News 2017
NDMA LAUNCHED FIRST PHASE OF MIRA TRAININGS AT DISTRICT LEVEL
Islamabad 27 December 2017:
NDMA launched first phase of trainings of enumerators on Multi-sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA) at District level. First two day’s training session for enumerators on MIRA was jointly organised in District Muzaffargarh by NDMA, UNOCHA with the support of PDMA Punjab and District Administration Muzaffargarh, on 26 December 2017. More than 50 participants from District Line-Departments, NGOs and volunteers participated in the training session while Deputy Commissioner Muzaffargrah Mr. Saif Ahmed Jappa, was the Guest of Honor.
Addressing the participants, Brig Mukhtar Ahmed Member Operations NDMA appreciated district administration Muzaffargarh, UNOCHA, IOM, PDMA Punjab for their support and cooperation in organising the training. He said MIRA is a globally accepted tool for scientific, quick and accurate disaster assessment, which helps in devising a join strategic plan for emergency response. During the first phase eight most vulnerable districts across Pakistan including Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Swat, Muzaffarabad, Karachi, Sukkur, Tharparkar and Quetta have been selected for this training program, identified in coordination with the respective PDMAs. Training sessions will be held in remaining districts with the assistance of UNOCHA and partner organisations during January 2017. These trainings are aimed to train enumerators to assess and survey the damages caused by disasters that is collection of accurate and authentic primary information from the Key Informants in the affected areas which will further proved the basis for formulation of MIRA assessment report for decision makes, he said.
Brig Mukhtar emphasised the participants to maximise this opportunity and learn new techniques for the conduct of MIRA tool which is characterized for multi-hazard scenario.
The Deputy Commissioner thanked NDMA for selecting Muzaffargarh as a pioneer district for the MIRA training and hoped that this two day’s training will enable the enumerators to make correct, accurate and timely assessment of losses in case of a future disaster, The Deputy commissioner distributed certificates among the participants.
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NDMA and UNICEF Sign Work Plan Year 2018-19 for Continued Collaboration in Child Centred Disaster Risk Reduction Interventions
Islamabad, 18th December:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) signed a joint work plan on Monday. Chairman NDMA, Lt. Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat and the Acting Representative of UNICEF, Cris Munduate signed the document.
This work plan is in line with its agenda to implement a Child-Centered Disaster Risk Reduction approach in preparing and responding to disasters, as well as early recovery.
Since 2015, NDMA-UNICEF partnership has aimed to enhance NDMA’s capacity and delivery of services to minimize risks for children and ensure their well-being and protection in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Several national level policy documents have been developed and implemented under the partnership. One of the key achievements was the formulation of the Pakistan School Safety Framework and its pilot in all provinces and regions of Pakistan, including ICT, AJK and GB.
The current multi-year work plan of 2017-18 continues to focus on the following priority areas: Child-centered disaster risk reduction through child-inclusive risk assessment, school safety and education in emergencies to ensure sustainability of education in all times, children’s participation through advocacy and communication, knowledge management, capacity building and institutional strengthening for child inclusive climate change adaptation (CCA), capacity building and engagement of relevant stakeholders for disaster preparedness, mitigation and prevention and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in schools
Chairman NDMA, while speaking on the occasion, said that 2018-19 work plan will serve as another milestone in NDMA’s efforts to ensure that children are protected and prepared for emergencies and their voices are included in decision-making process & policy formulation at all levels of disaster management.
Ms. Cris Munduate said that collaborative efforts of both organizations led to outstanding achievements in the last years. UNICEF advocates that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives, that are integral to human progress; and in this vein she looks forward to supporting NDMA to further the rights of children in all phases of disasters.
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LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE “NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BANGKOK PRINCIPLES ON HEALTH ASPECTS OF SENDAI FRAMEWORK OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION”
Islamabad 12 December 2017:
“National Action Plan for the Implementation of Bangkok Principles on Health Aspects of Sendai Framework of Disaster Risk Reduction” was launched today.
The National Action Plan was officially launched on 12th December 2017 in presence of senior officers of Health Directorates and Disaster Management Authorities from all the four Provinces including Gilgit Baltistan, FATA, AJ&K, ICT and also country representatives of UN agencies & I/NGOs.
Speaking at the occasion, Member Disaster Risk Reduction NDMA, Mr. Idrees Mahsud said that the need of health preparedness plan was felt to be incorporated into a National Disaster Management Plan to prepare for, reducing the threats posed by the effects of disasters and emergencies. This National Action Plan on Health and DRR is envisioned to build the bridge between the disaster management and the health-related stakeholders present at National, Provincial and District level to work in close coordination in reducing the disaster impact to health facilities and health care system in the country. He assured that NDMA and NHEPRN will closely work to mobilize resources for the implementation of the plan through various funding sources including Annual Development Programme. He also invited the donor agencies to be part of implementing this plan and promoting concept of mainstreaming DRR into health sector.
Along with Member DRR NDMA, Mr. Idrees Mahsud, DG National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Network (NHEPRN), Dr. Muneer Ahmad Mangrio and officials of Rescue 1122 also participated in the launching ceremony of National Action Plan.
This Plan has been formulated with technical support of consultancy firm i.e., Network for Disaster Management Professionals (NDMP). Mr. Falak Nawaz head of this consultancy firm NDMP, also informed about the consultation process for formulation of Plan. The participants were briefed on strategic priority areas and key proposed interventions with a vision to strengthen the existing capacities across the country in responding to various health emergencies.
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Memorandum of Understanding .In Support to“Pakistan School Safety Framework Scale-Up in 500 Schools of ICT (Model Pilot)”
Islamabad, November 30, 2017:
Gender and Child Cell (GCC), NDMA, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), on Pakistan School Safety Framework Scale-Up in ICT (Model Pilot) on 30 November, 2017.
National Disaster Management of Pakistan (NDMA) has formulated Pakistan School Safety Framework (PSSF) to strengthen the awareness and preparedness of students, teachers as well as the community at large, regarding hazards and potential risks. PSSF was pretested through a Pilot in 68 schools in all provinces, including ICT, AJK and GB. Owing to its monumental success, NDMA has decided to scale-up the School Safety Programme at the ICT level, which would primarily include PSSF Scale-Up in ICT Model Schools, Private Schools and Madrassas. This PSSF Scale Up will be carried out in 500 schools in two phases of 250 schools each.
This MoU envisages institutional cooperation and long-term mutual collaboration between the two organizations, for PSSF Scale-Up initiatives in ICT schools that fall under FDE jurisdiction. FDE will support and facilitate NDMA in conducting trainings and monitoring of the projects in selected schools.
The MoU was signed by Lt. Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat, Chairman NDMA and Mr. Hasnat Qureshi, Director General (DG), FDE. Speaking at the occasion, Chairman NDMA stated that the partnership will support NDMA’s concerted efforts to make PSSF document more practical and adaptable by the education sector stakeholders, as best practice in their respective jurisdictions. DG FDE welcomed the opportunity to work with NDMA and said that the MoU will further strengthen the education sector by inculcating disaster resilience in schools vulnerable to both natural and human-induced hazards.
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Memorandum of Understanding .In Support to“Gender in Emergencies and Building Resilience in Pakistan”
Islamabad; November 29, 2017:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is mandated under the Disaster Management Act of 2010, to develop guidelines and SOPs for adequate response to disasters, with a special focus on vulnerable population. In order to strengthen its efforts towards reducing the vulnerabilities of women and children in times of disasters, Gender and Child Cell (GCC), NDMA, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Care International, Pakistan, on “Gender in Emergencies and Building Resilience in Pakistan” on 29 November, 2017.
Under the MoU, both organizations agreed to work in areas of strengthening and institutionalizing gender in emergencies, building resilience with climate adoptive DRR, School Safety Framework Scale Up and urban resilience.
The MoU was signed by Lt. Gen Omar Mehmood Hayat, Chairman NDMA and Ayesha Salma, Country Director CARE International, Pakistan. Speaking at the occasion, Chairman NDMA said that every policy, program and project affects women and men differently, given their varying roles and responsibilities in society in general. Understanding gender differences during disasters leads to properly targeted assistance and improved effectiveness of preparedness and mitigation measures. Country Director, Care International Pakistan, thanked NDMA for their leadership and support and stressed that both organizations need to collaborate on preparedness and resilience initiatives in the community, with a special focus on empowering women and girls.
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Pakistan dispatches humanitarian assistance for Iran quake victims
Islamabad; November 17, 2017:
On directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has dispatched humanitarian relief assistance to the earthquake victim of Iran. A full load of C-130 plane carrying 12 tons of relief goods left to Tehran from Nur Khan Airbase on Friday afternoon. The shipment included 165 tents, 1050 blankets, 200 tarpaulin, 200 plastic mats, perishable items and other supplies. The relief consignment was handed over by NDMA team to Iranian officials at Tehran airport.
Pakistan and Iran enjoy a long-standing friendship, which has been reflected in every hour of need. The Government of Pakistan has reiterated the resolve to provide all possible assistance to help the bereaved families.
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NDMA-ADPC launch resilience building project in Pakistan
Islamabad, 16-19 October 2017:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan and Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) have jointly launched a 16-month project aimed at strengthening institutions for developing resilience in Pakistan. Senior government officials from NDMA, Federal Flood Commission, Ministry of Climate Change, Geological Survey of Pakistan, Meteorological Department, and Planning Commission attended the first of an advanced disaster resilience training course in Islamabad today which also marked the official beginning of the project. A highly-level policy dialogue with development partners will also be organized this week.
The World Bank has provided the financial support under the EU-South Asia Capacity Building for Disaster Risk Management Program, which is administered by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. The Bank intends to facilitate a long-term disaster risk management (DRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) capacity development investment in partnership with NDMA.
The current project is expected to engage with senior officials representing the federal and provincial governments on a range of activities including national trainings, policy dialogues, international trainings, exposure visits and lessons-sharing workshops.
“NDMA welcomes this very timely support from the World Bank as it will significantly complement our ongoing capacity building efforts across Pakistan. We believe the design of the project will allow government officials to learn both conceptual and practical elements of DRR and CCA in a more meaningful manner”, said Brig. Mukhtar Ahmed, Member, Operations, NDMA.
As part of the capacity building program, ADPC would be imparting training to senior government officers on advanced concepts of urban and fiscal resilience to disasters and climate impacts. In this regard National Training Course on Climate Change Risk and Disaster Management in Pakistan was organized from 16-19 October 2017.
“We are partnering with NDMA and key stakeholders for improving Pakistan’s resilience to natural disasters”, said Haris Khan, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist of the World Bank in Pakistan. “Building resilience to disaster and climate impacts is critical to ensure reduction in extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity in the country”.
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ENSURING FOOD SECURITY DURING DISASTERS ESSENTIAL CHAIRMAN NDMA
Islamabad, 17 October 2017:
Chairman NDMA Lt. General Omar Mahmood Hayat has said that ensuring Food Security during disasters is essential for sustaining life. He stated this while addressing the audience at the launching ceremony of ‘Integrated Context Analysis (ICA) Report’ on “Vulnerability to Food Insecurity and Natural Hazards” here on Tuesday.
Chairman NDMA stated that food is basic human need and essential for sustaining life under all circumstances. While ensuring appropriate nourishment remains a challenge in itself, it gets extremely demanding during natural disasters, he continued. ‘Integrated Context Analysis’ (ICA) is a globally adopted and proven programmatic tool of immense value to the decision makers to support strategic planning of safety net, disaster risk reduction, early warning and preparedness, the Chairman said. The Chairman assured that NDMA is poised for endeavoring to foster resilience in identified areas in cooperation with all stakeholders and implementation partners”. He further added, “DRR and ICA is a living process. It can be repeated with fresh data and more relevant inputs in future. “I am sure, NDMA and WFP as long term partners in humanitarian efforts will continue to cooperate towards ICA+ in near future” the chairman concluded.
Integrated Context Analysis (ICA) Report on Vulnerability to Food Insecurity and Natural Hazards was formally launched in a ceremony held in Islamabad on Tuesday. The report was jointly prepared by NDMA and World Food Program (WFP). To oversee the whole process Steering Committee as well as Technical Committees were formed having representatives from Planning Commission of Pakistan, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Ministry of Climate Change, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, SUPARCO and other agencies
The report identifies and ranks all 156 districts of four provinces and three regions of Pakistan by the level of recurrence of two main natural hazards (flood, drought) and additional contextual information (population density, land cover). Districts are categorized in 5 main categories indicating different levels of vulnerability.
Based on Technical Findings, Programmatic Part of the ICA Report was also developed through a consultative process and seeking input from provincial line departments. This report provides a solid foundation for effective planning, targeting and decision making for medium and long term programmatic strategies aimed at reducing food vulnerability. It also helps guide subsequent Seasonal Livelihood Programming at the district level and Community-based Participatory Planning at the community level.
Neil Buhne, UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Finbarr Curran, Country Director World Food Program and Member Operations NDMA Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed also highlighted different aspects of the ICA Report.
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National Disaster Management Authority and Oxfam GB Sign Memorandum of Cooperation for joint collaboration in field of Disaster Management
Islamabad 6th October, 2017:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Oxfam GB on 6th October, 2017 to promote a culture of prevention, mitigation and better & enhanced preparedness ahead of disasters to make communities more resilient by jointly working under the umbrella of National DRR Policy & National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) priorities. Lt. Gen. Omar Mahmood Hayat, HI (M), Chairman NDMA and Mr. Mohammad Hassan Qazilbash, Country Director, Oxfam GB signed the MoU. The broad areas of the MoC are :
1) Support NDMA in the execution of NDMP & Implementation Road Map,
2) Civil Society & Community Engagement for mutual support,
3) Support in Regional Cooperation and Linkages Speaking at the occasion, Chairman NDMA said that resilient Pakistan is the major aim of NDMA and implementation of priority areas of NDMP will contribute to the resilient of the community at all level. He appreciated the contribution of Oxfam GB for building resilience of the community again frequent disasters. He impressed upon that, NDMA in-line with international obligations, has shifted its focus from reactive approach to proactive approach with main focus on Disaster Risk Reduction. Mr. Mohammad Hassan Qazilbash, Country Director Oxfam GB appreciated the leadership of NDMA for their active role and highlighted that collaboration between NDMA and Oxfam GB will continue for resilience of the communities at all levels.
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Chairman NDMA Visit to SDMA
NDMA will provide all possible support and facilitation to SDMA. Lt. General Omar Mahmood Hayat
Muzaffarabad 28 September 2017:
Chairman NDMA, Lieutanent General Omar Mahmood Hayat has said that NDMA I ready to provide every possible support and facilitation to State Disaster Management Authority Muzaffarabad AJ&K. He stated this during his visit t o SDMA Muzaffarabad on Thursday.Director General SDMA Zaheer Uddin Qureshi briefed the Chairman NDMA about the role and functioning of SDMA. He briefed the Chairman NDMA on the ongoing projects and Challenges faced by SDMA.
Chairman NDMA assured SDMA all possible support for its capacity building and resolving issues being faced by SDMA at the earliest.
The Chairman NDMA expressed his concern on the growing unprovoked Indian forces firing at LoC and its humanitarian impact. He directed SDMA to analyse and suggest measures for protection of civilian population living along line of control. Chairman also visited state emergency control room and observed the facilities and arrangements there. He also inspected the rescue 1122 emergency drill.
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Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo called on Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt. Gen Omar Mehmood Hayat here on Tuesday.
ISLAMABAD; September 12, 2017:
Areas of mutual interest and cooperation in the field of Disaster Management and Hazards Mitigation came under discussion in the meeting.
The Ambassador apprised about the areas of cooperation between Pakistan and Italy in various sectors and friendly relations the two countries were enjoying.
Speaking to the visiting envoy, the Chairman NDMA said that Pakistan was taking every possible measures to strengthen its disaster management mechanism and hoped that mutual cooperation between the two countries in this all important sector of sustainable development can be beneficial to both Italy and Pakistan. He said that Pakistan has learnt a lot from the recurring natural disasters during past two decades. “We can benefit from each other’s experience in disaster management”, he continued.
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Chairman NDMA participated in Launching Ceremony of Asian Preparedness Partnership in Bangkok.
Islamabad; 31 August 2017:
Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat participated in Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP) Launching Ceremony in Bangkok. Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP) was officially launched on 29 August during a meeting of representatives from six most disaster-prone Asian countries, held in Bangkok.
At the occasion, Chairman NDMA, Lt. General Omar Hayat has said that Pakistan became part of APP process with NDMA in leading role. He informed the participants that NDMA in collaboration with National Humanitarian Network (NHN), was working for capacity building of District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and other humanitarian organizations. At the forum he reassured Pakistan’s commitment to collaborate with the Countries in the region and to share experiences and model with them. Along with Chairman NDMA, Member Operations NDMA, Brig Mukhtar Ahmed, DG PDMA KP, Mr. Muhammad Khalid and Chairperson NHN, Mr. Muhammad Amad also participated in the APP launching ceremony.
Partners from Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Pakistan also deliberated on a strategic roadmap for strengthening the disaster preparedness for response and recovery capacities of the local and national level organizations in their respective countries.
Asain Preparedness Partnership (APP) is an inter-agency platform of National Disaster Management Organizations, civil society networks, and the private sector from six most disaster-prone Asian countries.
The APP was launched under the ADPC’s flagship project ‘Strengthening Emergency Response Capacity of Local Humanitarian Actors in Asia’. The goal of this program is to improve disaster preparedness for response and recovery in Asia by strengthening the interface and partnership between governments, local humanitarian organizations and the private sector. The program will provide stakeholders with the opportunities of forming partnerships, sharing good practices and lessons learned, building capacities, and networking.
Representatives of governments, civil society networks, and private sector organizations met on 28 August to finalize the governance structure, functions and services of the APP. The meeting was followed by a formal announcement of the establishment of APP on 29 August.
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Mou between National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation for Vulnerable Population
Islamabad 25 August 2017:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is mandated under the Disaster Management Act of 2010 to develop guidelines and SOPs for adequate response to disasters with a special focus on vulnerable population. NDMA is pursuing Child-Centered Disaster Risk Reduction/Management (DRR/M), wherein safety and security of school-going children against all natural and human-induced calamities is one of the focal areas.
For this purpose, The Gender and Child Cell (GCC) of the NDMA has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) on DRR and Climate Change Adaptation on 24th August 2017 in Islamabad, to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerabilities to Climate Change, with a view to contributing to sustainable development and ensuring an adequate adaptation response.
Lt. Gen Omar Mehmood Hyat, Chairman NDMA, and Mr. Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Chief Executive Officer LEAD Pakistan, signed the MoU, which entails cooperation in the field of capacity building, exchange knowledge and expertise, institutional strengthening and technical assistance for mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and DRR for vulnerable population; initiation and execution of joint projects and enhancing response capacity and awareness of children. This MoU envisages institutional cooperation and will help establish long-term mutual collaboration between the two organizations. The MoU will broadly collaborate in the following areas:
1) Capacity development– strengthening the capacity of vulnerable population including children in communities to mainstream climate change adaptation and DRR/M.
2) Research- research, knowledge management and mainstreaming of Climate Change Adaptation and DRR for vulnerable population
3) Institutional Strengthening/Technical Assistance– LEAD Pakistan, through the expertise residing in the organization as well as its extensive knowledge networks would provide technical assistance to NDMA if and when required.
Speaking at the occasion, Lt. Gen Omar Mehmood Hyat, Chairman NDMA, said that in order to switch the role of children as victims of climate change and disasters, it is imperative that we focus on strengthening their capacity as active participants. This includes building their capacity to adapt to climate change and shifting their role from vulnerable individuals to empowered citizens. He expressed hope that the MoU between NDMA and LEAD Pakistan will pave ways for promoting climate change adaptation and resilience building at the national level.
Mr. Mr. Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, Chief Executive Officer LEAD Pakistan, said that Pakistan faces immense risks by human induced and natural hazards which can be reduced by building capacity in the context of DRR/M. He termed the signing of the MoU as an important step in the right direction in adapting to a changing environment in the face of an uncertain climatic future.
This MoU will serve as a leading approach to adaptation by encompassing current risks and uncertainties and fostering the adaptive capacity of the most vulnerable.
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Chairman NDMA reviewed coordination mechanism between NDMA and PDMA Balochistan
Quetta 10 August 2017:
Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat, HI (M) visited PDMA Balochistan on 10 August 2017 and emphasized the need to enhance intimate coordination mechanism to meet challenges of varying disasters.
In presence of Minister for PDMA, Home, Tribal Affairs and Prisons, Government of Balochistan, Mir Sarfaraz Ahmad Bugtti, Chairman NDMA was given detailed briefing on a study conducted by Balochistan University on Earthquakes in Balochistan and rehabilitation progress of Awaran 2013 Earthquake. The briefing was followed by a Press Brief by Chairman NDMA, Minister for PDMA, Home, Tribal Affairs and Prisons, Government of Balochistan and DG PDMA Balochistan.
Chairman NDMA and Minister for PDMA, Home, Tribal Affairs and Prisons, Government of Balochistan, appreciated the efforts of PDMA Balochistan in the realm of reducing disaster risks to the people of Balochistan.
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NDMA LANUCHES MULTI-SECTOR INITIAL RAPID ASSESSMENT (MIRA)
GUIDELINES FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Islamabad 31 July 2017:
Guidelines for Multisector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA) were formally launched in a ceremony held in Islamabad on Monday. These Guidelines were prepared by NDMA in collaboration with United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
While Briefing the audience on MIRA Guidelines, Member Operations NDMA, Brig Mukhtar Ahmed said that, MIRA is a globally accepted tool for scientific, quick and accurate disaster assessment. It is an inter-agency needs assessment and analysis process, from which a joint strategic plan for emergency response is developed. MIRA Guidelines for Pakistan is a comprehensive document developed according to the international standards keeping in view the local cultural and socials requirements. These Guidelines would strengthen Pakistan’s Disaster Management System by providing a tool for scientific, quick, accurate and timely assessment of losses caused by disasters. It would also be helpful in initiating an effective, efficient and timely relief operation on the basis of modern assessment tools and methodologies like Multi-sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA).
Chairman NDMA Lt. General Omar Mahmood Hayat in his keynote address observed that Pakistan was vulnerable to extreme weather events and prone to all type of related hazards whether natural or human induced. He reiterated that NDMA was mandated as well as committed to develop a sustainable operational capacity and professional competence at national level to undertake humanitarian operations at full capacity. He said that to ensure harmonization and enhance coordination in disaster management activities, NDMA has developed a National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP), various policies, guidelines, SOPs and toolkits. He said that MIRA Guidelines was another addition to this bouquet and hoped that through timely conduct of MIRA, the decision makers and other humanitarian organizations will be able to accurately assess the on ground dynamics and realities of a post disaster situation and initiate timely action.
Mr. Neil Buhne, United Nations Coordinator in Pakistan, while addressing the ceremony said that it is heartening to mention that Pakistan is amongst Countries to adapt MIRA Guidelines. He observed that Pakistan over the years have moved from reactive to proactive disaster management approach. He said that UN appreciates Pakistan’s role in DRM and said that international community has learnty a lot from Pakistan’s experience in Disaster Management.
At the end Chairman NDMA extend his appreciations to all NDMA’s partners, Provincial/Regional Disaster Management Authorities, UN Agencies, members of the humanitarian community and all stakeholders who provided invaluable input and feedback to help improve these guidelines.
Neil Buhne; United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Heli, Uusikyla; Country Head UNOCHA, Senior representative from Federal Ministries, Divisions, Departments, Director Generals of all Disasters Management Authorities (DMAs), Representatives of NGOs and INGOs, participated in the launching ceremony of the MIRA Guideline.
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GOERE Training at District Ghotki 13 – 15 July 2017 Organized by NIDM
Islamabad 13 July 2017:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is making endeavors to enhance the capacity of disaster management authorities at all level to ensure a high level of preparedness to tackle with all types of disasters to effectively mitigate losses /damages and mount comprehensive and coordinated response. To achieve this purpose, a comprehensive concept of Government Officers Emergency Response Exercise (GOERE) was evolved under NIDM.
In this backdrop, NIDM Team comprising Lt Col Khuda Bakhah, Diretor Response NDMA and Senior Capacity Building Specialist NIDM and Mrs Bushara Hassaan DRM Expert are at Ghotki District, Sindh to impart GOERE training from 13th to 15th July 2017.
Objectives of the Exercise
The objective of the training/exercise is to acquaint the disaster managers / practitioners with Disaster Management Mechanism at various levels of response to alleviate the suffering of people and save critical infrastructure. The course also aims at enabling officials and Humanitarian Partners to implement knowledge and ensure effective response during crises situation. Participants were encouraged to develop key skills and adopt proactive attitudes through participation in interactive lectures and reflection on a range of key issues raised during discussions.
Resource Persons
Over 45 Government /officials and humanitarian partners are attending this exercise with the support of WFP. NIDM Team has also invited PDMA and DDMA Officials to participate in the exercise and share their knowledge with the participants .This Participatory approach for conduct of exercise is aim to create awareness and strengthen coordination mechanism between all tires of Response.
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Regional toolkit to make cities resilient and sustainable launched.
ISLAMABAD 8 July 2017:
A regional toolkit targeted towards city governments to support heatwave management planning in Asian cities has been launched on Saturday. It will serve as guideline for the disaster managers to formulate effective response plans against heatwave related hazards.
The toolkit was launched during a Regional Workshop on ‘Heatwave Management Planning in Asian Cities’ organised by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaborations with LEAD Pakistan and CDKN on Saturday.
Lt. General Omar Mahmood Hayat, Chairman NDMA was the chief guest of the event. Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed, Member OPS NDMA, Anil Pokherel, DRR specialist from Nepal, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, CEO LEAD Pakistan, Hammad Raza, Manager CDKN along with regional, national and provincial stakeholders also attended the event.
Speaking during the event, Chairman NDMA Lt. General Omar Mahmood Hayat said that NDMA is committed to mainstream heatwave management in urban centers at national and regional level.
‘With the launch of this toolkit, we will now be able to identify context appropriate heat management and mitigation strategies along with institutional frameworks to enable effective implementation and look forward to working with downstream agencies and department for taking heatwave management to grass root levels in our cities’ he added.
He said that the toolkit will serve as an important contribution and a stepping stone in the efforts to make our cities resilient and sustainable.
He said that the rising intensity and frequency of heatwave events under the influence of climate change presents a major adaptation challenge and urban centres, the engines of growth in modern economy, are particularly vulnerable in this regard.
‘Managing the increasing risk of excessive heat in urban areas, that will house 70 percent of the world’s population by 2050, is imperative for a resilient future of the planet’ he added.
Chairman NDMA said that the staggering death toll from 2015 heatwave episode in South Asia was a stark reminder of the scale of this challenge.
CEO LEAD Pakistan, Ali Tauqeer Sheikh said that Climate change is one of the biggest challenge of 21st century and heatwaves are a clear manifestation of this reality.
‘There are multiple reasons why the heatwaves challenge needs immediate attention. First, this is an event which is inherently immune to traditional DRM approaches because of its slow onset nature. Unless early detections protocols are in place, it is usually too late by the time alarm is raised. Second, urban centers, the engines of modern growth, are most vulnerable to extreme heat events. Hence effective management of extreme heatevents is critical to enable sustainable and resilient economic growth’ he underlined.
He said that LEAD Pakistan assisted city government of Karachi to develop a comprehensive heatwave management plan for Karachi which will hopefully be served as a trail blazer for other cities to initiate heatwave management planning.
It is pertinent to mention here that a severe heatwave with temperatures as high as 49°C struck southern Pakistan in June 2015 and caused the deaths of about 2,000 people from dehydration and heat stroke, mostly in Sindh province and its capital city, Karachi.
PAKISTAN-CUBA SIGN MOU ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT.
Islamabad, 05th July, 2017:
Pakistan and Cuba signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-operate in the field of Disaster Management. The MOU was signed by Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat and Ambassador of Cuba to Pakistan, Mr. Gabriel Tield Copote in a small ceremony here on Wednesday.
The executing agency for implementation of MOU from Pakistan is NDMA while from Cuban side it is General National Staff of the Civil Defense. While speaking on the occasion Chairman NDMA Lt. Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat termed the signing of MoU as a significant step toward building resilience against disasters and said that this MOU will provide a legal framework for enhancing mutual cooperation between the two countries in the areas of Disaster Management and Risk Mitigation. “This cooperation is much needed to save precious human lives and economy in both the countries”, Lt. Gen Omar added.
Cuban Ambassador said that through such bilateral cooperation countries can learn from each other new ways of reducing disaster risks to minimize exposures to hazards. He observed that during peace time management skills of complex disasters and applications of innovative methods of handling them can be shared with each other for capacity building of disaster management professionals.
Both sides expressed strong resolve for continued support and co-operation and to share mutually beneficial experience. Towards the end, the Chairman NDMA presented a souvenir to the visiting guest as a token of profound gratitude.
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CHAIRMAN NDMA URGES FOR ENHANCED INTER AGENCY COORDINATION MECHANISM AND IMPROVED EARLY WARNING ARRANGEMENTS.
Islamabad, 05th July, 2017:
Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Omar Mehmood Hayat has urged for enhanced Inter Agency Coordination and improved Early Warning Arrangement on water inflow from Eastern and Western Reivers so that timely and effective response may be initiated to avoid the losses. He said this while chairing an Inter Agencies Meeting for floods mitigation here on Wednesday.
Chairman Federal Flood Commission (FFC) Engineer Ahmed Kamal, Director Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) Dr. Muhammad Hanif, Director Federal Floods Forecasting Division, Joint Director Pakistan Commission for Indus Water (PCIW) and Member Operation NDMA also participated in the meeting. The participants updated the Chairman NDMA on the arrangements made and initiatives undertaken by their respective departments for the flood mitigation during the current monsoon season.
While addressing the meeting Chairman NDMA observed that along with the flood hazards from heavy rainfall in catchment areas and glacial melt, release of waters from across the borders in eastern and western rivers like Kabul, Chenab, Jhelum and Indus was the major vulnerability. He said that as an upper riparian neighbor India should cooperate by timely information sharing on water outflow from its rivers and actual rainfall recorded as stipulated in the Indus Water Treaty. He also urged Pakistan Commission for Indus Water (PCIW) to enhance coordination mechanism of Early Warning Arrangements for release of water, especially, from the Eastern Rivers so that timely and effective response for flood mitigation may be initiated by relevant stakeholders. Lt. Gen Omar was of the view that by strengthening Early Warning System and through better adaptive strategies, flood losses can be brought to the minimum level. He also reiterated that NDMA was taking all necessary measures to enhance National Resilience against disasters and to ensure the safety to human lives, properties and developmental infrastructure.
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NDMA reviews Lai Nullah Flood Mitigation Measures before Monsoon 2017
Islamabad 22nd June 2017:
An Integrated flood management approach is presently being taken to effectively manage and mitigate flood in all over the Country. In this context, a meeting was held here on Thursday at National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to review the precautionary measures undertaken as a part of a comprehensive Lai Nullah Flood Control Programme as it is the major flood hazard in Rawalpindi city.
The meeting was attended by the representative of all stakeholders including district administration Rawalpindi, PMD, Pak Army, WASA. Member Operation NDMA Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted the need to keep rescue, relief and other related machinery functional and their pre-positioning should be done according to impending threat.
NDMA’s continuous assistance/guidance during impending Monsoon Season was also assured to all stakeholders.
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NDMA Holds National Pre-Monsoon 2017 Preparedness Conference
Islamabad; 13 June 2017:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) organized Pre-Monsoon 2017 Preparedness Conference, at Islamabad on Tuesday. It was aimed at reviewing preparatory efforts put in place at Federal / Provincial level for impending Monsoon Season and to harmonize all related provincial and departmental plans with respect to flood fighting, rescue, relief and post flood rehabilitation.
Conference was chaired by Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat. Senior representatives of various Federal Ministries including Ministry of Communication, Ministry of Water & Power, Ministry of Railways. Officials from WAPDA, Provincial Irrigation Departments, Director Generals of Disaster Management Authorities of all four provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and FATA, representatives of Armed Forces, CDA, NESPAK, SUPARCO, Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC), UN agencies, Pakistan Boys Scouts Association, Pakistan Girls Guide Association and all other relevant Provincial & Federal Departments participated in the meeting.
While presenting Monsoon Outlook of 2017, PMD forecasted likelihood of normal rainfall in the month of July while less than normal rain fall in the months of August and September. However, some extreme localized rainfall events are likely to occur which may generate localized folds flash flooding in mountainous regions of KPK, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Some heavy downpour events may produce Urban Flooding in big cities. Some strong incursions of Monsoon currents, coupled with high temperature, may trigger GLOF, Landslides and Flash Floods in Upper KP and GB.
FFC presented province wise vulnerable points needing special attention, policy for dam management, NHA shared progress on preparatory efforts undertaken for various National Highways with focus on KKH, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Dir-Chitral Road, Rawalpindi-Murree-Muzaffarabad Road, Manshera-Naran Road. Pakistan Army Engineers Directorate apprised the participants about Army’s preparedness measures to support of civil administration. UNOCHA shared resource capacities of UN agencies across Pakistan coordination mechanism.
Member Operations NDMA Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed presented the salient of National Monsoon Contingency Response Directive-2017. He realistically identified the limitations of existing Response Mechanism within which all stakeholders have to operate. Shortfalls and impediments based on past experiences were also highlighted for improvement during coming monsoon season. Four Contingency Scenarios have been visualized by NDMA based on the Pre-Monsoon Forecast issued by Pakistan Metrological Department.
It was highlighted that Monsoon Season presents threat of Riverine Floods, Flash Floods, Urban Flooding and Glacier Lake Outburst Floods. The responsibility Matrix was also presented which defined the role of each department i.e. Federal Flood Commission, Provincial Irrigation Department being primarily responsible for Riverine, Flash Flood management while Municipal Corporations/ City Development Authorities / District Governments are responsible for Urban Flood Management. NDMA/PDMA and all other Line Departments / Organizations are responsible for Flood Fighting, Rescue, Relief, Reconstruction & Rehabilitation operations within respective domain. Armed forces are to be called for emergency response in Aid of Civil Administration as per Contingency Plans.
Chairman NDMA while thanking all participants hoped that NDMA’s Response Directive will provide guidance to all Disaster Management Authorities and relevant stakeholders for execution of respective contingency plans.
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Visit of Lt. General Omar Mahmood Hayat Chairman NDMA to PDMA Sindh.
Islamabad 18 May 2017:
Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat, accompanied by Member (Operations) Brig. Mukhtar Ahmed visited the Provincial Disaster Management Authority Sindh (PDMA) office Karachi on 18th May 2017. Minister Rehabilitation Mir Mumtaz Hussain Jakhrani, Municipal Commissioner KMC Mr. Masood Alam, Director (Operations) PDMA Mr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh and others were present on the occasion. During the briefing Chairman NDMA was apprised about the major hazards recurring in Sindh i.e. Floods/Rains, Drought, Cyclones, Sea Intrusion, Earthquake and Accidental fires etc.
Chairman was briefed about the damages occurred due to natural disasters in recent years. Further he was apprised about the preparedness measures taken by PDMA Sindh to combat upcoming monsoon / flood season 2017.
Minister Rehabilitation requested Chairman NDMA for provision of heavy machinery i.e. snorkels for high-rise building fires, helicopter, earth moving machinery etc. to respond to disasters i.e. fire, earthquake, floods etc. to PDMA Sindh. Chairman NDMA ensured their cooperation in this regard.
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Chairman NDMA reviewed preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season at PDMA Punjab.
15 May 2017:
Chairman National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood
Hayat on Monday called for preparing joint comprehensive factual
based plan with collaboration of provincial departments
to meet any disaster in the country.
During his visit to Provincial Disaster Management
Authority Punjab, Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat had a
meeting with Director General PDMA Punjab Mudasar Waheed Malik
and other officials to review pre-flood arrangements.
NDMA Chairman said there should be a common operating
picture and IT based infrastructure to proceed for any type of
emergencies.
He said that government had facilitated the Met
department and with completion of Cnsus the NDMA would be
able to get actual numbers and areas for streamlining relief process
during any disaster.
He also stressed for full preparedness in a comprehensive
endeavour towards combating natural or man-induced disasters
at the provincial and district level and securing lives and
livelihoods of affected people.
The chairman also directed the PDMA Punjab officials to
create a useful linkage with NDMA for providing better relief
to the people and also offered his full support and
cooperation to PDMA Punjab in case of any emergency.
Earlier,DG PDMA Punjab Mudasar Waheed Malik gave him a
detailed briefing regarding the plan, arrangements and
measures for the upcoming monsoon and any other emergencies at
provincial and district level.
He said that PDMA’s control room worked round the clock
during June 15 to October 15 and any other harsh situation to
get updates,and had close contact with other related
departments.
He said that the department was conducting a survey of
dangerous buildings the province and they had a plan to set alarm
based modern technology at Irrigation and Rescue 1122 offices,
besides integrate CCTV cameras for proper monitoring.
Mudasar said that the department had taken many
disaster risk reduction measures including formation of safety
committees at district level and preparing Android
Application for building a complete record.
“Responding to any disasters, in a timely and effective
manner and close coordination with related departments can
reduce deaths and injuries as well as economic losses. PDMA is
trying to maintain close liaison and concerted coordination
with the relevant agencies (Including Irrigation Department,
C&W Department, Rescue 1122, Health Department, Education
Department, Livestock Department, Meteorological Department,
Pakistan Railways, Federal Flood Commission, PITB, NDMA, Urban
Unit, NGOs, Donors etc.) for better disaster management”, he
added.
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Chairman NDMA reviewed preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season at PDMA KP.
11 May 2017:
Peshawar(): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is giving final shape to a contingency plan chalked out in coordination with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for the upcoming monsoon season. The PDMA is pursuing a proactive approach towards disaster management and in this connection, a provincial level meeting was chaired by Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat at PDMA KP headquarter Peshawar. The participants of the meeting included Secretary Relief Rehabilitation & Settlement Department Ahmad Hanif Orakzai, Director General PDMA KP, Director General FDMA and senior officials.
The house was briefed by Director General, PDMA KP on the overall preparations being made to mitigate the effects of the upcoming monsoon. He said that preparedness measures have been undertaken and contingency plans put are in place for managing any possible disaster situation.
Nine districts including Peshawar, Nowshera, Charrsada, Dera Ismail Khan, Chitral , Swat, Shangla, Dir Upper and Dir Lower as most vulnerable. PDMA has released funds to these districts and will also provide additional funds to the vulnerable districts’ administration when needed. PDMA KP also has sufficient relief goods which will be distributed to all the districts at the time of emergency . The DG informed that the PDMA would
He also stated that the concerned line department and stakeholders have established control rooms for coordination with PDMA headquarter in case of any disaster and will provide quick support to the affected. He also reiterated that pre-positioning of logistics/ stocks has been ensured to meet any eventuality during the monsoon season.
Chairman NDMA was also briefed on the newly revamped provincial emergency operation center. The PEOC is being upgraded as a hub of coordination and also a call center for timely response in times of Natural calamities. The short code 1700 has been installed for quick response during emergency situation and for grievance redressal to ensure immediate Relief to the affected population. Corporate SMS service has been acquired from Telenor having masking with PDMA KP to improve early warning system and quick information dissemination in ordrer to mitigate the impact of disasters. All the districts are connected to PEOC and it plays the role of a bridge– connecting the provincial government with line departments. Disaster Management Information System has been developed and implemented for real time data gathering and analytical report generation.
Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders and directed to improve early warning mechanism for dissemination of information to communities. He assured that all possible support of NDMA will be rendered to PDMA KP.
Spokesperson PDMA
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Handing Over of Heavy Earth Moving Machinery for Disaster Management to Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority
Islamabad 3 May 2017:
On the instructions of the Worthy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, National Disaster Management Authority team conducted final inspection of heavy machinery at Gilgit before handing over to Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA). The machinery worth Rs 730 million includes wheel loaders, excavators, heavy duty crane, tractors (with all accessories), compressors, rock drill machines etc. The machinery has been procured primarily for the disaster prone areas of Gilgit-Baltistan which have witnessed number of disasters during the past decade in the form of flash floods and land sliding affecting road networks specially Karakoram Highway (KKH).
Realizing the fragility of GBDMA, Prime Minister of Pakistan announced special funds for heavy machinery to Gilgit Baltistan which has been imported by provincial government in coordination with NDMA.
Complete machinery after the successful test & trials by NDMA team headed by Brig Mukhtar Ahmed, Member (Operation) has handed over the same to GBDMA on the instructions of Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) on 3 May 2017.
The initiative will enhance the capability of GBDMA for effective disaster management and ensure connectivity of inaccessible remote areas of Gilgit-Baltistan during disasters.
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PAKISTAN SCHOOL SAFETY FRAMEWORK (PSSF) A NATIONAL PRIORITY
Initiative will go a long way in improving the safety standards at schools
Islamabad 28th March, 2017:
Pakistan School Safety Framework (PSSF) is an initiative of National Priority and will go a long way in improving the safety standards of educational institutions in Pakistan, a country highly prone to natural and man-made disasters. The views were expressed by the participants of National Level Consultative Meeting on implementation of the Pakistan Schools Safety Framework (PSSF) held in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The purpose of the Consultative Meeting was to share the findings of the Pilot Programme of PSSF with all stakeholders and to get their valuable input. Detailed deliberations were carried out in the moot on the future implementation strategies for the PSSF in the whole country. The meeting was attended by Provincial Ministers for Education, Secretaries for Education and Disaster Management, Director Generals PDMAs, high level representation from P&D departments, Police, Rescue 1122, private school executives, UN representatives development partners and other high ranking government officials.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with UNICEF undertook a well-deliberated initiative of formulating Pakistan School Safety Framework as envisaged in Disaster Management Act 2010 and National Education Policy 2009. This Framework provides guidance to all stake holders to ensure safety and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in schools while focusing on Child Centered Disaster Risk Management. Safe learning environment, preparedness against hazards at schools, to evolve a response mechanism, to sensitize stakeholders on DRR and ensuring participation of children in building resilience are some of the key objective of the PSSF.
Pakistan School Safety Framework was developed after a series of National level consultative meeting with all stakeholders. At National Consultation Workshop on 17-18 August, 2016 a consensus was achieved on a Draft Document and it was recommended to pilot test the PSSF in 68 selected government and private schools. The pilot programme was conducted from November 2016 to February 2017 in 68 Schools (Federal/Provincial/Private) all across the country. It involved specialized training of nominated teachers in schools safety plan, formulation of school safety teams and carrying out self-assessment of school safety standards. Beside that it involved training of District Department Officers (education, police, building control) in carrying out evolution of safety standards of schools with respect of infrastructure, physical security, fire safety, environment and psychosocial security. The overall key finding of the Pilot programme were shared in the Consultative meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday.
The Consultative Moot deliberated on questions like, whether PSSF was practicable, comprehensive and aligned with the environment of Pakistan? What could be the challenges in sustainable implementations? Enabling measures needed for implementation? Ownership matrix at policy and implementation levels?, and many other such question which involved practical implication of PSSF.
Speaking on the occasion UNICEF Representative, Ms. Angela Kearney expressed that “It is very important not only to think about physical security, but also of psychological safety,” said Angela Kearney, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “Children should feel safe in schools and well prepared to cope with a disaster. From experience in other countries, we know that children who are taught about the risks of disasters, play an important role in saving lives and protecting other members of the community. School safety therefore, must be an absolute priority.”
Minister of State for Information Ms. Maryam Aurangzaib, while speaking to the participants said that students are the future of Pakistan and it is our top priority to provide them a safe and secure learning environment. Government of Pakistan is making every possible effort to initiate public welfare projects and Pakistan School Safety Framework is a significant step towards a secure future for students, schools and the education system in Pakistan at large. She reiterated the need for a joint effort for a befitting implementation of the PSSF.
Chairman NDMA, Major General Asghar Nawaz addressing to the delegates said, “Pakistan School Safety Framework present the opportunity for a safe future for our new generations.
He informed the participant that PSSF Draft was developed through an extensive process of consulting all the major stakeholders and pre-testing it through a Pilot Project. He further said that NDMA was committed to take forward this Framework for sustainable Implementation.
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Annual Work Plan Agreement 2017 Signed between NDMA & WFP
Islamabad 27th March, 2017:
Annual Work Plan-2017 was singed between National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and World Food Programme (WFP) for Institutional Capacity Building of Disaster Management System in the Country. The Agreement was signed between Chairman NDMA Major General Asghar Nawaz and Country Director WFP, Mr. Finbarr Curran, here in Islamabad on Monday afternoon.
This support provided by World Food Programme (WFP) is in line with a broader MoU signed between NDMA & WFP under PPRO (2016-2018). Under the Agreement the funds would be utilized on the activities and trainings of School Safety Programme, Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction Programme and overall strengthening and capacity enhancement of NDMA, PDMAs and DDMAs in all aspects of Disaster Risk Management.
At present a number of plans and initiatives undertaken by NDMA like National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP), Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning at National Level, Advocacy Workshops on mainstreaming Gender and Protection into DRM Programme, Multi-hazard Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (MHVRA), Disaster /Emergency Response Simulation Exercise and Strengthening of GIS Cell at NDMA /NIDM are in progress. The funds released through AWP-2017 would allow timely completion of these projects.
The AWP-2017 will also contribute to the Capacity Building of NDMA, PDMAs and DDMAs in Logistics Operation including provision of emergency storage facilities at district level.
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Government Science College Peshawar wins first prize in ‘TAYYAR PAKISTAN’ Infotainment Show
Islamabad 23rd March 2017:
Government Science College Peshawar has won the final of ‘TAYYAR PAKISTAN’ Infotainment Game Show arrange by National Disaster Management Authority as part of is awareness and education campaign to mitigate disasters in Pakistan. Fazayia Intermediate College Lahore and Government Adamjee Science College Karachi second and third position.
Students from all four provinces, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and leading private Schools Networks participated in Infotainment Game Show “Tayyar Pakistan” as a part of Disaster Awareness, Education & Advocacy Campaign started by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The ‘TAYYAR PAKISRAN’ game show was telecasted every Thursday, during month March on PTV Home.
Students of higher secondary school level from the Government and private sector schools from all across the country participated in TAYYAR PAKISRAN Game Show, purpose of which was to create awareness amongst the youth in particular and general public at large about the threats posed by all types of disasters, and to educate them on the means & methods to develop resilience against these disasters.
The scope of the show included elementary knowledge about geography of Pakistan and AJ&K, disaster management mechanism in the country, climate change issues being faced by Pakistan, types of natural & man-made disasters, disaster management cycle, and preparedness & response measures against/during various types of natural and manmade disasters.
The game show format included quizzes and demonstration of response drills. Students and their accompanying teachers participated enthusiastically in the Show. They appreciated the initiative of NDMA and said that this was the first time they thought about occurrence of an emergency and learned easy methods and measures to be taken to mitigate the emergency and ensure minimum losses. Students said that this was the best combination of learning and entertainment, and hoped that NDMA will continue this activity in future as well
Chairman NDMA Maj. General Asghar Nawaz appreciated the students for their keen interested in the subject of disaster management and hope youth will play pivotal role in mitigating the disasters in the future. He also distributed appreciation shields and certificates to all participants while Prizes of laptops and iPads were given for 1st (Government Science College, Peshawar), 2nd (Fazaia Inter College Lahore) and 3rd (Adam Gee Science College Karachi) position holder teams.
Government Science College Peshawar team member, winner of the final, expressed their excitement on winning the first prize and said that they did not had computer and internet at their home before. They thanked NDMA for providing them this unique opportunity and pledged that they will use their laptops to enhance education and knowledge. Students from Gilgit-Baltistan, Baluchistan and Azad Kashmir were especially thankful to NDMA for affording them an opportunity to participate in a national level competition.
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Third National Industrial Disaster Mock Exercise Organised Jointly by NDMA-FFC
Islamabad: March 16, 2017
Third National Level Industrial Disaster Mock Exercise was organised by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) at Goth Machi, District Rahim Yar Khan.
All relevant response agencies / stakeholders including Armed Forces, leading Fertiliser Industries, District Administration, Power and Sugar Industry, Civil Defense, Local Fire Brigade and CAER (Community Awareness Emergency Response), Engro, Mari Petroleum Company Limited, Fatima Fertilisers and Liberty Power participated in the exercise.
The exercise was a day long activity based on different scenarios from initial emergency till response to create awareness about ‘Disaster Management’ of an industrial accident.
Chairman NDMA Major General Asghar Nawaz HI(M) in his opening remarks welcomed all participants and highlighted the importance of industrial disaster management and appreciated efforts of all participants, especially Engro Fertilisers in hosting first and second mock exercises in 2010 and 2016 respectively while FFC for holding third mock exercise.
The exercise was organised in two phases. Phase-I Response covered the internal response mechanism of FFC on site, while Phase-II Response included District Administrations response to an industrial disaster, evaluating capacity of search and rescue operations, evacuation, and provision of medical treatment to affected persons.
Chairman NDMA, in his closing remarks appreciated participation of all participants and emphasised to enhance capacity of concerned industries and civil administration for combating industrial disasters and conducting relief / rehabilitation operations. He also mentioned that other industries must also follow program of Community Awareness on Emergency Response (CAER) as effectively embarked by FFC and Engro Fertilisers.
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Media can help Reduce life Losses by raising more Awareness about Natural Disasters.
Peshawar: March 4th, 2017:
Pakistan, primarily due to its geographic location and topographical layout, is faced with extreme environmental & climatic challenges. These give rise to a multitude of hazards which include hydro-meteorological, seismic and manmade. The spectrum of disasters resultantly is wide ranging over natural calamities like extreme rain events, all types of floods, torrential rains, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), landslides, droughts, cyclones, extreme heat waves, mini cyclones, avalanches and others. Similarly, Pakistan’s positioning on seismic fault zones makes it vulnerable to geological hazards including earthquake and tsunami. The enormity of these challenges call for a well thought of, coherent, concerted and coordinated approach to be collectively forged by incorporating all state organs, civil society organizations, media houses, intelligentsia and public at large.
National Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with Mediations Pakistan and with the support of Unicef, organized a Media Workshop on Reporting Disasters” held on Saturday 4th of March 2017 in Peshawar. The workshops aimed at sensitizing local media community on country’s national disaster management system and role of different stakeholders of society, especially the media. This workshop also provided with an opportunity to the reporters to share their experiences of covering various disaster situations, challenges faced in response and best practices adopted. They also became members of “Journalist for Disaster Reporting Group (JDRG)”. A series of media workshops have been organized in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad for engaging media reporters towards effective and meaningful disaster reporting to mount better preparedness, timely response and quick recovery. Large number of journalists from electronic and print media reporting natural disasters participated in the workshops and shared their experiences and challenges in the line of duty.
Maj Gen. Asghar Nawaz, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) addressing participants of the workshop appreciated the efforts of Mediations and National Disaster Management Authority to engage with media in reporting natural disasters with an inclusive approach. He said, media can save lives by sharing factual information on prevention, mitigation and preparedness. He said media played an important role in helping people in disaster hit areas may it be the earthquake, floods, drought or any other natural calamity occurred however media fraternity and NDMA need to work hands in hands to as a key partner in all the supporting efforts especially awareness raising against natural disasters. He said, NDMA is determined to engage with media on regular bases to help support the cause. Aspects of media reporting on pre, during and post disaster situations were discussed as well.
During the workshop, NDMA’s Resource Person Syed Ayub Shah said that, “Pakistan is continuously under threat of experiencing natural disasters like, floods, earthquake, heat-wave, droughts etc. We cannot fight with natural disasters but can prevent, mitigate and prepare ourselves against the likely impacts that may occur during any disaster, In this regard information exchange with the general masses through regular media reporting on natural disasters can play a pivotal role is timely life savings and effective response measures.”
Mr. Wajih Akhtar, Executive Director Mediations Pakistan, that Pakistan is blessed with a very well informed, vibrant and active media on national as well as regional level that has always played a crucial role during any natural disaster situation, be it an earthquake 2005 or floods in 2010. He said, that we have received a tremendous response from media on organizing media workshops on such an important subject. He said that, only media can help reduce life losses by raising more awareness on natural disasters.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the Apex national level Focal Agency for Disaster Management in Pakistan. It, therefore, is mandated to take all stakeholders on-board specifically media for forging an effective preparedness, befitting response and structured recovery in case of any disaster of sizeable magnitude. Towards the same, Media shoulders a very sensitive and prime responsibility of disseminating information, promoting advocacy and creating awareness at grass root levels and thereby contributing significantly.
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Pakistan Building Codes Now have Life & Fire Safety Provision
Islamabad: 27th February, 2017:
President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain has formally launched Building Codes of Pakistan-Fire Safety Provisions 2016 here in an impressive ceremony held in the President House, Islamabad on Monday.
The first ever Life & Fire Safety Provision for the existing Building Codes are comprehensive based on International Standards and also customized to the environment of Pakistan. It is expected that these Fire and Life Safety Provisions would bring a material difference in defining building safety standards and directions for fire safety. Effective implementation of these provision by the concerned authorities would most likely and substantially reduce fire related risks to human lives and properties. Formulation of these Fire Safety Codes is a significant achievement and an important mile stone in the history of the Country’s efforts towards achieving the objective of Disaster Resilient Pakistan.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) took the leading role for the inclusion of Fire and Life Safety Provision in Building Codes of Pakistan and further NDMA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Pakistan Engineering Council in October 2015 for preparation of holistic Life and Fire Safety Provisions. Funding for the development of these provisions was also arranged by NDMA. These Fire Safety Provisions, prepared by a High Level Task Force were formally approved by the PEC Governing Board and vetted by the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The Building Codes of Pakistan were formulated in 1986 and later modified in 2007. Those building codes did not had the provision for Life and Fire Safety, fire prevention, life safety in relation to fire and fire protection of buildings and structures. All the buildings in the public and private sector thus were devoid of structure fire prevention. Fire prevention arrangement were made on ad hoc basis without any national regulatory framework/code. With the introduction of these first ever Fire and Life Safety Provisions, in Building Code, this present shortcoming would be overcome.
Federal Minister for Science & Technology, Rana Tanvir Hussain, Chairman NDMA Maj General Asghar Nawaz, Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council Jawed Salim Qureshi also addressed at the occasion. Chairman NDMA Major General Asghar Nawaz and Chairman PEC Engr. Jawed Salim Qurashi presented the Fire Safety Provisions 2016, Code Book to the President. As a word of recognition of services, the President presented certificates of recognition to the member of the High Level Task Force constituted by PEC for the formulation of the Fire safety Provisions.
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NDMA HOLDS NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON DISASTER RISK INSURANCE FRAMEWORK FOR PAKISTAN
Islamabad: 8th FEBRUARY, 2017:
NDMA in collaboration with Climate & Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), LEAD Pakistan organized a National Workshop on Disaster Risk Insurance Frameworkon 8th February, at Marriot Hotel, Islamabad in order to create synergizes among various stakeholders in the area of disaster risk financing. Disaster Risk Insurance Framework aims at providing low-income households accessible and affordable insurance. It is in fact a unique and innovative initiative to mitigate impacts on vulnerable communities. This pioneering initiative is a significant contribution towards strengthening Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in the Country.
The Government of Pakistan is committed to protect vulnerable and marginalized communities from economic losses due to natural calamities and man-made disasters. Social safety nets and Disaster Risk Management approaches are an important component of this approach. This undertaking may serve as a stepping stone for operationalizing this mechanism in various parts of the Country. This will enable protection of vulnerable Communities from the adverse effects of extreme weather events. Modern funding approaches such as insurance of the vulnerable communities are emerging as important instruments in this regard and NDMA’s initiative is in step with such thinking. Investment of private sector will not only help less burden on public sector but also help swift recovery of affected population back to life.
The proposed Framework is based on the findings of a well deliberated Demand Study in five districts (Tharparkar, Poonch, Charsadda, Rawalpindi and Ziarat) of Pakistan and AJK. The findings from the study indicate a strong prospects for setting up a disaster risk insurance mechanism in the country for low income groups. The outputs from this study will provides a solid foundation for various stakeholders to move towards implementing such frameworks in vulnerable areas of the Country. The workshop was attended by representatives of key Federal departments, Provincial/Regional departments, Embassies, UN Agencies, INGOs, Private and Insurance Sector.
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National Post Monsoon 2016 Review Conference
Contingency Planning for Monsoon 2017 initiated
Islamabad: 10th Jan 2017:
National Post Monsoon 2016 Review Conference was held at National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on January 10, 2017. The Conference was presided over by Major General Asghar Nawaz, Chairman NDMA.
While welcoming the participants, Chairman NDMA appreciated the collaborative role of various Federal and Provincial departments to mitigate the Flood threat during Monsoon Season 2016. He stated that Climate Change presents a real threat and emphasized the need to further strengthen integrated coordination mechanism amongst all relevant stakeholders in order to ensure better preparedness. Chairman NDMA also reiterated that the aim of such conferences is to identify the gaps, record the lessons learnt and to devise most appropriate strategy for future.
Structured presentations were given by the representatives of all provincial and regional Disaster Management Authorities, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Federal Flood Commission (FFC), National Highway Authority (NHA) and Representatives of Tarbela Dam and Mangla Dam Authorities, WAPDA, SUPARCO and Engineers Directorate, GHQ.
Chairman NDMA while appreciating the efforts of all concerned, highlighted that notwithstanding resource constraints and challenges thereof, a concerted as well as coordinated proactive response is much warranted to thwart the effects of flood disasters. He also emphasized the need for upgradation of the capability of Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). In the end, Chairman NDMA observed that paucity of train human resources was a major concern and capacity building up to district and union council level was direly needed to cope up with emergency situations. He specifically emphasized that response must be configured according to degree of vulnerability for optimum utilization of resources, improvement in response to urban flooding in major city centers, rationalization of requirement of rescue equipment at district level by taking into account equipment held by Army and provinces, completion of flood protection work before June 2017, standardizations of reporting format and creations of synergy in relief/rescue efforts.
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