News 2019

“Japan Always Supported Pakistan in Crisis ” Chairman NDMA
5th March 2020

Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal has said that Japan has always provided support and solace to Pakistan in the times of distress and crisis. He stated this in a meeting with H. E. Mr. Kuninori (Matz) MATSUDA, Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan on Thursday afternoon.
Chairman NDMA has highlighted that Pakistan was severely challenged by the Climate Change and is currently facing a myriad of problems due to this phenomenon. He apprised the Japanese Envoy on the prevailing locust situation in Pakistan and measures being undertaken to control the locust swarms in various part of the Country. He also highlighted the challenges faced in effective surveillance of the locust and its eradication. He particularly noted that NDMA would be obliged if Japan could assist in procurement of modern technology and equipment for air and ground spray for locust control.
H. E. Mr. Kuninori (Matz) MATSUDA acknowledged that Pakistan was a food basket for the world and assured Japan Government will extend all possible support to Pakistan in terms of financial assistance and technology to save its cash crops from the locust envision.
The situation arising due to the worldwide spread of Coronavirus also came under discussion. Japanese Ambassador appreciated that Pakistan has undertaken appropriate preventive measures to keep the Coronavirus infected patients to the minimum. He also shared the measures taken by Japanese Government against the Coronavirus infection spread. Both sides agreed upon the need of sharing of data and information for the disease control.
Chairman NDMA has expressed his gratitude to the visiting Japanese Envoy for his concerns over locust invasion in Pakistan and for the offer of support from the Government of Japan.

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Islamabad; 20 February 2020: Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal has been elected as Chair of the Governing Council of Asia and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM).

Lt. General Muhammad Afzal elected as the Chair of APDIM Governing Council
Islamabad; 20 February 2020: Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal has been elected as Chair of the Governing Council of Asia and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM).
In fourth session of Governing Council of APDIM which was convened in Islamabad on Thursday, elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Governing Council were held. Chairman NDMA’s and head of Turkish Disaster Management Agency, AFAD’s names were proposed for the Chair and Vice Chair. All the members of the Governing Council unanimously elected Pakistan as Chair and Turkey as the Vice Chair of APDIM Governing Council.
Election of Pakistan to the chair for the Governing Council is in recognition to Pakistan’s immense contributions to disaster risk management and its leadership role in the region for resilience building which is a matter of pride for Pakistan.
Lt Gen Afzal on the election to the Chair of Governing Council express gratitude to all members and assured that all efforts would be made to contribute towards strengthening of APDIM and through it the regional partnerships for a common pursuit of a resilient region. He reiterated the importance of regional cooperation in Disaster Risk Reduction. Gen Afzal observed that APDIM had the critical role to play in facilitating disaster risk assessment, disaster risk reduction planning and mainstreaming DRR in development process, without which disaster risk management and resilience building could be difficult to achieve.
The session of the Governing Council commenced with the opening statements by the Chairman of APDIM , Dr. Pourmohammadi, Chairman NDMA Pakistan Lt Gen Mohammad Afzal, and Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP. After detailed discussions and presentations on various matters and adoption of agenda points, the session was concluded with a vote of thanks.

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Islamabad: 18th February, 2020: All out efforts underway to eradicate Locusts before it becomes a national calamity Chairman NDMA

Islamabad: 18th February, 2020: Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal has warned that locust swarms is a major threat to the food security in the Country and urged that all out efforts are required to eradicate this menace with next few weeks before it take shape of a national calamity. He stated this while chairing a coordination meeting on lasted locust situation in the Country here on Tuesday.
Lt. General Afzal has said that emergency measures are urgently needed against the locusts. He directed to devise a comprehensive mechanism for the early warning systems and surveillance, emphasizing that without an effective surveillance on locusts movement patterns and prevalence in various parts of the Country, it’s eradication would be difficult to achieve. Chairman NDMA has also requested Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations to provide e-locust devices for tracking and detection of the locust population and its movement.
Director Generals of all PDMAs from Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Balochistan briefed the meeting on the latest situation on locust prevalence in their respective provinces and measures taken to control the locust swarms. DGs of all four PDMAs also apprised the Chairman NDMA on the available human and other resources which included the availability of pesticides, vehicles mounted spray guns and other equipment. Chairman NDMA has assured the PDMAs that all necessary resources will be arranged on provision of right and accurate information and data.
Representatives from Ministry of Food Security & Research and Director General Plant Protection Department has apprised on the details of the steps taken so far to control the locusts invasion in the Country. Experts from FAO of UN and various agriculture universities including Faisalabad Agriculture University and University of Agriculture, Multan also participated in the meeting to give their technical opinion.

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Chairman NDMA visit Rain/ snowfall affected Balochistan

Islamabad; 20th January 2020: 

Chairman NDMA Lt. General Muhammad Afzal has visited the rains and snowfall affected areas of Balochistan on Monday. Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority Imran Zargun briefed the Chairman on the losses and damages caused by recent spell of rains and snowfall in the Balochistan Province.

While expressing his grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives and properties in the Province, Chairman NDMA has announced a financial assistance package from the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the affected population of Balochistan. An amount of rupees five hundred thousand (Rs. 500000/-) will be extended to the families of every deceased person while rupees fifty thousand will be paid to those who are injured. Apart from this, a financial assistance of rupees one hundred thousand will be provided for the families with houses fully damaged or collapsed while an amount of twenty five thousand to fifty thousand will to given to the families with partially damaged houses.

During the briefing DG PMDA Balochistan apprised the Chairman NDMA that due to inadequate heavy machinery for road clearance, PDMA Balochistan faced challenges in restoring the road network. Chairman NDMA has assured the PDMA Balochistan that their requirement of heavy roads clearance equipment will be met and funding for this equipment would be done through National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF). Chairman NDMA announced that a comprehensive Disaster Management Training will also be arranged for the relevant stakeholders and line departments of Balochistan Government so that they be better trained for coping with the emergency situations.

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NDMA commemorated National Resilience Day in the Earthquake affected Mirpur
Mirpur; 8 October: 

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) commemorated National Resilience Day with the earthquake victims of Mirpur in Azad Kashmir this year.
In this regards two condolence reference were arranged at villages Nakka and Sumwal Sharif in Mirpur where Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal along with all staff of NDMA and ERRA participated. Chairman Edhi Faisal Edhi was also present at these occasions.
Local administration of Mirpur and lagre gathering of local people including the families of Martyrs of 24 September earthquake were also present on both occasions.
While addressing the participants Commissioner Mirpur division Chaudhary Tayyab has said that local administration was in the process of damages survey completion. He assured the people that after detailed survey, accurate and complete data would be provided to the Government of AJ&K and NDMA for further announcement of financial assistance.
Chairman NDMA Lt General Muhammad Afzal while offering his condolences to the berieved families said that every year 8 October is observed as National Resilience Day in Muzaffarabad and Islamabad to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic earthquake of 2005. This year we have decided to observe this day in Mirpur instead of Islamabad, to share the grief and pain of the 24 September, 2019 earthquake voctim and survivors as well as those of the Mega disaster of 2005, Gen Afzal continued.
He noted that at the time of Earthquake 2005, NDMA did not exist which was established through an Act of Parliament in 2007. He said that due to a better Disaster Management System in Pakistan we were able to minimize losses in last month earthquake. He also noted that this was the first time in history of Pakistan that cheques of Financial Assistance were disbursed to the families of the victims within one week the calamity hit. He said that NDMA will stay with the affectees till the last person is shifted to his home.
Cheques of financial assistance of rupees 1 million were disbursed among families of three vitims whose documents were not complete till last week. NDMA has also announced to establish a woman and children comunity centre at Nakka village. Launching for Project Management & Implementation Unit (PMIU) was also done at Sumwal Sharif village to ensure the early and accurate completion of damage survey.
At the end fateha was offered for the Martyrs of 24 September earthquake and the victims of all past disasters.

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NDMA as per the Prime Ministers directions is wholeheartedly working for the EQ affectees in Mirpur area. Relief and response are being conducted everyday at eh disaster hit areas: 

Relief and response are being conducted everyday at the disaster hit area. That includes:
4189 x tents
5900 x blankets
2500 x tarpulins
275 x kitchen sets
200 x FirstAid kits
1300 x ration packs
50,000 ltr x water

Ndma have also activated operation centre at affected area so as to conduct relief and response effectively

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Japanese envoy called on Chairman NDMA:

Islamabad; September 13, 2019: Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan H. E. Kuninori Matsuda visited NDMA called on Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal here on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman NDMA has said that Japan’s resilience against disasters and its Disaster Management System was a role model for the rest of the world. He informed the visiting envoy that Pakistan has made a great progress and has established a robust Disaster Management Mechanism. He also appreciated the support extended by the Government of Japan in strengthening Pakistan resilience against disaster.

Japanese Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s progress in the Disaster Management Sector and offered Japanese Government support for future initiatives as well. He also visited National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) at NDMA. Member Operations NDMA briefed the visiting envoy on the Disaster Management Spectrum of Pakistan and its operations.

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Chairman NDMA visits flood-hit villages of Kasur, reviews relief work.

KASUR, Aug 27 (APP):

Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt-Gen Muhammad Afzal on Tuesday visited flood affected areas of Kasur district along river Sutlej and reviewed relief activities there.
He visited various villages, affected by the recent floods, caused by water released by India into the rivers entering Pakistan from their side.
While briefing the media at a flood relief camp, set up by the district government Kasur, the NDMA chairman hailed the performance of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), district government and other departments and said that timely measures, taken by these departments averted flood losses.
He said that due to heavy rains in India, it was expected that water would be released into the rivers entering Pakistan from across the border and the departments concerned had made adequate arrangements to cope with the situation.
Muhammad Afzal said that there was only one casualty caused by the floods and 45 others sustained injuries as no major human or property damages were reported. However, some crops were damaged.
He said that under the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan would take up the case with India in which three points would be raised.
Firstly, minimum of 1,000 to 3,000 cusecs of water should always flow in these rivers all the time. Secondly, in case of flooding, early warning system should be made more active; and thirdly, Pakistan should also have access to all river chatchments areas.
The NDMA chairman said that the Punjab government had already approved Flood Relief Management Act, which would also be passed by the National Assembly soon.
To a question, he said that Pakistan was included among the 10 countries which were the worst-hit by climate change. Therefore, more steps should be taken to handle the situation in this regard.
To another question about post-disaster action, he said that all-out measures were being taken to provide assistance to the flood affectees and work was being carried out from federal to tehsil levels.
He said that more than 25,000 persons and about 23,000 animals have been vaccinated in Kasur district during the past weeks.

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Member Operations NDMA, Brig Mukhtar Ahmad apprised Advisor to Prime Minster, Mr. Naeem ul Haq regarding the current flood situation. 
19th August, 2019:

Member Operations NDMA, Brig Mukhtar Ahmad apprised Advisor to Prime Minster, Mr. Naeem ul Haq regarding the current flood situation and a major water surge that is expected from Indian punjab and causing a risk of Flood.

WAPDA authorities are also monitoring the increase flow of water in Indus and its regulation in Tarbela and Chasma.

He expressed that NDMA has taken up the matter and is in complete coordination with Provincial as well as District Administration to closely monitor the situation and take all precautionary measures in case of any eventuality.

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Karachi Rains & Flood update: NDMA is constantly monitoring the situation as its National Emergency Operational Centre is operational 24/7. 

11 August, 2019:

NDMA is constantly monitoring the situation as its National Emergency Operational Centre is already operational 24/7 and will work round the clock even during Eid Holidays.

Chairman NDMA himself is monitoring the situation and even did not go on Haj under current flooding situation in the Country.

The current urban flooding situation was expected and all stakeholders were informed well in time to undertake all major preparatory steps to manage the urban flooding to reduce the impact, by cleaning the drainage systems.

In this regard a bund with 24 feet width and 8feet height was also constructed to divert water from Tando and Thud Nullahs to help save Sadi Town, Malir Town and the Airbase.

37 Pak Army teams have been deployed in Karachi at different places in coordination with NDMA, which are providing all the support to the city and provincial administration.

NDMA is constantly monitoring the situation in collaboration with PDMA and ready to provide additional resources, should it be required.
As per the PMD forecast the rain intensity will further reduce, thus allowing the relief teams to work more efficiently. In the meantime all citizens are requested to comply with the instructions issued by different agencies from time to time, to avoid the losses.

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Chairman NDMA met with Cheif Minister KP for discussing preparation of NDMA for Monsoon 2019.
PESHAWAR, 31 July, 2019:

Chairman NDMA, Lt General Muhammad Afzal met with Khyber Pakthunkhwa Chief Minister at Peshawar on 31 July 2019 where the preparation of NDMA for Monsoon 2019 were discussed in detail.

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NDMA organised MIRA/CCCM trainings at district Lahore

Islamabad 1 July 2019:

NDMA in collaboration with International Organisation of Migration (IOM), partner organisations Department for International Development (DFID), UNICEF, Provincial Disaster Management Authority Punjab and District Administration has organised 5 days trainings of enumerators on Multi-sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA) and Minimum Standards of Relief in Camp at Lahore. During first two day’s training of enumerators on MIRA will be imparted, while last three days are reserved for training on Minimum Standards of Relief in Camp. About 30 participants from District Line-Departments, NGOs and volunteer organisations are participating in the training session.

Addressing the participants, Brig. Mukhtar Ahmed Member (Operations) NDMA appreciated district administration Lahore, PDMA, Punjab and IOM, for their support and cooperation in organizing the training.  He said, “MIRA is a globally accepted tool for scientific, quick and accurate disaster assessment, which helps in devising a joint strategic plan for emergency response. He informed the participants that, MIRA training of enumerators had already been conducted in 14 most vulnerable districts across Pakistan and more than
517 Officers/officials have been trained so far. The trainings is aimed to train enumerators to assess and survey the damages caused by disasters and collection of accurate and authentic primary information from the Key Informants in the affected areas. This information will provide the basis for formulation of MIRA assessment report for decision makers, he said. Brig. Mukhtar Ahmed said that NDMA has developed “Guidelines for Minimum Standards for Relief in Camp” for Pakistan. These Guideline are aimed to assist provincial, district and sub-divisional administration and non-government sector for effective and efficient administration, coordination and management of camps ensuring minimum standards of relief. “Participatory approaches will enable you to foster ownership and encourage to share information and to learn from each other’s experiences that can be useful in future to effectively and efficiently handle large scale displacement due to any future disaster” he emphasized.

Raja Khurumm Shahzad, PDMA, Punjab appreciated NDMA’s capacity build initiative and emphasised the participants to maximize this opportunity and learn new techniques for the conduct of MIRA in a multi-hazard scenario and learn about Minimum Standards for Relief in Camp. He stressed the need for extensive training programmes to enhance the capacity of district line departments to effectively and efficiently handle future disaster. He applauded the active role of IOM and partner organisation for joining hands with NDMA for its capacity building initiative and make Pakistan a disaster resilient country.

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Chairman NDMA re-elected to the Governing Council of Asia-Pacific Center for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIP)

Islamabad; 19th June, 2019:

Chairman NDMA re-elected to the Governing Council of Asia-Pacific Center for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIP)
Chairman NDMA Lt. General Muhammad Afzal has been re-elected to the Governing Council of Asia-Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM). Election to the APDIM and SIAP were held during 75th Session of the Commission at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok. Owing to the active lobbing efforts made by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Pakistan in Bangkok, Pakistan secured highest number of vote in APDIM election.
Pakistan has also been re-elected to the Governing Council of Statistical Institute for Asia Pacific (SIAP).
The Governing Council is the apex decision making body of the Centre. Pakistan’s representation in the Governing Council of APDIM will enable alignment of its priorities underlined in the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) with the products and services of the Centre. This will also offer opportunities to Pakistan to give input in regional initiatives of the Centre in various meeting of UNESCAP Committees and APDIM Sessions.
The Governing Council for the Centre consists of the representatives from Government of Islamic Republic of Iran and eight representative nominated from other member and associated member states of the Commission. The current Governing Council of APDIM comprises of members from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Macao, China, Mongolia, turkey and Pakistan.
In May 2015, the United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) adopted in its resolution 71/11 establishment of the Asian and the Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) in the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regional institute of the Commission. APDIM’s key aim is the build disaster resilience in the Asia-Pacific region through information management.

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Australia will support Pakistan in Drought Mitigation and Water Conservation

Islamabad; June 3, 2019:

Australia is willing to provide technical knowledge and support in drought mitigation and water conservation in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and parts of interior Sindh. This was stated by Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan Ms. Margaret Adamson, who called on Chairman NDAM, Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal in Islamabad on Monday. Ms. Adamson visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) along with her team and representatives of World Food Programme (WFP).

While welcoming Australian High Commissioner in his office, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal appreciated Australia’s humanitarian efforts in Pakistan. He, specially praised the standards of education and research at Australian Universities and noted that Pakistan and Australia could devise a mechanism for research and data sharing in areas of Climate Change, Disaster Management and Risk Mitigation. While emphasizing on the long term interventions, he said that rather than focusing on short-term relief and rehabilitation efforts, Disaster Management needed sustainable intervention for longer periods of time to build resilience and mitigate the vulnerabilities. He also highlighted that Community involvement was vital for Disaster Management, which could be ensured through strengthening District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).

The visiting High Commissioner congratulated Chairman NDMA on his new appointment and expressed her desire to exchange knowledge and experiences and expand cooperation between the two countries for the long-term sustainable partnership in the areas of disaster risk mitigation.

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NDRMF TO FUND PKR 189.9 MILLION TO NDMA PROJECT OF MULTI HAZARD VULNERABILITY & RISK ASSESSMENT

Islamabad, 15th May 2019:

The National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) will fund Rupees 189.9 million to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) project of Multi Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessment. A Grant Implementation Agreement between NDMA and NDRMF was signed in this regards here on Wednesday afternoon.

NDMA will execute the Project titled “Multi Hazard Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (MHVRA) intervention in eight districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and seven districts of Balochistan provinces”. Under this Project, the NDRMF will grant 70% (amounting to PKR 189.9 million) of total project cost (PKR 277.7 million) to NDMA while 30% (amounting to PKR 87.9 million) of the cost will be borne by NDMA through its National Disaster Management Fund (NDMF). The MHVRA project is a part of the third priority intervention under the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2012-2020 and is aligned with many national & international commitments so as to meet the priority needs defined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030.

The project will span over a period of twenty months and will be executed by the Project Management Unit (PMU) of NDMA, which holds vast experience in carrying out risk assessment related studies across various districts of Pakistan. The Project will help to strengthen the disaster risk resilience of the study districts by reducing their vulnerabilities to impending natural hazards. The NDRMF was established to close the resource gap not only in the aftermath of disasters but also make investments in projects meant to mitigate the risk of disasters.

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NDMA-MCI SIGN MOU TO SETUP FIRE STATIONS AT MARGHALA HILLS
Islamabad, April 19:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI) signed a MoU on Friday to establish seven fire stations at Margallah Hills National Park to control forest fire. Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat HI (M), Chairman NDMA and Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Ansar Aziz participated in the MoU signing ceremony.
While speaking at the occasion Chairman NDMA has said that besides destroying the green character of the Margallah Hills National Park, frequent fire incidents in the recent past caused a considerable damage to the flora and fauna of the area. He hoped that the establishment of seven fire extinction points at various locations at Margallah Hills will greatly boost the efforts for preserving natural environment and ensuring safe habitat for wildlife.
On the basis of this MoU, NDMA and MCI have mutually agreed to work together in controlling forest fires. According to the proposed plan initially seven fire control points will be established in two phases at the Margallah Hills, both in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) areas. In the first phase five stations will be set up while the remaining two fire points will be established in the second phase.
NDMA being the lead Federal Agency to deal with the whole spectrum of the Disaster Management will endeavor to provide logistics support through various sources. However MCI shall be responsible to provide all necessary infrastructure and man power for on ground control and operation at these fire stations.

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NDMA dispatches humanitarian assistance to Flood-hit Iran.

Islamabad; April 10:

On the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has dispatched a load of over 32 tons humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Iran. The consignment comprising of two shipments contains 500 tents, 3300 blankets and emergency medical kits. The first shipment has already been dispatched to Iranian city of Ahwaz on Wednesday morning.

Iran has been hit by widespread flashfloods causing serious damages to public property and displaced thousands of people. As a brotherly country Pakistan decided to assist its neighbor Iran by sending humanitarian aid to supplement Iran’s own relief efforts. Pakistanis stand by their Iranian brethren at this difficult time

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Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) paid farewell visit to President Dr. Arif Alvi on Friday.

ISLAMABAD: April 5, 2019:

Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) paid farewell visit to President Dr. Arif Alvi on Friday.

President Dr. Arif Alvi has conveyed appreciation for the excellent services rendered by Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat throughout his career.
He particularly praised his leadership role in strengthening Disaster Management Mechanism of the country   as Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

President wished the General the best for the future endeavours.

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NDMA Launches National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP-2019)

Islamabad, 29th March, 2019:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has launched National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP-2019) on Friday. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Engineer Ali Muhammad Khan was the Chief Guest at the launching ceremony.

In his remarks Engineer Ali Muhammad Khan has said that the Prime Minister’s vision for the future was very clear. He said that present government was well cognizant of the threats and challenges posed by the Climate Change and impending disasters. He emphasized that government was heading in the right direction to ensure a safer future to its citizen. He expressed his satisfaction over the fact that NDMA had developed elaborate plans and policies covering myriad potential natural and human induced disasters. He observed that preparation of NDRP-2019 was a very good step towards building a disaster resilient Pakistan. He appreciated the efforts of NDMA and assured government’s full support towards effective implementation of relevant plans and policies all over the Country.

While addressing the audience at the launching ceremony of NDRP-2019, Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat, Chairman NDMA has said that Pakistan since inception has undergone and handled multitude of devastating disasters, as a result over the period of time Disaster Management Bodies & the System itself has gone mature by contributing enormously towards making Pakistan a disaster resilient nation. He expressed his confidence that Disaster Management Bodies of Pakistan were in the process of becoming capable and ready to handle all types of disasters at short notice with minimum losses to human life.  He noted that NDMA had considerably enhanced its technical capabilities in forecasting and closely monitoring predictable hazards.

Earlier, Member Operations NDMA, Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed in his presentation briefed the audience on NDRP-2019 and highlighted the salient features of the plan. He informed the audience that the revised National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP-2019) is updated version of NDRP-2010 and it has been formulated to cope up with the changes that have evolved over the years in environment and disaster management mechanism of the country.

NDRP-2019 has been prepared in collaboration with Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) under Pakistan Resilience Partnership (PRP).

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NDMA EXTENDS HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO RAIN EFFECTED PEOPLE IN BALUCHISTAN.

Islamabad; March 6, 2019:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday, has handed over ten thousand food bags to the Baluchistan government as humanitarian assistance for the people affected by recent heavy rains and torrential floods there.

Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat, Chairman NDMA in response to the request of the Baluchistan Government has directed logistic directorate to immediately dispatch a consignment of ten thousand food bags to Baluchistan.  Eight thousand ration bags have been handed over to the Deputy Commissioner Uthal while remaining two thousand bags were given to the district administration Khuzdar. Each of these ration bag contained rice, ghee,  pulses, sugar, dry milk, tea, match boxes and other essential food item along with a 20 kg flour (Atta) bag each.

Earlier,  prior to the recent rains spell, NDMA had also dispatched non-food items to Baluchistan Government which included five thousand tents, over thirteen blankets, twenty thousand plastic mats, twenty five hundred buckets/bath tubs, three hundred tarpaulin and eighty water cooler to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Baluchistan, as an advance precautionary arrangement.

 

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NDMA HOLDS NATIONAL CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP ON DROUGHT MITIGATION

Islamabad the 21st January, 2019 :

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) holds a National Consultative Workshop on Drought Mitigation here in Islamabad. Deputy Chairman Senate Mr. Saleem Mandviwalla presided over the opening session of the workshop while President Arif Alvi participated in the closing session as a Chief Guest.

Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat, Chairman NDMA in his welcome address highlighted the aims and objective of the National Consultative Workshop on Drought. He sensitized the participants on sprawling effects of drought situation in Sindh and Balochistan and said NDMA has started consultative process to launching an effective response. “Today’s event eventually culminated the drought consultative process which NDMA started in October 2018 by organizing a seminar followed by meetings at Karachi on 30th and 31st October, 2018”, he continued.  Chairman NDMA said that the Consultative Workshop has enabled NDMA to grasp the ground reality and know exactly the extent and dimensions of the prevailing drought condition, its impacts on different sectors, relief provided so far and also helped us identify future needs.

Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla assured his full support for mitigating drought like situation in Sindh and Baluchistan and said that Parliament can play a vital role towards resolving this important national problem.  Earlier, Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed, Member Operations, NDMA gave a detailed overview of the drought situation in Sindh and Balochistan. Director Generals of Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) of Sindh and Balochistan gave comprehensive presentations on the drought situation in their respective provinces. These presentation covered all details including districts and population affected by prevailing drought like situation, scale of vulnerability of households, adverse effects on agriculture and livestock and the details of the relief measures taken so far. They also shared future needs of resources in order to cope up with such situation over an extended period of time.

The key objective of the National Consultative Workshop on Drought (NCWD) was to devise an
all-inclusive and well-coordinated immediate response plan, work out extent and nature of possible support from UN Agencies and humanitarian actors; and to formulate comprehensive National Strategy based on short, medium and long term sector-wise mitigation measures. Two rounds of thematic panel discussions were part of the workshop where DRM experts and practitioners shared experiences and exchanged knowledge to derive lessons and devise effective remedial measures to cope up with the situation. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Eng. Ali Muhammad Khan chaired the Plenary Session, while Ms. Zartaj Gul, Minister of State for Climate Change presided over the Panel discussion.

The Workshop was attended by Senior Federal/Provincial Government Officials, Researchers, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Neil Buhne, representative of UN Agencies, Ambassadors and Diplomats, Disaster Risk Management stakeholders, Philanthropists and Academia.

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