pakistan Army, Cabinet Division and Agha Khan Foundation would be ready to cater to any unforeseen event.

General Nadeem Ahmed said about 40,000 people will have to be taken care of and arrangements have been made to save and rehabilitate them besides arranging provision of essential commodities. He added that Control Rooms have been established at Hunza, Gilgit and at NDMA premises in Islamabad.

Chairman NDMA said in all about 34 villages will have to be evacuated upto Gilgit. Of them, people from Faizabad, Ahmedabad, Mayoon and Salmanabad were evacuated earlier as a precautionary measure and nine more villages were evacuated yesterday. Eighteen camps have been set up for the affected people but most of them are living with their relatives. Ration enough for one month has been provided even to those who are living with their relatives so that they do not become a burden on them. He said food, non-food items, medicines and generators are also available for the affectees.

He said the United Nations has been asked to provide water filtration plants and wash rooms for probable camps. He further added that the Army Engineer Corps has been made responsible for maintenance of some 48 bridges situated at different areas and eight aerial ropeways are being installed, three of which have already been completed. The FWO has been made responsible for road maintenance.

General Nadeem said the Federal Government has released 700 million rupees to the government of Gilgit-Baltistan to meet contingencies, especially to ensure restoration of road infrastructure. This is in addition to 100 million rupees provided earlier by the government. The Sindh Government has also provided seven million rupees to Gilgit-Baltistan and the Punjab government has also dispatched relief items for the affected population.

Replying to questions from the media, he said once the situation stabilizes, damage assessment would be carried and the government would announce a compensation package for the affected people. Rebuilding of the affected portion of the Karakoram Highway would also depend on the future scenario. However, the National Highway Authority will construct a road, worthy for travelling by jeep, within three months, to ensure resumption of trade with China which is a major source of livelihood for the local population.

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30^th April 2010

District Administration Chitral Sensitized On Earthquake Risk Reduction

Islamabad:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) arranged a two day sensitization workshop on “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness” (ERRP) on 20-21st April 2010 at District Chitral.

The objective of the ERRP workshop was to raise awareness of the local administration on earthquake preparedness and risk reduction measures, including importance of community based disaster preparedness. Eminent resource persons from leading institution of the country including Prof Dr. Muhammad Riaz of Peshawar University, Syed Hurer Shah, Coordinator GTZ, Mr. Wali Muhammad, Regional Program Officer FOCUS, Mr Amir Muhammad, Program Officer FOCUS shared their knowledge and experiences regarding earthquake risk reduction in vulnerable areas. On this occasion outcomes of the Earthquake Risk Assessment of Chitral municipality were also shared with the participants for their information and feedback.

District Coordination Officer Mr. Rehmat Ullah Khan Wazir was chief guest on this occasion. While awarding certificates to the participants of the workshop he appreciated the efforts of NDMA in organizing the workshop and introducing ERRP project in Chitral.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Amir Mohyuddin, Director (M&P) NDMA said that with an aim to promote and achieve earthquake resilience in most valunerable locations by conducting detailed earthquake risk assessment, the NDMA is conducting ERRP workshop in the municipalities of Murree, Chitral, Quetta, Mansehra and Muzaffarabad. He added that the risk assessment is followed by action planning for earthquake risk mitigation, awareness raising, capacity building of local administration & members of civil society and by implementing pilot demonstrational activities on safer construction practices, capacity development of local government authorities and institutions.

Some 60 participants from different line departments, NGOs and civil society attended the workshop while Mr. Qadir Naseer TMO Chitral, Mr. Shahid Aziz Project Manger ERRP and project team were also present on the occasion.
  

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30^th April 2010

Civil Society, District Govt Officials Sensitized On Cyclone Mitigation

Islamabad:

A five-day training course on “Cyclone Mitigation”, arranged by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), for civil society organizations and government officers of cyclone prone districts of Sindh and Balochistan, ended here Friday.

The overall objective of the initiative was to provide disaster risk management knowledge and skills to district government officers and civil society members who have key disaster risk management responsibilities at the district level.

Mr. Niamatullah Khan, Acting Chairman NDMA formally inaugurated the training course on 26th April, 2010. Addressing the participants he said that the course will enable professionals to effectively integrate disaster risk management into their development programs and policies. He further added that the course would promote sharing of information on preparedness and mitigation measures adopted at the local level in Pakistan. He hoped that the participants will learn these techniques and enhance their capacities through various skills imparted by the experts during the training course.

The course contained five different modules consisting of group exercises, interactive discussions, readings, and video clips. Key experts from academia, the UN, the Government sector and INGOs, each with sound academic background imparted key skills to the participants. Besides a field visit to the 1999 cyclone hit area of Jatti Thatta was also undertaken.

Mr. Saleh Ahmed Farooqui, Director General, PDMA Karachi, was chief guest on the final day of the training. He advised the participants to replicate their learned skills in their future plans for saving lives and properties of the people of their areas in cyclones.

About 35 participants from three districts of Sindh, namely Karachi, Badin and Thatta and three districts of Balochistan, namely Gwadar, Lasbela and Kech attended the training, in addition to 10 Government officers from civil society organizations working in the cyclone prone districts.
  

26^th April 2010

NSPP team visits NDMA

Islamabad:

A team of the Senior Management Course from the National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Lahore led by its faculty members visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad on 26th April, 2010. Mr. Muhammad Bilal, Director (Administration) NDMA gave a detailed briefing, on “Disaster Risk Management System in Pakistan”, to the Course participants. At the end of the presentation he also responded to the various queries put forth by the delegation.

Appreciating the role NDMA, the head of the visiting team, Mr Rahat-ul-Ain said that despite resource constraints, the NDMA has the resolve and commitment to rise to future disasters. He thanked the NDMA for the impressive presentation which he said has inculcated hopes in the minds of the participants.

At the end, shields were exchanged between the National School of Public Policy and the NDMA. The briefing was also attended by Brigadier Sajid Naeem, (Member Operations) and Directors of the NDMA.
  

19^th April 2010

Global campaign on “One million safe schools and hospitals” to be launched in Pakistan.

Islamabad:

A preliminary meeting for launching of “One Million Safe Schools and Hospitals Campaign” in Pakistan was held, in the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on 17th April, 2010, with the visiting Regional Manager Ms. Madhavi of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) Bangkok –Thailand. The representatives of relevant UN agencies i.e. UNDP, WFP, UNESCO and WHO also attended the meeting. Mr. Niamatullah Khan, Acting Chairman, NDMA, chaired the meeting.

The initiative is in line with the priority set, in the Hyogo Framework 2005, on disaster risk reduction, aims at raising public awareness against different hazards and to create demand for safe schools and hospitals. Initially 10-11 disaster prone cities will be selected for the campaign which will subsequently be expanded to other parts of the country. The initiative will be led by the NDMA at the federal level.

The meeting held deliberations on launching of the campaign at the national level under the supervision of NDMA. During the course of discussions, it was agreed to associate more partners, both from public as well as private sector, to implement the initiative in Pakistan and also to get a pledge from the people for advocating safe schools and hospitals in the country.

To have a revolving process for making the schools and hospitals safer in Pakistan, there was a need to take the Ministries of Education and Health on board. The NDMA will hold consultative meetings with them in this regard.

On the basis of deliberations made in the meeting, the NDMA will act as the focal agency in Pakistan for implementation of the initiative at the federal level and, in the first instance, develop a Concept Note on the proposed initiative which will be shared with the Ministries of Education and Health. With regard to the funding arrangement for launching of the initiative, it was agreed that the NDMA would convene a Donors Conference at Islamabad towards the end of June or early July 2010 inviting representatives of donor agencies based in Islamabad.
   

19^th April 2010

Hunza landslide review meeting with stakeholders held at NDMA.

Islamabad:

In order to review and assess the latest situation of the Hunza landslide, a meeting with all the key stakeholders was held on 19th April, 2010 at the NDMA, which was presided over by Mr Niamatullah Khan, Acting Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The meeting reviewed various aspects of the landslide including making of a spillway cut in the dam created as a result of the landslide, relief provided to the affectees and the Evacuation Plan revised and updated by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority in the light of Dam Break Study conducted by the NESPAK. The representative of GBDMA briefed the meeting on the steps taken and preparedness plan, incase of breach/ collapse of the Dam. The Pakistan Red Crescent Society’s representative informed the meeting about their efforts regarding provision of relief to the people in the affected areas. Acting Chairman, NDMA instructed that all the organizations involved in relief activities in Hunza should be taken on board and mutual contacts be established for better coordination. Brig. Sajid Naeem, Member Operation, NDMA informed that a helicopter is located at Gilgit to carry out the day-to-day relief activities in the area while more could be dispatched in case of any demand by the local authorities. Moreover, transportation facilities through boats are also being provided to the people across the blockage of Hunza River and the KKH due to landside.

On a point regarding opening and rehabilitation of the Karakoram Highway, Mr. Niamatullah Khan asked the NHA to chalk out a contingency plan for early realignment of the KKH to commence work soon after the water is released so that trade activities between Pakistan and China are not affected after re-opening of borders in May 2010.

The representative of Frontier Works Organization (FWO) briefed the participants that so far his organization has spent Rs 54 million and over 20-meter cut has been completed to construct a spillway in the dam. However, as per revised plan the depth of the Spill Way cut is being constructed up to 30 meter deep and over 170,000 cubic meters which is over 86% of the total target of 196,000 cubic meters, has already been completed. If the weather conditions improve the FWO needs approximately 12 days to finish their Excavation work. He added that due to splashy and clay soil the machines tend to sink while heavy boulders require frequent blasting which is making the work difficult and slow.

The experts dispelled the impression that there is any danger of a sudden outburst of the dam as reported by certain sections in the media. The Chairman, emphasized the need for closer interaction for identifying recovery and rehabilitation priorities, satisfying the people’s concerns and enabling all in meeting the challenges in a better manner. He thanked the valuable inputs of the technical experts, saying that post-disaster coordination between all the stakeholders can ensure better management, rehabilitations, and risk reduction.

The attendees of the meeting consisted of representatives of WAPDA, NESPAK, Cabinet Division (Emergency Relief Cell), Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Provincial Disaster Management Authority, E-in-C Branch Pak Army, Frontier Works Organization (FWO), and Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Pakistan.
   

8^th April 2010

Two day training workshop on “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness” held in Quetta.

Quetta:

A two day capacity building training workshop on “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness” was held in Quetta, from 7th to 8th April, 2010. This workshop was arranged by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The training focused on raising awareness of the local administration on earthquake preparedness and risk reduction measures, including importance of community based disaster preparedness. The training was formally launched by Mr Arshad Nawaz Cheena, Deputy Director, NDMA, while Mr Muhammad Tahir Khan, PDMA Quetta, Mr Amir Rahat, Field Coordinator ERRP and the ERRP project team were also present on the occasion. Eminent resource persons from leading institutions of the country were requested to share their knowledge and experiences regarding earthquake risk reduction in vulnerable areas. Furthermore, the outcomes of the Earthquake Risk Assessment of the Quetta municipality were also shared with the participants for their information and feedback.

The NDMA in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is implementing an “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness Programme” (ERRP) in the Municipalities of Quetta, Chitral, Murree, Mansehra and Muzaffarabad. The project aims to promote and achieve earthquake resilience in most vulnerable locations by conducting detailed earthquake risk assessment. The risk assessment is followed by action planning for earthquake risk mitigation, awareness raising, capacity building of local administration & members of civil society and by implementing pilot demonstrational activities on safer construction practices. Capacity development of local government authorities and institutions is the main priority under this project.

2^nd April 2010

Hunza lake--- a Threat to Tarbela Dam.

Islamabad:

It is with reference to a write up in the daily news on 25th March 2010 regarding the situation of Hunza lake. In the write up there are certain facts which need to be corrected to put the whole scenario in right perspective. It was in July 2009 when on request of local authority of Gilgit-Baltistan, NDMA arranged a study of the Attabad area through Geological Survey Of Pakistan and in September 2009 NDMA advised the local government to evacuate the village as it was found hazard prone. Accordingly evacuation was completed and no life loss occurred in Attabad due to landslide however the neighboring village (Sarat) suffered 19 causalities due to rebound of debris from across the gorge. These facts have already been reported in media.

Secondly, WAPADA has categorically stated that there is no threat to Tarbela project due to Hunza lake so there is no reason to deny the claims of concerned technical authorities. The inflow of sediments is there but it is not a threat to Tarbela given the distance between the Hunza Lake and the Tarbela dam.

Further in order to assess the situation and respond accordingly NDMA consulted all the technical authorities including FWO, WAPDA, NESPAK and some internationally renowned experts and based upon technical advice it was decide to create a spill way for water release from the artificial lake. The work on spillway is underway and it is likely to be completed by third week of April. In the meantime, three international experts: Dr. Richard Hughes, Dr. David Petley and Mr. Allessandro Palmieri, visited the site for conduct of technical evaluation. Moreover, NESPAK was tasked for a comprehensive technical study to evaluate all the aspects of dam break. Reports received from Dr. Richard Hughes, and Dr. David Petley have been sent to all stakeholders for mid-course correction, whereas report of Mr Allessandro Palmieri and NESPAK will be shared with all relevant agencies as soon as these are ready.

To prepare for a worst possible scenario all the precautionary measures have been put in place including monitoring, early warning system for downstream communities and evacuation plans have been finalized and mock evacuation drills for some communities have also been conducted by Gilgit-Baltistan government. NDMA is continuing to provide helicopters support and boats for transportation of people and goods.

The comparison between Tangjiashan lake of China and Hunza lake of Paksitan is needed to be taken in right context as both the incidents have some similarities but more dissimilarities. And only technical experts can advise on the subject as every situation has its own nature and dynamics. In Hunza incident all the decisions have been made in the light of technical advice from experts who do not favour explosive method. For further details, please NDMA’s website , www.ndma.gov.pk

NDMA arranges “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness” workshop at Murree

Murree:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a two-day capacity building training workshop on “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness” at Jinnah TMA Hall, Murree, from 29th-30th March 2010.

The objective of the training workshop was to raise awareness of the local administration on earthquake preparedness and risk reduction measures, including importance of community based disaster preparedness. Prominent experts of leading institutions of the country shared their knowledge and experiences regarding earthquake risk reduction in vulnerable areas. On this occasion the outcome of the Earthquake Risk Assessment of Murree municipality was also shared with the participants for their information and feedback.

It is to mention here that National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), jointly with UNDP is implementing an “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Preparedness Programme” (ERRP) in the Municipalities of Murree, Chitral, Quetta, Mansehra and Muzaffarabad. The project aims to promote and achieve earthquake resilience in most vulnerable locations by conducting a detailed earthquake risk assessment. The risk assessment is followed by action planning for earthquake risk mitigation, awareness raising, capacity building of local administration & members of civil society and by implementing pilot demonstrational activities on safer construction practices. Capacity development of local government authorities and institutions is the main priority under this project.

27^th March 2010

NDMA Striving to Integrate Disaster Risk Management in Development Programs and Policies

Islamabad:

(Islamabad) The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has taken the initiative to build the capacity of the district officers and NGOs in disaster risk management for having a proactive response system in place for unforeseen disasters in the country. The NDMA, in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (|PDMA), Sindh arranged a five-day training course on DRM at Karachi from 22-26 March, 2010. Inaugurating the training course as chief guest, Mr. Saleh Ahmed Farooqi, Director General PDMA, Sindh said that for mainstreaming the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) on all levels, the Government has set up the National Institute of Disaster Management. The objective is to build the capacity of the concerned government officers and civil society organizations so that a proactive system is in place for handling future disasters in the country. The training was supported by the United Nations Development Program, Pakistan. Key DRM experts from the academia, UN, government sector and INGOs imparted skills to the participants of the training through five different modules consisting of lectures, group exercises, interactive discussions, readings and video clips. The participants were also taken to field visits to see the disaster management methods of vulnerable communities during disasters. Mr. Ghulam Ali Shah Pasha, Senior Member BoR / Chairman PDMA, Sindh was the chief guest on the closing day of the five-day training. He distributed certificates amongst the participants and said that the course will enable professionals of the district government to effectively integrate disaster risk management into their development programs and policies. He added that the Disaster Risk Management course would help promote sharing of information on preparedness and mitigation measures adopted at the local level in Pakistan. The DRM training course was attended by 30 senior government officials from various departments, including the PDMA, Revenue Deptt, fire brigade, agriculture, health, planning, finance, admin and accounts, social welfare and forest departments of the government of Sindh. Officials from Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Sindh and Civil Society Organizations also attended the training.

25^th March 2010

NWFP Lawmakers Urged to Advocate Disaster Risk Management

Islamabad:

(Peshawar) Active participation of Parliamentarians is crucial for improving the effectiveness of DRM (Disaster Risk Management) in the country and especially in NWFP. Given the importance the NDMA places on sensitizing the policy makers on DRM, a policy dialogue on “Effectiveness of Disaster Risk Management - Engaging Parliamentarians” was held here in NWFP, supported by UNDP. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) organized the dialogue, which was chaired by Mr. Kiramatullah Khan, Speaker, Provincial Assembly, NWFP. General® Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman NDMA welcomed the support NDMA has had from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and stressed for continued cooperation and effectiveness of building linkages with PDMA and the DDMAs. He also mentioned the need for political will to achieve an effective implementation of NDMO in NWFP especially, and in the whole country, in general. Mr. Shakeel Qadir Khan, Director General, PDMA, NWFP, delivered a presentation on the status of PDMA NWFP and the issues faced by it. He thanked the members of Parliament for extending their support to a subject crucial to the people of NWFP. He stressed that the political will is critical to ensure the effective role of PDMA in NWFP and suggested institutional response to disasters must be well-informed and well-coordinated. Mr. Kiramatullah Khan, Speaker, Provincial Assembly, NWFP, appreciated the efforts of the organizers of the policy dialogue and assured his full support towards the accomplishment of the objectives for the PDMA in the province. Mr. Ahsanullah Khan, Senior Member Board of Revenue, NWFP, emphasized the need to be prepared in future for any unforeseen disasters, at national, as well as at provincial and local levels. He said that the Government of the NWFP would leave no stone unturned in bringing about a vibrant and fully functional PDMA in the province. He added that all the political support and financial resources would be ensured to have an effective and comprehensive system in the province with close linkages with the NDMA. The members of the NWFP Assembly showed their keen interest in the subject of disaster management. They expressed their willingness to become the DRM supporters in the Assembly, by debating the issues surrounding the subject, and putting together all out efforts towards allocating ample resources for effective DRM in the province. The dialogue was attended by the members of Provincial Assembly NWFP belonging to various political parties across the political arena, heads of various government departments, civil society organizations, media representatives and bar associations from across the province.

24^th March 2010

“Effectiveness of Disaster Risk Management: Engaging Parliamentarians” Policy Dialogue with NWFP Parliamentarians".

Peshawar:

Despite the vulnerability to devastating disasters, there is a lack of policy response and debate on legal and institutional framework for disaster management in the country. For an effective Disaster Risk Management (DRM) regime, sensitization of the policy makers and parliamentarians on disaster related issues is essential for disaster preparedness and response. In this regard, a series of policy dialogues are being organized on “Effectiveness of Disaster Risk Management: Engaging Parliamentarians”, across the country by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs). The aim is to provide a forum for interaction amongst the parliamentarians and technical experts. This gives them a chance to map and discuss challenges and opportunities in DRM, and develop consensus among various actors and relevant stakeholders on different policy options to improve DRM in Pakistan. The fifth dialogue of the series is being held today in NWFP, which will be participated by a large number of parliamentarians, media, civil society and other key stakeholders. Some key issues that are expected to come under discussion are (i) The challenges in DRM in Pakistan and the need of strengthening the institutional capacity and improving budgetary allocations for DRM (ii) Generate an informed debate on various issues hindering the proper functioning of Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) in order to ensure that PDMAs are fully operational and are contributing to effective DRM in Pakistan (iii) Provide a forum for interaction amongst the parliamentarians and technical experts to map and discuss challenges and opportunities in DRM; and (iv) Provide an agenda for parliamentarians and offer an opportunity to develop consensus among various actors and relevant stakeholders on different policy options to improve DRM in Pakistan. Lt Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan,(R), Chairman NDMA, Mr. Kiramatullah Khan, Speaker, Provincial Assembly, NWFP, Mr. Shakeel Qadir DG-PDMA, NWFP, Mr. Ahsanullah Khan, Senior Member Board of Revenue, NWFP, along with Parliamentarians and members of the civil society and media are among the distinguished guests participating in the dialogue

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22^nd March 2010

NDMA Starts Training of Pak Army's USAR Team.

Islamabad:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has planned to conduct a 10-week training for officers /officials of Pakistan Army. The training will commence from 22nd March, 2010. The purpose of the training is to enhance the capacity of the Army team in the field of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) in times of disasters/emergencies. The first 12 hours are called the Golden Hours where the survival chances of trapped victims are the maximum.  Building in-country capacity in search and rescue is, therefore, crucial to saving lives during disasters.  The highly technical and state of the art equipped USAR teams are the backbone of any disaster response system. Pakistan did not have any such team in the past and the need for these teams was felt in the aftermath of the devastating 2005 earthquake. The NDMA, soon after its inception, took on the gigantic task of raising two heavy international level and one medium USAR teams. 

Two heavy USAR teams have been raised and handed over to the City District Government, Karachi and CDA Islamabad. The third team which will be of a medium level, will be trained through the on-going capacity building initiative. These teams are a national asset and are capable of deployment at national, as well as, international level in disaster situations. Lt. Gen.(R) Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman, NDMA handed over state of the art medium urban search and rescue equipment to the Pak Army at a cermoney at GHQ.

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22^nd March 2010

Orientation Workshop on Preparedness for Tsunami & Coastal Hazard Risk Reduction for the Students of Gwadar (16-17 March 2010).

Islamabad:

The Makran region is one of the most vulnerable regions in Pakistan to tsunami due to the presence of Makran Subduction Zone (MSZ) at a distance of 80-130 km only. In the National Disaster Risk Management Framework (NDRMF) prepared by NDMA, Tsunami and cyclone have been identified as two key hazards in the coastal areas of Pakistan. NDMA has taken a number of initiatives to mitigate the effects of tsunami and other coastal hazards on the life and property of the local communities. Creating awareness on different hazards among the local communities is one of the nine priority areas of NDMA as envisaged in the NDRMF. NDMA in collaboration with UNDP, had earlier organized a number of awareness workshops for the students of Primary, High and College level classes in the coastal areas. Subsequently it was decided that the students of Master level classes who are studying in Karachi and Quetta should also be taken on board who could be instrumental for creating awareness among the local populace of their respective districts. The first orientation workshop for the students of Gwadar and other coastal districts was organized at Karachi in collaboration with NED-UET Karachi during February 2010 The second workshop of this series has been organized at the University of Balochistan Quetta on 16-17 March 2010. This workshop was jointly arranged by the National Disaster Management Authority/UNDP, UET University of Engineering Karachi and the University of Balochistan. The summarized objectives of this workshop were as follows:

1. To orient participants on basic concepts and issues of tsunami and coastal hazards threatening coastal areas of Pakistan as well as associated community preparedness for such disasters.
2. To impart requisite skills that will enable them to plan and execute disaster management activities to strengthen early warning system in project area.

A total of 125 participants attended the workshop including the speakers, students of different departments of University of Balochistan. The number of students from Gwadar and other coastal areas was 25 including female students. The workshop will go a long way in creating awareness among the local communities.

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19^th March 2010

NDMA Holds Interactive Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations on Disaster Risk Management.

Islamabad:

Islamabad (March 19, 2010). In order to benefit from the expertise of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and to have a robust system in place for information sharing and resource mapping on Disaster Risk Management in the country, the National Disaster Management Authority has initiated the process of holding a series of dialogues with the CSOs and NGOs. The first dialogue was held on Friday 19th March, 2010 at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad with Lt. Gen. (R) Farooq Ahmad Khan in the chair. He welcomed the participants and apprised them that the government of Pakistan is striving to reduce the risks of disasters emanating from multiple hazards including natural as well as human induced, through a paradigm shift from a reactive emergency response approach to an all encompassing spectrum of disasters management since the promulgation of National Disaster Management Ordinance in December, 2006. He added that NDMA is cognizant of the key role played by the Civil Society Organizations in the overall development of the society, particularly the crucial role of response for relief and rehabilitation of people during disasters in Pakistan. He recalled the tremendous support provided by some of the organisation to the affectees of the devastating earthquake of October 2005. He said that in order to benefit from the capacity and expertise of the CSOs in disaster management in the country, the NDMA intends to develop a consultative mechanism with the purpose to pool together these expertise and resources which would strengthen preparedness, mitigation, relief, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. “There is an increasing need to work together and to capitalize on each other’s strengths for strengthening the DRM system in Pakistan. We have to create and provide opportunity for knowledge and skill sharing on DRM, which could enable us in improve understanding of DRM issues and identify ways and means to tackle these through joint and coordinated efforts. Due to resource constraints, we need to create synergies and ensure that duplication of effort is avoided” the Chairman remarked. The Chairman NDMA invited the participating NGOs/CSOs to designate a person amongst themselves to act as Co-Chair of the proposed forum, and to form a focus group to propose modalities for future course of action. Air Vice Marshal ® Muhammad Ateeb Siddiqui , Director Operations, Pakistan Red Crescent Society said that interaction in post-disaster scenario can help identify, relief, recovery and rehabilitation priorities. At the end the Chairman NDMA thanked the participants for their active involvement and keen interest in the establishment of the NDMA-CSOs Forum and dialogue process. He assured all possible help on behalf of the government and NDMA to the Civil Society Organizations in their endeavours for disaster risks reduction and expressed the hope that smooth evolution of the interactive dialogue would be a step forward in enhancing their capabilities to meet the disasters in future for the betterment and development of the people of Pakistan. The dialogue was largely attended by representatives of the Community Based Organisation and NGO, INGOs including Aurat Foundation, Sungi Foundation, SPO, Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Lead Pakistan, Plan Pakistan, Save the Children Sweden,FOCUS Humanitarian,Oxfam GB, Oxfam Novib, IUCN, WWF, Wetlands Programme, Concern Pakistan, Action Aid, CRS and American Refugee Committee.

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10^th March 2010

Parliamentarians urged to promote DRM cause.

Islamabad:

Active participation of Parliamentarians is crucial for improving the effectiveness of DRM in the country and especially in the Province of Balochistan. Given the importance NDMA places on these Champions for DRM, a policy dialogue on “Effectiveness of Disaster Risk Management - Engaging Parliamentarians” was held here in Quetta supported by UNDP. Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) organized the dialogue, which was chaired by Mr. Abdul Wasy, Senior Minister/Minister for Planning & Development, Balochistan. The dialogue was attended by the members of Provincial Assembly of Balochistan belonging to various political parties across the political arena and Civil Society Organizations, Media representatives and Bar Associations from across the province.

Farooq Ahmed Khan, Chairman NDMA welcomed the support NDMA has had from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and stressed for continued cooperation and effectiveness of building linkages with PDMA and the DDMAs. He also mentioned the need for political will to achieve an effective implementation of NDMO in the province of Balochistan specially and in the whole country in general. The Ziarat earthquake of 2008 was another reminder of the importance of effective linkages between federal, provincial and district level disaster management authorities.

Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed, Director General, PDMA, Balochistan gave a presentation on the status of PDMA Balochistan and the issues faced by it. He thanked the members of Parliament for extending their support to a topic which is close to the people of Balochistan. He stressed that the political will is critical to ensure the effective role of PDMA in Balochistan and suggested institutional response to disasters must be well informed and well coordinated.

Mr. Abdul Wasy appreciated the efforts of the organizers of the policy dialogue and assured his full support towards the accomplishment of the objectives for the PDMA in the province.

Minister for Revenue, Engineer Zamarrud Khan was the chief guest at this event. He emphasized the need to be prepared in future for any unforeseen disasters at national as well as at provincial and local levels. He said that the Government of the Balochistan would leave no stone unturned in bringing about a vibrant and fully functional PDMA in the province. He added that all the political support and financial resources would be ensured to have an effective and comprehensive system in the province with close linkages with the NDMA.

Other members of the Balochistan Assembly who attended the Policy Dialogue were Ministers for Health, Forest, Youth, Sports, Minorities, Fisheries, Population Welfare, the SMBR, Secretary Health, Secretary Home and Secretary Finance. They showed their keen interest in the subject of disaster management and expressed their willingness to become the DRM champions.

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2^nd March 2010

Use of modern tools stressed to avert disasters in marble sector.

Islamabad:

To shed light on the challenges encountered in the Marble and Granite Sectors, experts and scholars stressed the need of Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into these sectors in order to shift from the obsolete technology to modern techniques that would result in disaster reduction.

The day long workshop was organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), on Tuesday, 2nd March 2010, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries & Production and Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC). The workshop was supported by UNDP – Pakistan under the One UN DRM Joint Programme. It was attended by various stakeholders of mine owners and marble products manufacturers / processers, chips industry and professionals from various relevant organizations and academia.

Mr. Tariq Rafique, DRM National Project Manager, while welcoming the participants said that in Pakistan, since earthquake – 2005, focus is on incorporation of DRR in all policy & regulatory instruments and steps are being taken to ensure that the DRR elements are incorporated in all future programmes, practices and procedures. He said, our policies and practices should be economically viable and technologically sound. He continued that the policy documents which are particularly being referred to today include, National Mineral Policy 1995, Ministerial Strategy on DRR for Ministry of Industries & Production and NWFP Mining Concession Rules 2005, which, he stressed, are important to be viewed with a DRR lens. He hoped that the recommendations of the workshop would identify gaps in the Industrial Policy of Pakistan, and the above mentioned policies and rules, with reference to the Marble and Granite Sector from a DRR perspective to make industrial activities in these sectors safer & sustainable by developing them on modern scientific lines.

Mr. Ahsan Ullah Khan, Chairman PASDEC was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Addressing the participants of the workshop he said that there are various quarrying activities, with more than 100,000 workers, in NWFP and Balochistan wherein the Marble and Granite are extracted and thereafter processed into value added products. He added that use of explosives, unscientific mining and improper waste disposal also causes land degradation, stagnant pool and flooding of water, bad visual impact, pollution, health and safety hazards. He stressed the need for improved engineering practices. Usage of calculated explosives and shifting to explosive-free extraction through introduction of modern techniques could help prevent lung diseases in quarrying workers. In addition to land creeping where effective engineering controls are not possible, workers should wear approved respirators/PPEs, he advised. Referring to the Quran, he stressed that saving of a single life carries un-imaginable rewards.

Mr. Shaid-R-Khan, Chief Executive, Indus Mining Company (Member Board of Governors – PASDEC), while appreciating the efforts of the NDMA, assured full support on behalf of the Marble Sector. He termed the NDMA initiative a right step in the right direction as modernization and incorporation of DRR will enable these sectors to contribute significantly to the exchequer of the country.

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25^th Feburary 2010

NDMA conducts 1st ever industrial mock exercise at Engro Fertilizers, Daharki, district Ghotki.

Islamabad:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is actively working to chalk out a well-conceived response structure, to be well publicised and understood by all stakeholders for enhancing their capacities on the disaster and emergency management.

In order to put the contingency plan into practice, the NDMA, in collaboration with Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Karachi, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Ghotki and various other response agencies/stakeholders, conducted the first ever controlled mock exercise on Industrial Disaster Management at the premises of ENGRO Fertilizer Ltd at Daharki on 25th February 2010. The exercise was aimed at providing base for active involvement of district/provincial disaster management authorities, various stakeholders at different tiers to handle any future disaster in an effective way. The Urban Search and Rescue Team also took part in the mock exercise. The exercise was evaluated by a joint team of experts from Technical Cell of the NDMA, Ministry of Industries, DESTO and ENGRO Fertilizers. It may be mentioned here that earlier the NDMA has organised a workshop for all stakeholders to share their valuable input to finalise the contingency plan for the management of industrial disasters.

Chairman NDMA Lt General (R) Farooq Ahmad Khan monitored the mock exercise at Daharki on February 25, 2010. While briefing the journalists on this occasion, he said that in order to create comprehensive guidelines for effective management of the industrial disasters in the country, the NDMA has prepared a plan regarding identification of the gaps in the existing mechanism, policy and programmes for prevention, mitigation and preparedness. Chairman NDMA, while appreciating the team work of the participants of the mock exercise said that the skills learned by the participants would help build their capacity to tackle with disasters in future.

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23rd Feburary 2010

Seminar on Disaster Risk Reduction Sensitive Housing Policy and National Planning Standards Held At NIDM.

Islamabad:

In order to develop appropriate guidelines for integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) aspects in the Housing Policy and National Reference Manual for planning standards, a day long consultative seminar was arranged by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Works and United National Development Program, at National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), at Islamabad on Tuesday.

The main focus of the seminar was to (i) Introduce a Ministerial Strategy on DRR in the Housing sector in Pakistan (ii) Initiate dialogue and to identify gaps in the “National Housing Policy” and the “National Reference Manual” instruments from a DRR perspective (iii) Finalize recommendations and way forward from the mutual consultation of the resource persons and professional participants from PCATP, PEC, development authorities and other relevant agencies in Pakistan.

“DRR Sensitive Housing Policy and Planning Standards” is identified as a crucial need by the Ministry of Housing and Works for mainstreaming DRR in the Housing Strategy which has also been emphasized globally in the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) and in Pakistan, to incorporate DRR in all such policies and regulatory instruments, since the earthquake of 2005.

Prominent partners of this initiative included the Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Council of Architects, Town Planners and the UN-Habitat. Professionals from the planning and construction fields who attended the seminar included engineers, architects, town planners and decision makers from various public and private sector organizations. Lt. Gen. (R) Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman NDMA, Ms. AR Shama Usman, Chairperson Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners, Mr. Aslam Mughal, President Institute of Planners Pakistan (IPP) and Ms. Maggie Stephenson, Senior Technical Advisor, UN-Habitat were some of the keynote speakers on the occasion.

Speaking to the participants of the seminar, Chairman NDMA, Mr Khan was hopeful that the recommendations of the seminar will lead the NDMA/UNDP to formulate a methodology which would be developed as guidelines for integration of DRR aspects in the relevant section of the Housing Policy and National Reference Manual for Planning Standards. The recommendations evolved from this seminar will lead towards formulation of DRR annexure for both the Housing Policy and National Reference Manual and will serve as a consultative start for development of DRR guidelines for the sector.

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19th Feburary 2010

5-Day training on “Flood Mitigation” for district officials and NGOs held at NIDM.

Islamabad:

A 5-day training course on “Flood Mitigation” for the district authorities and community based organization of flood prone district was organized by the National Management Authority (NDMA) at the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Islamabad from February 15 to 19, 2010.

A total of 23 persons representing the District Finance, Planning & Development, Revenue and Tehsil Municipal Committees as well as community based organization attended the training course. The first course on “Flood Mitigation” was organized during December 2009 at Islamabad and this was the 2nd round in which out of the 30 flood prone districts, the remaining 18 flood prone districts were covered.

The objective of the training was to build the capacities of the concerned government and civil society organizations, in flood disaster preparedness, response and mitigation, through structural and non structural interventions adopted at local level for saving lives and properties of the people.

Lt. Gen. (R) Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman NDMA was the chief guest at the inauguration of the course at the National Institute of Disaster Management. Addressing the participants he said that the course would provide comprehensive flood disaster risk management knowledge and skills to district government officers and civil society members who have key flood disaster risk management responsibilities at the district/tehsil level.

Renowned experts in the field of flood management delivered lectures on four key modules e.g (i) Overview of flood disaster risk situation in Pakistan (ii) Institutional arrangements to cope with flooding (iii) Flood Risk Assessment and (iv) Flood Mitigation Measures. A field trip to the Pakistan Meteorological Department was also organized where participants were exposed to different traditional and modern equipments and satellite technologies for weather forecasting and early warnings System.

At the end of the training course a ceremony was held on Friday wherein Ms. Rabia Khattak, Assistant Country Director, UNDP, Pakistan awarded certificates to the participants of the training.

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19th Feburary 2010

NDMA holds training on Emergency Preparedness and Response for NUST staff.

Islamabad:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in consultation with the National University of Science & Technology (NUST), held a five-day training programme on “Emergency Preparedness and Response” for the staff members of NUST. The training was aimed to create a cluster of master trainers at the university level. The main objective of the training was to build the capacity of the key staff in disaster risk management through enhancing their knowledge and skills in preparedness and response. The intensive training focused on both theory and hands-on exercises for response.

The 16 Master Trainers who were trained through this exercise learnt key skills in evacuation planning, first aid, fire fighting and basic search and rescue.

The participants showed keen interest and actively involved themselves throughout the entire course. They displayed their newly learnt skills in a simulation/drill conducted at the end of the training. A joint simulation, at the end of the training course, involving the participants and a specialized Urban Search and Rescue team of CDA, raised by the NDMA, highlighted the importance of the working together strategy of the first responders with the specialist team in a disaster situation.

 

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15th Feburary 2010

National Institute Of Disaster Management (NIDM) established – A Step towards Making Pakistan Disaster resilient.

Islamabad:

The National Disaster Management Authority through the technical support of United Nations Development Programme has launched the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in Islamabad. The NIDM has been established to build capacities to respond and prepare for disasters across the country.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established in 2007 with an aim to be at the forefront of disaster management in the country. It has been mandated to focus on putting in place systems which reduce the potential devastation from a disaster and ensures that if they do occur there are mechanisms to respond to it effectively. For this purpose, national and provincial fora have been strengthened in disaster risk management. It is to mention here that the section -26 (sub-section -1) of the National Disaster Management Ordinance (NDMO) also envisages establishment of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) to be responsible body for planning and promoting training and research; and developing core competencies in the area of disaster management, documentation and development of national level information base relating to disaster management policies, prevention mechanism and mitigation measures. This Management Institute will further strengthen the efforts of the Government to promote Disaster Risk Management (DRM) as a priority as disasters are one of the major stumbling blocks in attaining development goals and very often reverse the gains from development.

The Institute will respond to the need of creating a full fledged academic institute for providing research and training services for disaster risk managers in the country. NIDM will function as a premier centre of excellence for providing training and research services on DRM to the public and private sector individuals. The UN System in Pakistan also plays a pivotal role to further strengthen the national Disaster Risk Management System. A One-UN Joint DRM Programme was launched in early 2009 for an initial time-frame of two years. UNDP Pakistan, as part of the ongoing One UN DRM Programme, has adopted a comprehensive approach towards disaster risk reduction encompassing mitigation, preparedness and advocacy in every initiative it supports with communities and government institutions. Working with NDMA, the national institution responsible for disaster preparedness in Pakistan, UNDP ensures that disaster risk reduction is included in the planning of relevant line ministries, and that communities are better prepared when natural hazards strike. NIDM will develop curriculum on various facets of disaster management; offer short courses on DRM, conduct studies on disaster-related areas to assist legislators and policy makers for informed planning and decision making undertake study, research, develop linkages and build partnerships with national and international academic institutions. It will develop a network of disaster management professionals working in various disciplines inland and abroad; undertake mass awareness to raise disaster risk awareness among the general public. It will also build a database about disasters in the country and give regular updates through its website which will work as a hub of information for the consumption of public sector departments and media organizations.

In his address as Chief Guest on the launching of the NIDM, Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority, Lt. Gen. (R) Farooq Ahmad Khan said that he is immensely pleased to witness the launching of a much needed set-up like the National Institute of Disaster Management in Pakistan. He further added that the NIDM has a huge responsibility of instilling DRM ideas in the minds of our youth, government officers and civil society organizations. “I am determined to make the NIDM a hub of knowledge and information on Disaster Risk Management“, said the Chairman. He was optimistic that establishment of the NIDM would develop a culture of DRM which would lead Pakistan towards sustainable development and a risk free country. Speaking on the occasion, the UNDP deputy Country Director, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka said, “When disasters strike, the impact of our work – so often measured in gradual increments over time – is by necessity instant and pivotal. At moments like this, we are reminded again of the imperative to work on disaster risk reduction and response in times of both stability and turmoil. I am confident that the NIDM under NDMA leadership will play a crucial role for imparting appropriate training to disaster managers at various levels to ensure coordinated and quick response during emergencies.”

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3rd Feburary 2010

Chairman NDMA visited the artificial Lake formed by Hunza Landslide with senior officials of Gilgit Baltistan.

Hunza:

On 28 January 2010, the Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan (R) visited the artificial lake formed at Hunza River near the disaster hit Attabad village. He was accompanied by the Speaker of GBLA , former Member of NALC Nazir Sabir, NATCO MD Zafar Iqbal, Home Secretary Usman Younis, DC Hunza-Nagar Zafar Waqar Taj and Khuwaja Khan of the Ismaili Regional Council among others.

The general instructed FWO workers, NHA and B&R personnel to expedite work on breeching the artificial dam. He also met some Chinese engineers who have joined the FWO workers recently to create a breech in the lake. The work is going to take around two months, a Chinese engineer told journalists. The general, as reported by Daily Mahasib, has said that if precautionary measures had been taken earlier, based on the research and survey findings of FOCUS and other NGOs the loss could have been reduced. He also instructed the district administration to conduct geological survey of the region to further explore and identify areas at risk.
Our correspondent adds from Gulmit – DG of NDMA, Wazir Baig, Mutabiat Shah, Nazir Sabir and other government officials visited Ayeenabad Shishkat today to observe the destruction caused by a fast expanding lake formed on the Hunza River. They also visited office of the relief commissioner at F.G.Boys High School, Chamangul.
Youth of the village put tough questions to the visitors and said that despite of several VIP visits no tangible work can be seen taking place at the lake site. They urged the representatives and government officials to use their mandate and authority to provide relief to people of Gojal valley by releasing water from the artificial lake and urgently linking the valley to rest of the country by opening up KKH.
They also condemned the ideas of creating a dam in the area.
General Farooq assured the youth that the government is using all its energy and resources to open the lake, besides supplying food, fuel and other essential commodities to the 25, 000 people of Gojal valley.
Courtesy: http://pamirtimes.net/

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29th January 2010

NDMA represented Pakistan in Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) 2010 held on 17-19 January 2010 at Hyogo, Japan

Islamabad:

The Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) 2010 was held in Kobe - Japan, from 17 to 19 January 2010. Senior Member, National Disaster Management Authority participated in the meeting on behalf of Government of Pakistan. The conference was organized jointly by the Government of Japan, the United Nations Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC).

International participants from 28 countries as well as representatives of international and regional organizations, academic community, private sector and civil society organizations attended the conference. The participants expressed their sincere condolence and sympathy to the people and communities affected by the unprecedented earthquake in Haiti on 12 January 2010. This most recent catastrophic disaster attracted great attention of the participants during the discussion at ACDR 2010. The key topics addressed at ACDR 2010 included are some suggestions for follow up actions, especially in relation to the Mid-Term Review of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and the 4th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR), to be held 25-28 October 2010 in Incheon, Republic of Korea to discuss climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

It may be recalled that ACDR serves as an evolutional program of the past ADRC Annual Meetings. Previously ACDR was conducted in Japan in 2003, Cambodia in 2004, Republic of Korea in 2006, Kazakhstan in 2007 and Indonesia in 2008.

Senior Member NDMA Proposed sending two Team Leaders of USAR Teams for capacity building in Singapore

Islamabad:

While attending Steering Committee meeting of Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) held in Kobe, Japan on 18 January 2010, Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir, Senior Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) expressed the desire of NDMA for capacity building of the two international level Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR) raised by Pakistan in its two major cities of Islamabad and Karachi.

Senior Member requested the ADRC to sponsor the courses in this regard for the two USAR team leaders at the “International Urban Search and Rescue Course” offered by the Civil Defense Academy of Singapore. Assistance of ADRC was also sought for coordination with the Singapore Government to reserve two slots in the ensuing courses planned for 2010.

The ADRC is a 28 member forum which was established in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture, in 1998, with mission to enhance disaster resilience of the member countries, to build safe communities, and to create a society where sustainable development is possible. The Center works to build disaster resilient communities and to establish networks among countries through many programs including personnel exchanges in this field.

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15th January 2010

Seminar on information exchange in the wake of Natural Calamities/Earthquakes in Pakistan and other countries

Islamabad:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the US Embassy Islamabad, is organizing a seminar on information exchange in the wake of natural calamities/earthquakes in Pakistan and other countries. Initial outline of the proposed workshop was discussed during a meeting with the representative of the US Embassy. The meeting was held in NDMA on 15th January, 2010 at 1100 hrs under the chairmanship of Lt Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman NDMA.

The proposed seminar will be held in June or July 2010. The exact dates will however be finalized through subsequent contacts between NDMA and the US Embassy. It was agreed that both sides will exchange lists of experts/speakers by 15th February 2010 while logistic arrangements will be finalized during April and May.

Besides above, the representative of US Embassy showed interest in enhancing capacity of relevant departments/agencies in Pakistan by providing training to the relevant officials from the departments on disaster management, covering both theoretical and physical parts, especially in search and rescue in hilly, mountainous and difficult terrains.

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5th January 2010

EARLY CAUTION OF NDMA AVERTED LARGE CATASTROPHE- USAR TEAM MOBILIZED TO ASSIST THE AFFECTEES IN HUNZA

Islamabad:

Following the yesterday incident of landslide of about 20 vacant houses of village Atta Abad, Hunza District of Gilgit Baltistan, which caused death of 10 people in Sarat village in the low lying area, the Gilgit- Baltistan Disaster Management Authority has started its activities in close coordination with the local administration and the specialized teams of NDMA have been mobilized from Islamabad through three newly inducted helicopters available with the Cabinet Division for rescue operations. In addition to this all facilities including food, shelter, non-food items and health care are ensured to the affected population.

Eastern part of Atta Abad Village was already declared High Hazard Area by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in September, 2009, on the basis of a study conducted by the NDMA through Geological Survey of Pakistan wherein movement of terrain/ground resulting into cracks in the houses pitched on the mountain slope in the village Atta Abad, Hunza Valley, was observed. According to preliminary reports, approximately 20 vacant houses of Atta Abad Village slide and fell over the Sarat Village in the low lying area, inhabited by some families. Due to land sliding, River Hunza is partially and Karakurram Highway is completely blocked. Since the area was declared disaster prone, therefore, some 103 families of Atta Abad village were already evacuated and shifted to a safer place. Due to inclement weather conditions and dust/debris on the site, the numbers of causalities could not be ascertained, however, large numbers of causalities are not feared keeping in view of the precautionary measures already undertaken by local authorities and prompted by the NDMA.

NDMA is closely monitoring the situation and is keeping liaise with all concerned authorities to minimize losses of lives and properties and alleviate the sufferings of the affectees.

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22nd December 2009

NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN IS IN ITS FINALIZATION PHASE

Islamabad:

National Disaster Management Authority being the national focal agency has been striving for an effective disaster response mechanism in the country at all levels of government. To materialize this idea National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) was developed and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disaster response were drafted and after  approval of NDMA,  the draft Plan and the draft SOPs were forwarded to over 80 key stakeholders including government, non-government, UN and donor organizations for further comments..

For the finalization of the NDRP, four consultation workshops were held at provincial and regional level in Karachi, Lahore, Muzaffarabad and Quetta.  The last one was held in Islamabad on 31 December 2009. The participants of the workshop included representatives of concerned federal ministries, departments, divisions, UN agencies, national, international organizations and representatives from NWFP and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The consultation process will lead to the formulation of a final draft NDRP document to be presented before the National Disaster Management Commission (NDMC) headed by Prime Minister, for final approval.

Main objectives of the National Disaster Response Plan are:- a). Integrate all disaster management activities from preparedness to response and recovery. b). Provide a framework for emergency response at different levels within government structures. c). Spell out the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders. d). Coordinate activities with the UN, INGOs, civil society, media, public /private sector and local philanthropists.  e).        Identify types of hazards, levels of vulnerability and its causes as well as the structure, functions and coordination mechanisms of all agencies and stake holders.  f).       Focus on existing relief system in Pakistan.  g). Explain the process of declaring calamity-hit areas, detail the early warning systems and to trace the information flow from national to local level.  h). List different relief management functions, lead agencies, relief duties and SOPs.  i). Highlight concept of emergency operation centers (EOCs) at national, provincial / regional / state and district / agency level.  j.).  Lay down SOPs for concerned agencies and authorities.

National Disaster Response Plan will provide the framework for responding to disasters, both natural and man-made, of small, medium and large magnitude in the country together with corresponding response mechanisms and procedures. It will also describe structures and mechanisms for providing operational direction to disaster management authorities at federal, provincial, regional, state and district levels. In addition to that it classifies emergencies at all levels (national, provincial, regional and local) and clearly delineates the process of declaring emergency at each level and subsequent response accordingly. The Response Plan will also formulate roles, responsibilities and coordination among various stakeholders and institutions in case of disasters.

Addressing the participants of final consultation workshop Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir, senior member NDMA said that the National Disaster Response Plan after approval from the NDMC will be disseminated to key stakeholders. To make the document operational and to ensure its effective implementation, the NDMA will monitor and review each relief operation.  Being a dynamic and living document, review of the plan will continue and changes and modification will be made accordingly.

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22nd December 2009

NDMA HOLDS CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP ON NATIONAL CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR INDUSTRIAL / TECHNICAL DISASTERS

Islamabad:

NDMA in its efforts towards mitigation and preparation against disasters is developing a National Contingency Plan for Industrial / Technical Disasters. Unlike natural disasters which are difficult to prevent, industrial disasters can be prevented and their impact minimized by better planning, preparedness and response. While outlining the gaps in the existing protection mechanism, policy and programmes for prevention, mitigation and preparedness needed a Contingency Plan leading to preparation of comprehensive guidelines for preparation, mitigation and effective management of technical/industrial disasters.

Based upon the above realization, draft of the subject plan has been prepared by NDMA and comments and suggestions of all the stake holders from public and private sector have been incorporated in the draft. As the draft is about to turn into a national policy document, therefore NDMA is holding a workshop with all the major stake holders to share their valuable input to finalize a comprehensive and applicable Contingency Plans for the Management of Industrial Disasters.

In Pakistan, Provincial and District authorities as well as Industrial sector are not fully equipped / trained and prepared to handle any major disaster of industrial or chemical nature. It is, therefore, imperative that capacity enhancement be assured for appropriate response against such disasters / emergencies. Respective Ministries, Departments and industrial sector will be required to set standards in the light of guidelines provided by the subject Contingency Plan. The stake holders will be required to maintain such standard/equipment from within their own resources. A well conceived response structures is required to be formed, publicized and understood by all the concerned stakeholders to enhance their ability of the disaster / emergency management.

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18th December 2009

MEDIA HAS A CRITICAL ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFECTIVE DISASTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY

Islamabad:

National Disaster Management Authority held a three day training workshop for media persons in Islamabad. The training workshop aimed at sensitizing the media persons about the current disaster management regime in the country. Media persons hailing from about thirty disaster prone districts of the country keenly participated in various group works and discussions about the role of media in disaster management.

Participants of the workshop being from all the provinces and regions of the country found it a useful learning experience and awareness exercise in terms of understanding the system and dynamics of disaster management when a natural or manmade disaster occurs.

Discussions and group work regarding reporting in disasters were especially very informative and professionally valuable for the reporters. At the end of the workshop Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir, senior member NDMA awarded certificate s to all the participants of the workshop.  Senior member in his closing address emphasized that role of media in disaster management is very critical and NDMA considers media as an integral part of response mechanism in disaster management. More workshops and seminars about the role of media in disaster management are being planned in near future.

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18th December 2009

NDMA FOCUSING ON DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES (DDMAS)

Islamabad:

National Disaster Management Authority held a one-day meeting in Islamabad to discuss the operationalization of the District Disaster Management authorities in high risk districts of the country. DCOs, of the nine high risk districts and district Disaster Risk Management Coordinators participated in the meeting. These districts were already earmarked by NDMA on the bases of vulnerabilities and hazards they face which may result in disasters. These districts include Haripur, Charsada, Jhang, Rajanpur, Sialkot, Thatta, Badin, Gawadar and Gilgit. In the meeting, DCOs made presentation focusing on the steps taken during 2009 for operationalization of District Disaster Management Authorities in their respective districts.

The meeting also focused on the challenges faced by district authorities and their future plans regarding the disaster management system in the participating districts. The main challenges highlighted in the meeting were budget, capacity building and equipment needed in any emergency situation. The Senior Member NDMA Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir who also chaired the meeting, assured the participants to extend NDMA’s support through their respective PDMAs in overcoming these challenges.

In the end, the chair emphasized upon the district government officials to focus on planning, preparedness and mitigation in their respective districts to establish an effective disaster management system at local level.

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23rd November 2009

NDMA hands over Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Team to Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad.

Islamabad:

Two highly sophisticated and well equipped Urban Search and Rescue Teams raised by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with the cooperation of Swedish, British and Swiss Agencies have completed its training phase. These USAR teams have been raised by NDMA as a result of lessons learnt from Oct, 2005 earthquake. Soon after its establishment in early 2007, the NDMA decided to enable Pakistan in the field of Urban Search and Rescue and in a short span of time now these two teams are in place to play their critical role in life saving from collapsed structures. After completion of 18 months training phase these teams have participated in first ever National Urban Search and Rescue Exercise held in Karachi and Islamabad on a simulated scenario of collapsed structures. On completion of exercise now both the teams have become operational. Operational command of one of these two teams was handed over to city district government by NDMA in Karachi on 12th November and the second team is handed over to Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad in a ceremony held at USAR Academy, Sector H-11 Islamabad.

Chairman NDMA, Lt. Gen. ® Farooq Ahmed Khan, formally handed over operational command of one (86 members) USAR team to Chairman CDA, Mr. Imtiaz Inayat Elahi. During the ceremony both the Karachi and Islamabad USAR teams demonstrated their Search and Rescue skill in an exercise at the sight of training facilities. The salient features of the teams are high tech search and rescue equipment, canine component (search dogs), operational self sustainability and local and international deployment capability. Teams have undergone an extensive training course over a period of eighteen (18) months comprising 37 different courses. Approximately 2 million US $ worth search and rescue equipment and training facilities have been arranged by NDMA for each team.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira was the chief guest at the command transfer ceremony. Mr. Kaira appreciated the efforts of NDMA for creation of such a world class resource / asset in the country. Speaking at the occasion Chairman NDMA urged the CDA to pay close attention on the maintenance and practice of the team to maintain the operational capability of the team.

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10th November 2009

First Ever National Urban Search & Rescue Mock Exercise in Karachi.

Islamabad:

Pakistan is vulnerable to a variety of natural and human induced hazards including Earthquake, Floods, flash floods, urban fire accidents and industrial accidents. These hazards especially Earthquake, have been playing havoc with the residential and commercial structures but  the response to these incidents leaves much to be desired due to paucity of search and  rescue and fire fighting resources, poor prevention standards and outdated capacity of fire fighters. Realizing these short comings and to cope with disastrous situations  NDMA   has  raised  two  USAR (Urban Search And Rescue) teams, one for Karachi and the other  for Islamabad  to enhance the national emergency response capacity in Pakistan.

As these teams have completed their  training  so  before  formal  operationalization these teams are taking part in first ever National Urban Search and Rescue Mock Exercise starting in Karachi today. For this exercise Islamabad team has  travelled  to  Karachi  and  both  teams will work together on a simulated scenario of emergency in Karachi city. International and local observers are monitoring and evaluating the performance of the teams. This exercise will continue for three days without any break. During the exercise teams will operate on self sustainable basis.   SRSA (Swedish Rescue Service Agency Sweden) ,DFID UK and SDC Switzerland have helped  NDMA in creating these two international Standard Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams in Pakistan

These teams have undergone an extensive training in the field of search & Rescue. High tech search equipment and canine component make these teams a valuable asset for Pakistan while responding to disasters especially rescuing the lives from collapsed structures.

Second phase of the national mock exercise will start in Islamabad within next few days. After the completion of this exercise NDMA will officially hand over the operational command of these teams to City District  Government  Karachi and CDA Islamabad for deployment as and when required in disasters.

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Tsunami Awareness Drill in Jiwani, Gawdar.

Islamabd:

National Disaster Management Authority conducted a tsunami awareness drill in Jiwani, Gawadar in coordination with UNDP Pakistan. A team of NDMA and UNDP experts on Tsunami was present in Jiwani for the last few days for preparation for the drill. Preparatory workshops for local government officials, NGOs and civil society and local populace were organized. Local people and officials were given detail briefings about the nature and dynamics of Tsunami threat.

A large number of Local people including women, children and elderly participated in the exercise and keenly learned the preparatory measures to avoid losses in case of Tsunami. In response to warning sirens from ambulances people rushed out of their houses and gathered at per-identified place where local government officials and local volunteers briefed them about the issue and appreciated their involvement for Tsunami awareness activity. Representatives of media , civil society ,NGOs and district government and PDMA were also present on this occasion.

This drill was second in the series of such drills in coastal belt and in the coming days similar exercises are planned for Pasni , Ormara and other coastal communities.

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14th October 2009

Tsunami awareness drill in Keti Bandar near Thatta, Karachi.

Islamabd:

National Disaster Management Authority conducted a tsunami awareness drill in Thatta in coordination with Indian Ocean Countries to test the Tsunami preparedness at regional level. Eighteen countries around the Indian Ocean Rim conducted this exercises in different coastal areas.. A team of NDMA experts on Tsunami was present in Thatta for the last few days for preparation for the drill. The exercise for the first time tested and evaluated the effectiveness of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWS), established in response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami on December 26, 2004. The weaknesses of the existing system and areas for improvement were identified to increase preparedness and improve coordination throughout the region.

A large number of Local people including women, children and elederly participated in the exercise and keenly learned the preparatory measures to avoid losses in case of Tsunami. In response to warning sirens people rushed out of their houses and gathered at per-identified place where local government officials and local volunteers briefed them about the issue and appreciated their involvement for Tsunami awareness activity. Representatives of media , civil society ,NGOs and district government and PDMA were also present on this occasion.

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13th October 2009

UNESCO Member States in the Indian Ocean to test tsunami warning system on 14th Oct.

Islamabd:

Eighteen countries* around the Indian Ocean Rim will participate in an ocean-wide tsunami exercise on 14 October to coincide with World Disaster Reduction Day. Pakistan on the basis of its experience in Gawadar Tsunami Evacuation Drill in July 2009 has been selected as coordinator in Jakarta meeting for the fourteen countries of Indian ocean rim. In Pakistan this exercise is being conducted at Kaiti Bandar in district Thatta near Karachi. A team of NDMA experts on Tsunami is present in Thatta for the last few days for preparation for the drill. The exercise will for the first time test and evaluate the effectiveness of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWS), established in response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami on December 26, 2004. It will identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. It aims to increase preparedness and improve coordination throughout the region. “Exercise Indian Ocean Wave 09” will provide an opportunity for Indian Ocean countries to test their operational lines of communications, review their tsunami warning and emergency response standard operating procedures, and promote emergency preparedness. The exercise scenario will replicate the magnitude 9.2 earthquake that occurred off the northwest coast of Sumatra, Indonesia in 2004, generating a destructive tsunami affecting countries from Australia to South Africa. The simulated tsunami will spread in real time across the entire Indian Ocean, taking approximately 12 hours to travel from Indonesia to the coast of South Africa. Bulletins will be issued by the Japan Meteorogical Agency (JMA) in Tokyo and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) in Hawaii, USA, which have served as the interim advisory services since 2005. The bulletins will be sent to the focal points in the National Tsunami Warning Centres (NTWC) responsible for tsunami response in the countries concerned. All countries in the region have been encouraged to participate. The recently established Regional Tsunami Watch Providers (RTWP) in Australia, India and Indonesia will also participate in the exercise and will share experimental real time bulletins between themselves only. RTWPs are called to replace in the near future the interim service currently provided from Hawaii (PTWC) and Tokyo (JMA). The RTWPs will provide examples of the new types of products being developed for use in the Indian Ocean region and will invite feedback and comments from the IOTWS Member States. The main purpose of Exercise IOWave09 is to test national standard operating procedures and the operational lines of communication between the NTWCs and JMA and PTWC. Several Member States have indicated that they intend to conduct the exercise through to community level, including limited evacuation of selected coastal communities. Such “end-to-end” conduct of the exercise will test the standard operating procedures and communications links at all levels of the warning chain and will involve detailed pre-planning of the exercise at the national to local level. Exercise IOWave09 was recommended by Member States attending the 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWS) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, in April 2008. The ICG/IOTWS was established by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) in 2005, to promote exchange of seismic and sea level data for rapid tsunami detection, to provide warnings and to coordinate mitigation efforts among Member States. At the same time IOC began coordinating the creation of similar systems in the Caribbean (CARIBE-EWS) and the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic Ocean and connected Seas (NEAMTWS). The IOC has been coordinating the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (PTWS) since 1965. This exercise takes place in the wake of the tsunami that killed more than 100 people in Samoa on Tuesday 29 September, providing a sober reminder that coastal communities everywhere need to be aware and prepared for such events. Countries include: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and East Timor.

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8th October 2009

NDMA IS STRIVING FOR DISASTER RESILIENT PAKISTAN.

Islamabd:

To commemorate 8th October as National Disaster Awareness Day in a befitting manner, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) organized a wide range of national and international activities with the purpose to create awareness among policy makers, Civil Society Organizations and general masses. Since its establishment in March 2007 the NDMA has made a significant contribution in developing an effective disaster management system in the country.

On national disaster awareness day NDMA organized four main activities to advocate the policy of mitigation, preparedness and prevention rather than the past approach of response and reaction in the face of disasters. NDMA organized a national conference in Prime Minister’s secretariat with the theme of “WORKING TOGETHER FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION” Honorable Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani inaugurated the conference.

Along side this conference Minister of state for foreign affairs Nawabzada Malik Amaad Ahmed Khan inaugurated a large scale public awareness activity in the form of 2nd National Disaster Management Exhibition (DMEC) in the Jinnah Convention centre ( 8th to 10th October 2009) . Where a large number of local and international groups and companies are showcasing latest technologies, equipments, materials and services for disaster management. Among the exhibitors are leading brands of ambulances, bulletproof cars, fire fighting equipments, health and safety products, policing and anti terrorism equipments ,surveillance systems and state of the art security and safer construction services.

Along side this exhibition a simulation exercise of Urban Search and Rescue Teams was held in which recently raised search and rescue teams displayed their skills of evacuating the survivors from collapsed structures. These teams are equipped with latest high tech tools and gadgets used for search and rescue operations, along with canine (search dogs) arrangement.

A number of Donor agencies, INGOs, NGOs, Government Departments and UN agencies are also displaying their contributions in the field of disaster management. A Karachi based company SARG is organizing this mega event.

On the sidelines of the conference and exhibition a SAARC regional workshop on “EARTH QUAKE RISK MITIGATION” was also inaugurated by MOS for foreign affairs being hosted by Pakistan (NDMA) on this day to highlight the importance of the policy of mitigation and preparedness in disaster management.

MOS appreciated the activities being organized by NDMA for public awareness and he emphasized that preparedness and disaster risk reduction are the only ways to face the increased frequency of disasters in Pakistan.

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7th October 2009

National Disaster Awareness Day.

Islamabd:

National Disaster Management Authority is organizing a number of activities on National Disaster Awareness Day of October, 2009. A national disaster management conference is being arranged to commemorate National Disaster Awareness Day at P.M secretariat Islamabad which will be attended by the policy makers and all the stake holders. Similarly a Disaster Management Exhibition is also being organized at Jinnah Convention Centre. In this exhibition local and international exhibitors will show case their equipments and tools which can be used for preparation and mitigation in the face of various disasters. Thousands of visitors are expected to visit this exhibition.

On the sidelines of these activities SAARC Regional Workshop on Earthquake Risk Management and Mitigation is being held where all the member countries of SAARC are participating.

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1st October 2009

NDMA Receives High Tech Information Communication Technology Equipment.

Islamabd:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has received High Tech Information Communication Technologies (ICT) from World Food Program (WFP) to enhance the communication capacities of NDMA in disasters. The ICT equipment comprising of Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) was handed over to Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir, Senior Member NDMA, Prime Minister’s Secretariat by Mr. Wolfgang Herbinger, Country Director of WFP in Pakistan. Other Senior Officials of NDMA and WFP were also present at the occasion.

This ICT equipment will provide live coverage of disaster affected area immediately during /after any disaster. Transmission of the live data from affected region / site will be beneficial for national and provincial governments to launch response and recovery mission accordingly. The NDMA is planning to replicate the same communication system at provincial and district level to enhance connectivity for the provincial and hazard prone districts of the country.

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30th September 2009

Disaster Management Exhibition & Conference.

Islamabd:

To commemorate 8th October as National Disaster Awareness Day in a befitting manner, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is organizing a wide range of national and international activities with the purpose to create awareness among policy makers, Civil Society Organizations and general masses. Since its establishment in March 2007 the NDMA has made a significant contribution in developing an effective disaster management system in the country.

NDMA following the paradigm shift has focused on mitigation, preparedness and prevention rather than the past approach of response and reaction in the face of disasters. This paradigm shift in the policy is being advocated through various activities at different levels.

On this day NDMA is organizing a national conference in Prime Minister’s secretariat with the theme of “WORKING TOGETHER FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION”.

Along side this conference a simulation exercise of Urban Search and Rescue Teams is being planned at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad where recently raised search and rescue teams will display their skills of evacuating the survivors from collapsed structures. These teams are equipped with latest high tech tools and gadgets used for search and rescue operations.

Another large scale public awareness activity is the 2nd National Disaster Management Exhibition (DMEC) in the Convention centre from 8th to 10th October 2009. Where a number of local and international groups and companies will showcase latest technologies, equipments, materials and services for disaster management. Among the exhibitors are leading brands of ambulances, bulletproof cars, fire fighting equipments, health and safety products, p-licing and anti terrorism equipments ,surveillance systems and state of the art security and safer construction services.

A number of Donor agencies, INGOs, NGOs, Government Departments and UN agencies are also displaying their contributions in the field of disaster management. A Karachi based company SARG is organizing this mega event.

On the sidelines of the conference and exhibition a SAARC regional workshop on “EARTH QUAKE RISK REDUCTION” is also being hosted by Pakistan (NDMA) on this day to highlight the importance of the policy of mitigation and preparedness in disaster management.

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22 August 2009

Chairman NDMA called on Prime Minister.

Islamabd:

Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt. Gen. (R) Farooq Ahmed Khan, called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House here this morning. He briefed the Prime Minister on the working of the NDMA.

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17th August 2009

Economic Losses due to Natural Disasters Worth US$ 30 Billion since 1947.

Bhurban:

Pakistan has suffered huge economic and material losses over the last 62 years due to natural disasters, largely earthquakes and floods. This was shared during a Workshop on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Development organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) here on Monday.

Inaugurating the workshop, Senior Member, NDMA, Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir highlighted the role of the relevant federal ministries and other stakeholders in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) mainstreaming. He informed the audience that the Ministerial Working Groups of all the participating ministries have been established and they are now working on their strategies for integration of DRR into development process. It may be recalled that the key federal ministries selected by NDMA have prepared their respective strategies on DRR mainstreaming and now working on the implementation of their work plans, which include various activities especially development of Technical Guidelines and implementation of pilot testing projects by these ministries.

In the keynote speech, NDMA’s Advisor Mr. Zubair Murshed said that the statistics available with different public and private entities show that since its creation Pakistan has suffered economic losses worth US $ 30-35 billions due to natural disasters. He emphasized that the key Federal Ministries should come up with concrete long term strategies for reducing people’s vulnerabilities and material & economic losses.

The workshop was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministries of Water & Power, Housing and Works, Industries and Production, Defense and Planning Commission. NESPAK, Pakistan Engineering Council and Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners were also present being members of the National Working Group on DRR.

Mr. Jawed Akhter, the Additional Secretary / Chairman Ministerial Working Group on DRR while chairing the concluding session of the workshop stated that Planning Commission will facilitate training on DRR in its institute i.e. PPMI (Pakistan Planning Management Institute). A separate chapter on DRR will be the part of next Five Year Plan and subsequent Annual Development Plans. Budget allocations in Federal PSDP for disaster risk assessment and risk reduction, and most importantly the required modifications in existing PC 1 to V formats will also be made to incorporate DRR aspects therein. He also added that the Planning Commission plans to open separate section which will exclusively focus on Disaster Risk Management.

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12th August 2009

Disaster Risk Management Training Course for District Officials of Baluchistan Province Organized in Karachi

Karachi:

The Provincial Disaster Risk Management Plan for Sindh was launched by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority on August 12, 2009. This Plan has been developed by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh with the technical assistance of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and UNDP.

This plan is the product of an intensive process of consultations with a wide range of partners.  With the implementation of this plan, it is hoped that a disaster prevention framework will be put in place across the province. This will help in protecting the lives of people as well as vital infrastructure against impending disasters and will put in place an effective mechanism for preparedness and mitigation against multiple hazards. The Plan also advises on how to manage an emergency response in an effective and timely manner.

NDMA with the cooperation of  UNDP  has  been  supporting  provincial and district authorities in developing Disaster Risk Management Plans in Punjab, Balochistan, AJK and the Northern Areas of Pakistan.  Along  with  provincial  plans  District  Disaster Risk Management Plans for the 50 high risk districts are also being compiled which will act as model plans for the remaining districts of Pakistan.

The launch event was attended by Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir Senior Member NDMA, Mr. Ghulam Ali Shah Pasha, Senior member Board of Revenue Sindh, all relevant Secretaries of the Sindh Government and representatives of UN, Media and the  key stakeholders including, , Ms. Shaista Hussain, Mr Tariq Rafique and Mr. Shalim Kamran Dost of the One UN DRM Programme.

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8th August 2009

Disaster Risk Management Training Course for District Officials of Baluchistan Province Organized in Karachi

Karachi:

A 5-day training course on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) for the selected district authorities of Balochistan Province was organized by NDMA from August 8-12, 2009 in Karachi.

A total of 32 district officers and civil society representatives from 10 districts participated in the training course. The district officers were representing Civil Defense, Social Welfare & Community Development, Revenue, Coordination and Education departments.

The objective of the training course was the orientation of district authorities on the overall concept of DRM and to inform them about the National Disaster Management System with focus on District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).

The training agenda included 5 modules: DRM Introduction; Disaster Risk Assessment; Disaster Risk Management Operational Areas; DRM Planning at District Level; and Emergency Response.

On the first day of the training course, participants were oriented on the basic terms and concepts of DRM apart from detailed information sharing on the national DRM system and Pakistan’s risk profile. During presentations, the participants took keen interest in knowing more about the overall DRM system established in 2007 and came up with a range of questions pertaining to the role and mandate of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and DDMAs. The District Coordination Officer Quetta shared concerns about the likely overlapping of activities of different district departments under the new arrangements. However, the participants were given a detailed explanation on the roles & responsibilities of various federal, provincial and districts departments in the DRM process.

The second and third days were dedicated to disaster risk assessment and preparedness and mitigation of flood, drought, earthquake and cyclone. Again, the focus largely remained on the role of DDMAs for mitigating natural and man-made hazards through a host of proposed structural and non-structural measures.

Community Based Disaster Risk Management and Gender issues in DRM were thoroughly discussed on the fourth day of the training course. Similarly, a detailed session was conducted on the process of developing DRM Plan at the district level. Mainstreaming DRR and Public Awareness were other important topics of the day.

The last day of the training course was devoted to discuss Emergency Preparedness and Response at the local level.

The concluding session was chaired by Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir, Senior Member NDMA. While addressing the participants he highlighted the role of NDMA, PDMAs and DDMAs. He removed the impression that NDMA has overtaken provincial and district departments. Senior Member said that NDMA is coordinating body at the national level to ensure the implementation of national DRM policies by respective provinces including AJK and Northern Areas. He emphasized that the DDMAs have been given a huge responsibility of mitigating disaster risks at the local level by addressing peoples’ vulnerabilities and taking holistic approach towards DRM.

The Senior Member later distributed certificates among participants.

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29th July 2009

Islamabad, 29th July 2009: Mr. Sergey Kuznetsov, Political Officer of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Islamabad called on Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir, Senior Member, National Disaster Management Authority

Islamabad:

Islamabad, 29th July 2009: Mr. Sergey Kuznetsov, Political Officer of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Islamabad called on Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir, Senior Member, National Disaster Management Authority, Prime Minister’s Secretariat, to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation and experience sharing in the field of disaster management between Emergency Control Ministry of the Russian Federation and the National Disaster Management Authority.

In the meeting it was agreed that both the countries can benefit from each others experience in the field of Urban Search & Rescue and contingency planning for different hazards.

 

 

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24th July 2009

First Search and Rescue Operation by NDMA trained teams

Islamabad:

NDMA puts into action its first Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. The highly technical and state of the art equipped USAR teams are the backbone of any disaster response system. Pakistan did not have any such team in the past and the need for these teams was felt in the aftermath of the devastating 2005 earthquake. NDMA soon after its inception took on the gigantic task of raising international level 2 heavy and one medium USAR teams.

 

The first team to be in action was the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) team , which was deployed by NDMA led by its team leader, Mr. Naeem Yousuf when a building collapsed in Liaquatabad, Karachi on 21 July 2009 at 9:06 pm. . Lt Col Aijaz Akram (Retd), Advisor/Technical Expert on USAR supervised the Search and Rescue operation. The team was able to rescue 3 survivors from the rubble including one survivor who was rescued 18 hours after the building collapsed.Working tirelessly for 30 hours non stop the team also extricated 17 dead bodies from the rubble. The FOCUS search and rescue team worked under the supervision of NDMA in this rescue operation.

 

These teams are the national asset at the disposal of the respective city governments for their use and administration, however these can and will be deployed together in case of any national/international level calamity.

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18th July 2009

FLOOD MONITORING ROOM ESTABLISHED IN NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NDMA)

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the national body for coordinating and facilitating the disaster management has established Control Room for Flood Monitoring in the wake of current monsoon in the country. The control room will receive information about flood updates/incidents from across the country, for analysis and necessary measures. The contact numbers are as under:

1. Telephone Number: 051-9213083
2. Fax Number: 051-9213082

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3rd July 2009

FIRST EVER TSUNAMI EVACUATION DRILL IN GAWADAR

In order to create awareness among the costal communities and test the preparedness of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for disaster response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has conducted a Tsunami Evacuation Drill (mock exercise) on 3rd July 2009 in collaboration with District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Gawadar.

This exercise is the response to a report by Pakistan Metrological Department On 7th January 2009 which highlighted the Tsunami threat to coastal areas of Balochistan and Sindh on the basis of seismic activities in the area as well as on the basis of historic record of the prospective tsunami threat in the coastal area. In 1945 Tsunami in coastal area of Baluchistan killed approximately 4000 persons.

After the report by Pakistan Metrological Department, the NDMA in pursuance of its role and responsibility immediately issued instructions to the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) Balochistan and Sindh and District Disaster Management Authorities of the costal area for necessary preparedness in this regard. In April 2009, the NDMA prepared and issued Tsunami Risk Reduction SOPs to all the stakeholders for recommendations. Besides this, the NDMA with the assistance of UNESCO have also organized two workshops for the preparation of SOPs for handling Tsunami in which all the stakeholders participated. The 3rd Workshop is being planned in August 2009.

For the successful conduct of this evacuation drill, a team of officer of NDMA held a series of pre-drill awareness workshops in coastal areas to sensitize the communities about the tsunami threat and response measures.

In the afternoon of 3rd of July the exercise was conducted and community participation in the exercise was fairly encouraging.

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19th June 2009

Annual Report 2007 & 2008

Section 41 of the National Disaster Management Ordinance (NDMO) envisages that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) shall prepare once every year, an Annual Report of its activities during the previous year and copies thereof shall be forwarded to the Federal Government which shall lay it before the National Assembly and the Senate.

In compliance of the above provisions of NDMO, the NDMA submitted the Annual Report for the year 2007 & 2008 to the National Assembly and the Senate.
Download Annual Report 2007 & 2008

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19th June 2009

Global Platform for DRR

Chairman, NDMA Lt Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan (R) represented Pakistan at the Second Session of The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva from 16-19 Jun, 2009. As NDMA is the lead agency and National Focal Point for all disaster management activities, therefore Chairman, NDMA participated in the session and appraised the member states of the progress made by Pakistan, in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction as per HFA guidelines and delivered the Official Statement of Pakistan at that forum.

He also attended the Pre-Conference SAARC Disaster Management Committee's meeting to discuss SAARC Region’s preparedness for disasters. Chairman made a Presentation on Pakistan's Disaster Preparedness post Earthquake 2005.

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18th June 2009

Suspect case of Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) cleared

A suspected case of Influenza A H1N1 was reported to NDMA by National Institute of Health, Islamabad on 8th June 2009. NDMA probed into the case through the provincial Disaster Management Authority and the suspect was visited by Airport Health Officer , Allama Iqbal Airport, Lahore who confirmed that the suspect did not have any signs and symptoms of flu. Details of the case

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17th June 2009

Joint UN Programme on DRM

ISLAMABAD:

This Programme was signed with the aim to promote regional stability and compensate for the social, ecomomic and environmental consequences being faced by Pakistani communities after arrival of more than 3 million Afghan refugees over the past 30 years. In addition, to that the programme will promote peaceful co-existance of remaining 1.7 million registered Afghans with local communities until situation in Afghanistan is conducive for their repatriation. Copy of the Joint UN Programme on DRM

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13th June 2009

Plan for developing National Fire Safety Policy in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

Mr. Suleman Mehtab, an international expert on Fire Safety Policy and Emergency Response, gave a Presentation to the NDMA on a plan for developing National Fire Safety Policy in Pakistan on 13th June, 2009 at 10.30 a.m. in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad. The presentation focused on background, methodology, deliverables and time frame for this activity which would be covered under One UN Programme in Pakistan.

2.                     The Chairman, NDMA directed Mr. Mehtab to widen the scope of this exercise by including other emergency services like health as well as search & rescue etc. He also desired that the time frame for deliverables should be curtailed to achieve the objectives of this project in shortest possible time. Moreover, a monitoring mechanism be put in place for conduct of regular interactive sessions to monitor progress of this activity.

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3rd June 2009

Mission from European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) called on Senior Member, NDMA

ISLAMABAD:

A two members European Commission Humanitarian Aid Organization (ECHO) Mission called on Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir Senior Member, NDMA, Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad to discuss the situation of IDPs. The meeting was attended by the following.

From ECHO

1. Ms. Beatrice Miege
2. Mr. Jota Echevarria
3. Mr. Imran Ashraf

From NDMA

1. Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir, Senior Member
2. Mr. Jamil Ahmad, Member (Operation)
3. Mr. Amir Mohyudin, Director (M&P)
4. Mr. Hassan Zulfiqar, Deputy Director (M&E)
5. Mr. Masood Akhtar, Deputy Director (R&R)
6. Mr. Muhammad Irfan Ch. PRO

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2nd June 2009

Delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) called on Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan Chairman NDMA.

ISLAMABAD:

A delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) called on the Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in his office to discuss various contemporary issues of crises management and NDMA’s view point on the subject. The meeting was attended by the followings:

• Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman NDMA.
• Jamil Ahmad, Member (Operation) NDMA
• Ms. Catherine Huser, ICRC Geneva
• Ms. Saira Gulzar, ICRC, Islamabad

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21st May 2009

NDMA Organizes Emergency Response Workshop Simulation at the Civil Services Academy, Lahore

LAHORE:

Under the auspices of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) organized a 2-day workshop on Emergency Response Management for the probationary officers of the District Management Group at the Civil Services Academy this week.

The purpose of the workshop was to orient DMG probationary officers about the basic concepts of Disaster Risk Management and emergency response mechanisms at the district level through interactive sessions and specific simulation exercise.

The first part of the orientation was dedicated to understanding terms and concepts of disaster risk management, mitigation and emergency response. In the second part, a total of 45 officers enthusiastically took part in a day-long simulation on earthquake response management. The simulation enabled them to look into some of the critical aspects of emergency response at the district level.

NDMA had earlier organized a similar workshop for a group of 50 DMG officers at the Civil Services Academy in 2007.

In order to save lives, livelihoods and property of the people from natural and human-induced hazards, the NDMA has been catering to the training and capacity building needs of civil servants and communities since its inception in 2007.

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19th May 2009

UN HABITAT delegation calls on Chairman NDMA

Islamabad:

A delegation of UN HABITAT called on Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad. The delegates Mr. Lankatilleke, (Senior Human Settlements Officer) and Mr. Siamak Moghaddam, (Country Program Manager for Pakistan) discussed the matters relating to safer construction of houses in EQ affected and disaster prone areas of Pakistan. The meeting also discussed the mainstreaming of safer construction of houses through education in engineering schools and universities. It was decided that UN HABITAT will develop a proposal on this subject which will be discussed with HEC and other stake holders from the platform of NDMA.

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19th May 2009

UN OCHA delegates calls on Chairman NDMA

Islamabad:

UN OCHA delegates Mr. Rashid Khalikov, Director OCHA and Mr. Jacco Snoeijer (OCHA Pakistan) called on Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad. The meeting discussed the state of Humanitarian Affairs in disaster affected areas of Pakistan.

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14th May 2009

97% OF COMPENSATION TO BALUCHISTAN EARTHQUAKE 2008 AFFECTEES IS DISBURSED

Islamabad:

A delegation of Baluchistan Government lead by Nawab Aslam Raisani, Chief Minister Baluchistan and his Cabinet Members called on Chairman NDMA in National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad. They discussed the issues relating to affectees of Baluchistan earth quake 2008, including the measures regarding rehabilitation and reconstruction in the earth quake affected areas.

Chairman NDMA shared with the delegation that compensation to 80% of death cases, 93% of injured cases, and 97% of house damaged cases have already been disbursed thus completing an overall 97% of compensation distribution.

Chief Minister Baluchistan appreciated the efforts of NDMA and reiterated the commitment of Provincial Government for rehabilitation of affected people. Chairman NDMA emphasized on the need for strengthening the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to play an effective role in case of any eventuality.

Members of the delegation included Maulana Abdul Wassey, Senior Minister/Minister P&D, Mr. Asim Kurd, Minister Finance, Engr. Zamrak Khan, Minister Revenue, Mr. Muhammad Rahim Mengal, Minister PDMA, Maulana Abdul Samad, Minister for Forest, Mr. Asfandyar Khan Kakar, Provincial Minister, Mr Nasir Khosa Chief secretary Baluchistan, Mr. Abdur Rahim Ziaratwal, EX-MPA, Mr. Abdul Jalil Dotani, Ex-Caretaker Finance Minister and notables of the affected areas.

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11th May 2009

IDPs Situation

Islamabad:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the national level focal body to coordinate and facilitate the disaster management has been engaged in management of IDPs of Bajaur & Swat since the inception of military operations against the militants.

Prior to current Swat operation more than 5, 53,929 IDPs are being looked after by provincial government with the help of Federal Government, various humanitarian agencies including Pak Red Crescent Society (PRCS) are dually coordinated by NDMA. More than 91,017 IDPs were housed in 11 camps in different districts and rest of the IDPs are provided relief in the form of food and non-food items on monthly basis. These IDPs in camps are provided with Health, Education and Psychosocial treatment facilities. Special care is being provided to the children and vulnerable families. There are about 27 temporary schools functional for 13,436 students (Boys & Girls) in the camps and evening classes in 63 government schools.

In response the recent influx of IDPs, NDMA and provincial authorities are fully geared up to meet the challenge. So far 36,032 families (2, 21,240) individuals have been registered in and out side the camps. To meet the requirement new sites for establishing camps are being developed in Swabi, Nowshera and other areas. For the convenience of IDPs 34 registration points for incoming IDPs have been established. The transportation for stranded people in conflict zone is being arranged by provincial authorities in coordination with military authorities.

NDMA teams along with representatives of UN Humanitarian Agencies have been deployed in Mardan to coordinate and facilitate civil administration. So far NDMA has mobilized 28,804 Tents, 1, 99,226 Blankets/Quilts, 10,887 Tons of ration, 22,466 kitchen sets, 183,994 Plastic Mats and other items like mosquitoes nets and jerry cans etc. from Federal Resources, humanitarian organizations and PRCS. All the new camps are being prepared by Provincial Government at international standards. In the efforts civil society, local NGOs and philanthropists are also participating.

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6th May 2009

NDMA meets UN cluster heads to review IDPs Management

Islamabad:

In the view of on going security crisis in Swat, Buner and Lower Dir, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) held a meeting of UN cluster heads in NDMA, Prime Minister’s Secretariat Islamabad. Member Operations NDMA, Mr Jamil Ahmed, chaired the meeting. Opening discussion the Chair shared the situation of ongoing relief programs with regards to existing in-camp and off-camp IDPs. The participants shared their existing stock positions and ongoing relief activities.

While deliberating upon the IDPs management issues, the participants emphasized for forward planning for fresh wave of IDPs in case of intensified operations against militants. The participants also realized that management of IDPs is primarily the responsibility of respective provincial authorities while NDMA is responsible to facilitate the management process, plugging of resources gap, arranging for the shortfalls and over all coordination with the donors and local authorities. In the meeting the ways and means to improve the coordination among UN Humanitarian agencies, NDMA, Provincial and Local Authorities were discussed in detail for evolving a mechanism for working together in an integrated and synergetic fashion.

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29th April 2009

NDMA for Integrated efforts to mitigate flood effects.

Islamabad:

NDMA, the national level focal body to coordinate and facilitate efforts by various agencies in their disaster management efforts, held 3rd Annual Pre-Monsoon Flood Coordination Meeting of federal and provincial stake holders to take stock of the level of preparedness and to firm up sectoral and national planning to combat any eventuality. The meeting focused on devising comprehensive strategy for tackling any potential disaster situation arising out of floods. Addressing the participants of the meeting, Lt Gen ® Farooq Ahmed Khan, Chairman NDMA emphasized that preparedness, better coordination, sharing of the experience and developing best practices for saving the precious lives as well as property of the people is the key for effective disaster management. The participants discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to flood management including:-

• Assessment of risk perception, vulnerabilities and pre-emptive/preventive actions;
• Preparedness of the health departments in the context of availability of essential medicines for water related epidemics as well as anti snake and anti rabies venoms.
• Preparedness of the Provincial Irrigation departments with regard to survey of the water courses, the protection bunds and monitoring mechanisms during the flood season.
• Flood forecasting arrangements of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (Long term and short term precipitation estimates, dissemination of the early warning to the stakeholders).
• Federal Flood Commissions’ flood monitoring and regulatory arrangements.
• Review of the water storage capacity of dams, especially the enhanced storage capacity of the Mangla Dam.
• Review of the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities preparedness to handle flood related disaster situation and relief and rescue measures.
• Review of the essential relief stockpiles of nonperishable relief items available with the ERC of Cabinet Division.
• Review of the preventive measures for the protection of the vital communication installations like Railways, Highways, Bridges and Communication lines.

After the review of all the issues authorities expressed their satisfaction about the in place arrangements for prevention and mitigation of flood effects. However it was felt that resource mapping of heavy machinery, timely completion of ongoing projects for flood control and strategic stock building of relief items would prove invaluable for further enhancing flood management capacity. All the Stake holders resolved to up grade their coordination and response in case of any eventuality arising out of the monsoon floods or any other natural hazard.

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24th April 2009

USAID delegates call on Chairman NDMA

Islamabad:

Mr. Kenneth.C Ellis and Mr. Graig String of USAID called on Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmed Khan, Chairman NDMA. Chairman shared with delegates the latest situation of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in FATA and Swat, especially in the aftermath of recent developments in Bajaur areas and Swat Peace Agreement.

In the meeting the ways and means to improve the coordination among humanitarian agencies, NDMA, Provincial and Local Authorities were discussed in detail. Issues pertaining to the management of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of FATA and Swat were deliberated upon extensively.

Strategy /plan relating to return and rehabilitation of IDPs and development plan for FATA came under discussion and it was agreed that all avenues will be explored to materialize the rehabilitation of people in their original abode and development plans with cooperation of USAID and humanitarian agencies.

Chairman NDMA highlighted that livelihood, education, housing and infrastructure are the areas where humanitarian agencies intervention is necessary in a committed fashion to win the hearts & minds of affected people. Chairman emphasized that participation of local people in development plans is critical for successful execution of any development plans in tribal areas.

In the meeting Member Operations Mr. Jamil Ahmed, Director Operation and Director Relief and Recovery of NDMA were also present.

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23rd April 2009

Chairman NDMA  calls on Prime minister.

Islamabad:

Chairman National Disaster Management Authority, Lt. Gen. (R) Farooq Ahmad Khan called on Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister’s House today.

 

The Prime Minister directed him to expedite rehabilitation of the IDPs of NWFP to their original abodes and coordinate reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

 

The Prime Minister directed to prepare an elaborate plan to be presented before the Cabinet for approval before execution. The Prime Minister especially directed that all these activities should be based on the principle of equality and transparency.

 

He directed Chairman NDMA to carry out coordination with all concerned government departments at federal and provincial levels as well as international organizations, donors and humanitarian community for assistance in this national undertaking.

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21st April 2009

Return strategy and plan for FATA and NWFP IDPs.

Islamabad:

To review the issues related to management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and to discuss the outline of the plan for the IDPs management / return plan, Senior Member NDMA, Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir chaired a meeting of all the stakeholders at the NDMA’s Headquarters, Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Representatives of Provincial Ministry for Social Welfare NWFP, FATA, FC, NADRA and UN humanitarian agencies attended the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to establish an effective, efficient and synergized return strategy and plan for IDPs, involving all stakeholders to deal with the situation.

In the meeting, representative of Frontier Corps apprised the participants of the prevailing security and IDPs situation in the areas. The representative of FATA Secretariat and NWFP Social Welfare Department shared that people have started to return to their home towns and villages in FATA and Swat in view of improved security and living conditions.

The meeting especially focused on law and order situation in IDPs camps, statistical data of IDPs, problems faced by IDPs, security issues of humanitarian workers and related issues.

The chair and participants emphasized that an efficient and effective coordination mechanism between relevant Government Departments and other agencies need to be worked out to ensure timely interventions and avoid duplication of efforts and wastage of resources during return of IDPs. Besides, close coordination between the FATA Secretariat, Provincial Authorities and Humanitarian Agencies is highly essential for success of any return plan for IDPs.

During the meeting it was agreed that FATA Secretariat and Provincial Authorities will present comprehensive IDP’s return management strategy/plan within a week, which will then be shared with all the stakeholders. Further relief and other activities for IDPs will be carried out according to the agreed return plan.

Among the other main participants of the meeting were representatives of other UN Agencies, Afghan Refugees Commissionerate and NDMA officials.

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16th April 2009

United Nation Advisor on Humanitarian Affairs calls on Chairman NDMA.

Islamabad:

Mr. Rashid Khalikov, UN Humanitarian Advisor (Head of UN OCHA) along with his team visited the office of Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmed Khan, Chairman NDMA. Chairman shared the latest situation of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in FATA and Swat, especially in the aftermath of recent developments in Bajaur areas and Swat Peace Agreement.

In the meeting the ways and means to improve the coordination among UN monitoring agencies, NDMA, Provincial and Local Authorities were discussed in detail. Issues pertaining to the management of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of FATA and Swat were deliberated upon extensively.

Ideas relating to stock pilling of relief goods comprising food and non-food items as preparatory measures and contingency planning came under discussion and it was agreed that all avenues will be explored to realize this idea with cooperation of UN humanitarian agencies. Chairman NDMA emphasized for rapid response by UN Humanitarian Agencies in case of any natural disaster. Chairman highlighted the importance of preparatory measures for rapid response in natural disasters.

In the meeting director operations and director relief and recovery of NDMA were also present.

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March 13, 2009

Prime Minister directs NDMA to ensure settlement of displaced person.

Islamabad:

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday directed National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to step up provision of substantial assistance to the internally displaced persons from NWFP and FATA.

In a meeting with Chairman NDMA Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, the Prime Minister asked him to ensure shelter, food, medical assistance and education facilities for such persons in coordination with international organizations.

The NDMA chairman apprised the prime minister of the ongoing relief activities in the earthquake-affected areas of Baluchistan, being carried out in coordination with major stakeholders including provincial authorities and the United Nations.

He said 97 percent of the compensation worth Rs. 2.070 billion provided by the federal government, had been disbursed among the earthquake affected person.

He also informed the prime minister that after the peace accord in Swat and stability in Bajaur, the internally displaced persons had started returning their homes.

Federal Food Committee (FFC) under the auspices of NDMA monitored, coordinated facilitated the up country movement of wheat from port Qasim, Karachi port and Gawadar port. It also controlled daily releases of wheat by provincial food department to floor mills with a view to ensure un interrupted functioning of supply chain. FFC ensured regular interaction for maintaining of supply - demand equilibrium.

FFC harnessed newly harvested crop for meeting emergent consumer needs. Liasoned with provincial / equivalent governments for enforcing price control. Interacted with Ministry of Interior, Frontier Constabulary NWFP and Frontier Constabulary Baluchistan to prevent haemorrhage of stocks.

 

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February 10, 2009

NDMA Signs UN’s Joint Programme on Disaster Risk Management.

13 UN agencies combine their strengths to ensure a comprehensive response to Disaster Risk Management in Pakistan

Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir. Senior Member, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Co-Chairs of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Joint Programme, Miss. Mikiko (Acting country Director UNDP), Wolfgang Herbinger (Country Director WFP), and Country heads / representatives of FAO, ILO, IOM, UNAIDS, UNESCO, UNIFEM, UNFPA, UNHABITAT, UNHCR, UNICEF and WHO signed the United Nation’s (UN) Pakistan Joint Programme Document in the presence of the Senior Officials of Economic Affairs Division (EAD).

Thirteen out of the nineteen UN agencies operating in Pakistan have planned and developed a Joint programme to address the needs for disaster risk management in Pakistan. The two years programme for 2009-2010 is estimated to cost around US$ 66.359 million.

Read More..

 

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January 29th, 2009

Chairman NDMA Speaks to Officers and Cadets of PMA

In an effort to accquaint the future leadership of the army with the concepts and functions of new Disaster Management system of the country, Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), invited the Chairman NDMA to deliver a talk to the Officer and Cadets of Pakistan Army. This talk was focussed on the old and existing system of the disaster management in Pakistan and also dialated upon the facets of leaderships required in management of the disasters. Being the blue collar workers in the event of any disaster, it is believed that army's leadership must keep abreast with the changes occuring in the country in the realm of disster management so that in any future contingency the coordination between the national authority and the army must be smooth and flawless. It is hoped that the young leadership will now be better poised to deal with any future disaster scenario.

 

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January 21st, 2009

Raising of 3 Urban Search & Rescue (USAR)Teams

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will raise three international standard Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

The project aims at enhancing the preparedness and emergency response capacity in the country and the Authority has already penned down a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Swedish Rescue Service Agency, Sweden (SRSA), DFID-UK and Switzerland Development Corporation (SDC).

Two heavy teams consisting of 86 persons each would be raised in Islamabad and Lahore respectively, while one medium team comprising of 52 persons is on the cards for Karachi. The project is estimated to be accomplished by July this year , ensuring professional capacity of the teams to timely respond during disasters in mega cities.

Under the project, domestic respective organisations are supposed to provide human resource as per standard requirement and monetary costs associated with raising the operations of the teams. Meanwhile, international partners including SDC, SRSA and DFID would deliver equipment, besides assisting and advising for establishing appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). They would also undertake training of USAR team members, and assist in developing manuals and other essential material in the national language.

 

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January 13th, 2009

Regional Conference on Climate Change

Inaguration Ceremony of the regional conference on "Climate change : Challenges and Opportunities for South Asia" was held today.On 14th of January 2009, chairman NDMA will give a presentation to the audiance on "Disasters: Regional Percpective".

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January 3rd, 2009

Second Annual Meeting of the National Disaster Management Commission

Today, the chairman NDMA, briefed the NDMC about the progress and overall outlook of the NDMA after a year into its creation. NDMC is the top policy level decision making body in the realm of disaster managemnt in Pakistan. The Commission is headed by the honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, who chaired this meeting.During the meeting the Chairman NDMA apprised the audiance about the overall progress achived by the NDMA and also highlighted the grey ares being faced in the persuit of its mandate by the national authority. The Commission displayed its full support and satisfaction on the development shown by the authority and took a no of important decisions to facilitate the DM in the country.

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December 21st, 2008

The fire incident of Gakhar Plaza

The fire incident of Gakhar Plaza, Rawalpindi which occurred early morning of 20-12-2008 has resulted in collapse of around 80% of building structure at 1500 hours on 20-12-2008. The fire services of twin cities, including Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi, Cantonment Board Rawalpindi, CDA, Islamabad, Civil Aviation Authority, POF Wah, Bahria Town, carried out the fire fighting and search and rescue operation under the joint command of the District Government, Rawalpindi and the NDMA. On realizing that the retrieval of rescue workers and others entrapped underneath the debris of the collapsed building was becoming difficult, the NDMA mobilized the federal resources, including the FWO and Army Engineers Corps in aid of the district authorities. A contingent of about 300 army persons (both officers and Other Ranks), rushed to the site at 1600 hours on 20-12-08 and got engaged in support of the civilian fire fighting and rescue agencies. The incident has resulted in 10 confirmed deaths so far and 59 injuries, while 06 are still missing. Out of the injured persons, 12 are admitted in Hospitals for treatment, while others have been provided medical treatment for minor injuries and relieved from the hospitals. The dead bodies retrieved from the rubble of the building, includes fire fighters of POF, Wah, the Rescue 1122 and the Fire Department of City District Government, Rawalpindi. So far, 25% of the rubble has been cleared. The rubble clearance operation is expected to take almost a week for completion.

 

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16 Novemeber 2008

Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan (R) departs for Ziaarat to oversee reilief efforts.

The Chairman NDMA alongwith a team of 4 senior members of the Disaster Management Authority left today for Ziaarat. The aim of the visit is to oversee the relief efforts on ground and coordinate / kick start the early recovery phase of the humanitarian operation. During the four days the team shall visit all the affected areas to accertain the progress of the relief efforts and identify the gaps required to be plugged. Moreover, as the situation has stabilized the early recovery phase has to be started for which plan shall be finalized after consulltation with Balochistan Govt and other stakeholders.

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1 November 2008

Chairman NDMA accompanied the President's representative Mr Humayun Kurd and Interior advisor Mr Rehman A Malik on visit to the EQ hit areas of Balochistan. During the visit it was decided that & directed that :

? Immediate interim arrangements be made for provisions to safeguard the displaced population against severe winters.

? In order to manage the media perception a rep from Media Association of Balochistan will be made part of the Relief Distribution Mechanism. Furthermore, Media will be asked to identify the grey areas in the mechanism for their removal / remedial action.

? No stone shall be left un turned in providing relief to the affectees.

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October 31st 2008

Chairman NDMA briefed the President Mr Asif Ali Zardari about the on going relief activities in the Earthquake hit areas.

The President showed his satisfaction on the relief efforts and directed that all help must be extended to the victims in a swift and expeditious manner.

It was further decided: to evaluate the possibility of providing pre fabricated houses for EQ area. that arrangements be made swiftly to ward off the effects of the cold weather for victims.

NDMA should brief the President quarterly on progress and impediments in performing its assigned tasks.

DONATE MONEY for EQ victims in Disaster Relief Funds' following Accounts:
NBP,P.M. Sectt, Islamabad Account no 294 - 2
Askari Bank, Beverly centre, Islamabad, Account no 15-02-130-0009-4

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October 31st 2008

Chairman NDMA Briefed Mr Rehman A Malik about the relief activities in Balochistan.

NDMA will be the focal agency for all activities related to this EQ.

USC was directed to provide 10,000 food packs with stove for the affected population.

Distribution of relief goods shall be coordinated by NDMA in consultation with the political authorities of the province.

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October 29th 2008

Earthquake in Balochistan

Quetta: An Earthquake measuring 6.5 on richter scale struck area approximately 70 kms north/ north-east of Quetta, Balochistan at approximately 0510 hours on 29 October 2008.Read More..

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