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3rd Feburary 2010
Chairman NDMA visited the artificial Lake formed by Hunza Landslide with senior officials of Gilgit Baltistan.
Hunza:
On 28 January 2010, the Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan (R) visited the artificial lake formed at Hunza River near the disaster hit Attabad village. He was accompanied by the Speaker of GBLA , former Member of NALC Nazir Sabir, NATCO MD Zafar Iqbal, Home Secretary Usman Younis, DC Hunza-Nagar Zafar Waqar Taj and Khuwaja Khan of the Ismaili Regional Council among others.
The general instructed FWO workers, NHA and B&R personnel to expedite work on breeching the artificial dam. He also met some Chinese engineers who have joined the FWO workers recently to create a breech in the lake. The work is going to take around two months, a Chinese engineer told journalists. The general, as reported by Daily Mahasib, has said that if precautionary measures had been taken earlier, based on the research and survey findings of FOCUS and other NGOs the loss could have been reduced. He also instructed the district administration to conduct geological survey of the region to further explore and identify areas at risk.
Our correspondent adds from Gulmit – DG of NDMA, Wazir Baig, Mutabiat Shah, Nazir Sabir and other government officials visited Ayeenabad Shishkat today to observe the destruction caused by a fast expanding lake formed on the Hunza River. They also visited office of the relief commissioner at F.G.Boys High School, Chamangul.
Youth of the village put tough questions to the visitors and said that despite of several VIP visits no tangible work can be seen taking place at the lake site. They urged the representatives and government officials to use their mandate and authority to provide relief to people of Gojal valley by releasing water from the artificial lake and urgently linking the valley to rest of the country by opening up KKH.
They also condemned the ideas of creating a dam in the area.
General Farooq assured the youth that the government is using all its energy and resources to open the lake, besides supplying food, fuel and other essential commodities to the 25, 000 people of Gojal valley.
Courtesy: http://pamirtimes.net/
29th January 2010
NDMA represented Pakistan in Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) 2010 held on 17-19 January 2010 at Hyogo, Japan
Islamabad:
The Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR) 2010 was held in Kobe - Japan, from 17 to 19 January 2010. Senior Member, National Disaster Management Authority participated in the meeting on behalf of Government of Pakistan. The conference was organized jointly by the Government of Japan, the United Nations Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC).
International participants from 28 countries as well as representatives of international and regional organizations, academic community, private sector and civil society organizations attended the conference. The participants expressed their sincere condolence and sympathy to the people and communities affected by the unprecedented earthquake in Haiti on 12 January 2010. This most recent catastrophic disaster attracted great attention of the participants during the discussion at ACDR 2010. The key topics addressed at ACDR 2010 included are some suggestions for follow up actions, especially in relation to the Mid-Term Review of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and the 4th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR), to be held 25-28 October 2010 in Incheon, Republic of Korea to discuss climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
It may be recalled that ACDR serves as an evolutional program of the past ADRC Annual Meetings. Previously ACDR was conducted in Japan in 2003, Cambodia in 2004, Republic of Korea in 2006, Kazakhstan in 2007 and Indonesia in 2008.
Senior Member NDMA Proposed sending two Team Leaders of USAR Teams for capacity building in Singapore
Islamabad:
While attending Steering Committee meeting of Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) held in Kobe, Japan on 18 January 2010, Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir, Senior Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) expressed the desire of NDMA for capacity building of the two international level Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR) raised by Pakistan in its two major cities of Islamabad and Karachi.
Senior Member requested the ADRC to sponsor the courses in this regard for the two USAR team leaders at the “International Urban Search and Rescue Course” offered by the Civil Defense Academy of Singapore. Assistance of ADRC was also sought for coordination with the Singapore Government to reserve two slots in the ensuing courses planned for 2010.
The ADRC is a 28 member forum which was established in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture, in 1998, with mission to enhance disaster resilience of the member countries, to build safe communities, and to create a society where sustainable development is possible. The Center works to build disaster resilient communities and to establish networks among countries through many programs including personnel exchanges in this field.
15th January 2010
Seminar on information exchange in the wake of Natural Calamities/Earthquakes in Pakistan and other countries
Islamabad:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the US Embassy Islamabad, is organizing a seminar on information exchange in the wake of natural calamities/earthquakes in Pakistan and other countries. Initial outline of the proposed workshop was discussed during a meeting with the representative of the US Embassy. The meeting was held in NDMA on 15th January, 2010 at 1100 hrs under the chairmanship of Lt Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman NDMA.
The proposed seminar will be held in June or July 2010. The exact dates will however be finalized through subsequent contacts between NDMA and the US Embassy. It was agreed that both sides will exchange lists of experts/speakers by 15th February 2010 while logistic arrangements will be finalized during April and May.
Besides above, the representative of US Embassy showed interest in enhancing capacity of relevant departments/agencies in Pakistan by providing training to the relevant officials from the departments on disaster management, covering both theoretical and physical parts, especially in search and rescue in hilly, mountainous and difficult terrains.
5th January 2010
EARLY CAUTION OF NDMA AVERTED LARGE CATASTROPHE- USAR TEAM MOBILIZED TO ASSIST THE AFFECTEES IN HUNZA
Islamabad:
Following the yesterday incident of landslide of about 20 vacant houses of village Atta Abad, Hunza District of Gilgit Baltistan, which caused death of 10 people in Sarat village in the low lying area, the Gilgit- Baltistan Disaster Management Authority has started its activities in close coordination with the local administration and the specialized teams of NDMA have been mobilized from Islamabad through three newly inducted helicopters available with the Cabinet Division for rescue operations. In addition to this all facilities including food, shelter, non-food items and health care are ensured to the affected population.
Eastern part of Atta Abad Village was already declared High Hazard Area by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in September, 2009, on the basis of a study conducted by the NDMA through Geological Survey of Pakistan wherein movement of terrain/ground resulting into cracks in the houses pitched on the mountain slope in the village Atta Abad, Hunza Valley, was observed. According to preliminary reports, approximately 20 vacant houses of Atta Abad Village slide and fell over the Sarat Village in the low lying area, inhabited by some families. Due to land sliding, River Hunza is partially and Karakurram Highway is completely blocked. Since the area was declared disaster prone, therefore, some 103 families of Atta Abad village were already evacuated and shifted to a safer place. Due to inclement weather conditions and dust/debris on the site, the numbers of causalities could not be ascertained, however, large numbers of causalities are not feared keeping in view of the precautionary measures already undertaken by local authorities and prompted by the NDMA.
NDMA is closely monitoring the situation and is keeping liaise with all concerned authorities to minimize losses of lives and properties and alleviate the sufferings of the affectees.
22nd December 2009
NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN IS IN ITS FINALIZATION PHASE
Islamabad:
National Disaster Management Authority being the national focal agency has been striving for an effective disaster response mechanism in the country at all levels of government. To materialize this idea National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) was developed and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for disaster response were drafted and after approval of NDMA, the draft Plan and the draft SOPs were forwarded to over 80 key stakeholders including government, non-government, UN and donor organizations for further comments..
For the finalization of the NDRP, four consultation workshops were held at provincial and regional level in Karachi, Lahore, Muzaffarabad and Quetta. The last one was held in Islamabad on 31 December 2009. The participants of the workshop included representatives of concerned federal ministries, departments, divisions, UN agencies, national, international organizations and representatives from NWFP and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The consultation process will lead to the formulation of a final draft NDRP document to be presented before the National Disaster Management Commission (NDMC) headed by Prime Minister, for final approval.
Main objectives of the National Disaster Response Plan are:- a). Integrate all disaster management activities from preparedness to response and recovery. b). Provide a framework for emergency response at different levels within government structures. c). Spell out the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders. d). Coordinate activities with the UN, INGOs, civil society, media, public /private sector and local philanthropists. e). Identify types of hazards, levels of vulnerability and its causes as well as the structure, functions and coordination mechanisms of all agencies and stake holders. f). Focus on existing relief system in Pakistan. g). Explain the process of declaring calamity-hit areas, detail the early warning systems and to trace the information flow from national to local level. h). List different relief management functions, lead agencies, relief duties and SOPs. i). Highlight concept of emergency operation centers (EOCs) at national, provincial / regional / state and district / agency level. j.). Lay down SOPs for concerned agencies and authorities.
National Disaster Response Plan will provide the framework for responding to disasters, both natural and man-made, of small, medium and large magnitude in the country together with corresponding response mechanisms and procedures. It will also describe structures and mechanisms for providing operational direction to disaster management authorities at federal, provincial, regional, state and district levels. In addition to that it classifies emergencies at all levels (national, provincial, regional and local) and clearly delineates the process of declaring emergency at each level and subsequent response accordingly. The Response Plan will also formulate roles, responsibilities and coordination among various stakeholders and institutions in case of disasters.
Addressing the participants of final consultation workshop Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir, senior member NDMA said that the National Disaster Response Plan after approval from the NDMC will be disseminated to key stakeholders. To make the document operational and to ensure its effective implementation, the NDMA will monitor and review each relief operation. Being a dynamic and living document, review of the plan will continue and changes and modification will be made accordingly.
22nd December 2009
NDMA HOLDS CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP ON NATIONAL CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR INDUSTRIAL / TECHNICAL DISASTERS
Islamabad:
NDMA in its efforts towards mitigation and preparation against disasters is developing a National Contingency Plan for Industrial / Technical Disasters. Unlike natural disasters which are difficult to prevent, industrial disasters can be prevented and their impact minimized by better planning, preparedness and response. While outlining the gaps in the existing protection mechanism, policy and programmes for prevention, mitigation and preparedness needed a Contingency Plan leading to preparation of comprehensive guidelines for preparation, mitigation and effective management of technical/industrial disasters.
Based upon the above realization, draft of the subject plan has been prepared by NDMA and comments and suggestions of all the stake holders from public and private sector have been incorporated in the draft. As the draft is about to turn into a national policy document, therefore NDMA is holding a workshop with all the major stake holders to share their valuable input to finalize a comprehensive and applicable Contingency Plans for the Management of Industrial Disasters.
In Pakistan, Provincial and District authorities as well as Industrial sector are not fully equipped / trained and prepared to handle any major disaster of industrial or chemical nature. It is, therefore, imperative that capacity enhancement be assured for appropriate response against such disasters / emergencies. Respective Ministries, Departments and industrial sector will be required to set standards in the light of guidelines provided by the subject Contingency Plan. The stake holders will be required to maintain such standard/equipment from within their own resources. A well conceived response structures is required to be formed, publicized and understood by all the concerned stakeholders to enhance their ability of the disaster / emergency management.
18th December 2009
MEDIA HAS A CRITICAL ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFECTIVE DISASTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY
Islamabad:
National Disaster Management Authority held a three day training workshop for media persons in Islamabad. The training workshop aimed at sensitizing the media persons about the current disaster management regime in the country. Media persons hailing from about thirty disaster prone districts of the country keenly participated in various group works and discussions about the role of media in disaster management.
Participants of the workshop being from all the provinces and regions of the country found it a useful learning experience and awareness exercise in terms of understanding the system and dynamics of disaster management when a natural or manmade disaster occurs.
Discussions and group work regarding reporting in disasters were especially very informative and professionally valuable for the reporters. At the end of the workshop Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir, senior member NDMA awarded certificate s to all the participants of the workshop. Senior member in his closing address emphasized that role of media in disaster management is very critical and NDMA considers media as an integral part of response mechanism in disaster management. More workshops and seminars about the role of media in disaster management are being planned in near future.
18th December 2009
NDMA FOCUSING ON DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES (DDMAS)
Islamabad:
National Disaster Management Authority held a one-day meeting in Islamabad to discuss the operationalization of the District Disaster Management authorities in high risk districts of the country. DCOs, of the nine high risk districts and district Disaster Risk Management Coordinators participated in the meeting. These districts were already earmarked by NDMA on the bases of vulnerabilities and hazards they face which may result in disasters. These districts include Haripur, Charsada, Jhang, Rajanpur, Sialkot, Thatta, Badin, Gawadar and Gilgit. In the meeting, DCOs made presentation focusing on the steps taken during 2009 for operationalization of District Disaster Management Authorities in their respective districts.
The meeting also focused on the challenges faced by district authorities and their future plans regarding the disaster management system in the participating districts. The main challenges highlighted in the meeting were budget, capacity building and equipment needed in any emergency situation. The Senior Member NDMA Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir who also chaired the meeting, assured the participants to extend NDMA’s support through their respective PDMAs in overcoming these challenges.
In the end, the chair emphasized upon the district government officials to focus on planning, preparedness and mitigation in their respective districts to establish an effective disaster management system at local level.
23rd November 2009
NDMA hands over Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Team to Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad.
Islamabad:
Two highly sophisticated and well equipped Urban Search and Rescue Teams raised by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with the cooperation of Swedish, British and Swiss Agencies have completed its training phase. These USAR teams have been raised by NDMA as a result of lessons learnt from Oct, 2005 earthquake. Soon after its establishment in early 2007, the NDMA decided to enable Pakistan in the field of Urban Search and Rescue and in a short span of time now these two teams are in place to play their critical role in life saving from collapsed structures. After completion of 18 months training phase these teams have participated in first ever National Urban Search and Rescue Exercise held in Karachi and Islamabad on a simulated scenario of collapsed structures. On completion of exercise now both the teams have become operational. Operational command of one of these two teams was handed over to city district government by NDMA in Karachi on 12th November and the second team is handed over to Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad in a ceremony held at USAR Academy, Sector H-11 Islamabad.
Chairman NDMA, Lt. Gen. ® Farooq Ahmed Khan, formally handed over operational command of one (86 members) USAR team to Chairman CDA, Mr. Imtiaz Inayat Elahi. During the ceremony both the Karachi and Islamabad USAR teams demonstrated their Search and Rescue skill in an exercise at the sight of training facilities. The salient features of the teams are high tech search and rescue equipment, canine component (search dogs), operational self sustainability and local and international deployment capability. Teams have undergone an extensive training course over a period of eighteen (18) months comprising 37 different courses. Approximately 2 million US $ worth search and rescue equipment and training facilities have been arranged by NDMA for each team.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira was the chief guest at the command transfer ceremony. Mr. Kaira appreciated the efforts of NDMA for creation of such a world class resource / asset in the country. Speaking at the occasion Chairman NDMA urged the CDA to pay close attention on the maintenance and practice of the team to maintain the operational capability of the team.
10th November 2009
First Ever National Urban Search & Rescue Mock Exercise in Karachi.
Islamabad:
Pakistan is vulnerable to a variety of natural and human induced hazards including Earthquake, Floods, flash floods, urban fire accidents and industrial accidents. These hazards especially Earthquake, have been playing havoc with the residential and commercial structures but the response to these incidents leaves much to be desired due to paucity of search and rescue and fire fighting resources, poor prevention standards and outdated capacity of fire fighters. Realizing these short comings and to cope with disastrous situations NDMA has raised two USAR (Urban Search And Rescue) teams, one for Karachi and the other for Islamabad to enhance the national emergency response capacity in Pakistan.
As these teams have completed their training so before formal operationalization these teams are taking part in first ever National Urban Search and Rescue Mock Exercise starting in Karachi today. For this exercise Islamabad team has travelled to Karachi and both teams will work together on a simulated scenario of emergency in Karachi city. International and local observers are monitoring and evaluating the performance of the teams. This exercise will continue for three days without any break. During the exercise teams will operate on self sustainable basis. SRSA (Swedish Rescue Service Agency Sweden) ,DFID UK and SDC Switzerland have helped NDMA in creating these two international Standard Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams in Pakistan
These teams have undergone an extensive training in the field of search & Rescue. High tech search equipment and canine component make these teams a valuable asset for Pakistan while responding to disasters especially rescuing the lives from collapsed structures.
Second phase of the national mock exercise will start in Islamabad within next few days. After the completion of this exercise NDMA will officially hand over the operational command of these teams to City District Government Karachi and CDA Islamabad for deployment as and when required in disasters.
Tsunami Awareness Drill in Jiwani, Gawdar.
Islamabd:
National Disaster Management Authority conducted a tsunami awareness drill in Jiwani, Gawadar in coordination with UNDP Pakistan. A team of NDMA and UNDP experts on Tsunami was present in Jiwani for the last few days for preparation for the drill. Preparatory workshops for local government officials, NGOs and civil society and local populace were organized. Local people and officials were given detail briefings about the nature and dynamics of Tsunami threat.
A large number of Local people including women, children and elderly participated in the exercise and keenly learned the preparatory measures to avoid losses in case of Tsunami. In response to warning sirens from ambulances people rushed out of their houses and gathered at per-identified place where local government officials and local volunteers briefed them about the issue and appreciated their involvement for Tsunami awareness activity. Representatives of media , civil society ,NGOs and district government and PDMA were also present on this occasion.
This drill was second in the series of such drills in coastal belt and in the coming days similar exercises are planned for Pasni , Ormara and other coastal communities.
14th October 2009
Tsunami awareness drill in Keti Bandar near Thatta, Karachi.
Islamabd:
National Disaster Management Authority conducted a tsunami awareness drill in Thatta in coordination with Indian Ocean Countries to test the Tsunami preparedness at regional level. Eighteen countries around the Indian Ocean Rim conducted this exercises in different coastal areas.. A team of NDMA experts on Tsunami was present in Thatta for the last few days for preparation for the drill. The exercise for the first time tested and evaluated the effectiveness of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWS), established in response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami on December 26, 2004. The weaknesses of the existing system and areas for improvement were identified to increase preparedness and improve coordination throughout the region.
A large number of Local people including women, children and elederly participated in the exercise and keenly learned the preparatory measures to avoid losses in case of Tsunami. In response to warning sirens people rushed out of their houses and gathered at per-identified place where local government officials and local volunteers briefed them about the issue and appreciated their involvement for Tsunami awareness activity. Representatives of media , civil society ,NGOs and district government and PDMA were also present on this occasion.
13th October 2009
UNESCO Member States in the Indian Ocean to test tsunami warning system on 14th Oct.
Islamabd:
Eighteen countries* around the Indian Ocean Rim will participate in an ocean-wide tsunami exercise on 14 October to coincide with World Disaster Reduction Day. Pakistan on the basis of its experience in Gawadar Tsunami Evacuation Drill in July 2009 has been selected as coordinator in Jakarta meeting for the fourteen countries of Indian ocean rim. In Pakistan this exercise is being conducted at Kaiti Bandar in district Thatta near Karachi. A team of NDMA experts on Tsunami is present in Thatta for the last few days for preparation for the drill. The exercise will for the first time test and evaluate the effectiveness of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWS), established in response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami on December 26, 2004. It will identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. It aims to increase preparedness and improve coordination throughout the region. “Exercise Indian Ocean Wave 09” will provide an opportunity for Indian Ocean countries to test their operational lines of communications, review their tsunami warning and emergency response standard operating procedures, and promote emergency preparedness. The exercise scenario will replicate the magnitude 9.2 earthquake that occurred off the northwest coast of Sumatra, Indonesia in 2004, generating a destructive tsunami affecting countries from Australia to South Africa. The simulated tsunami will spread in real time across the entire Indian Ocean, taking approximately 12 hours to travel from Indonesia to the coast of South Africa. Bulletins will be issued by the Japan Meteorogical Agency (JMA) in Tokyo and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) in Hawaii, USA, which have served as the interim advisory services since 2005. The bulletins will be sent to the focal points in the National Tsunami Warning Centres (NTWC) responsible for tsunami response in the countries concerned. All countries in the region have been encouraged to participate. The recently established Regional Tsunami Watch Providers (RTWP) in Australia, India and Indonesia will also participate in the exercise and will share experimental real time bulletins between themselves only. RTWPs are called to replace in the near future the interim service currently provided from Hawaii (PTWC) and Tokyo (JMA). The RTWPs will provide examples of the new types of products being developed for use in the Indian Ocean region and will invite feedback and comments from the IOTWS Member States. The main purpose of Exercise IOWave09 is to test national standard operating procedures and the operational lines of communication between the NTWCs and JMA and PTWC. Several Member States have indicated that they intend to conduct the exercise through to community level, including limited evacuation of selected coastal communities. Such “end-to-end” conduct of the exercise will test the standard operating procedures and communications links at all levels of the warning chain and will involve detailed pre-planning of the exercise at the national to local level. Exercise IOWave09 was recommended by Member States attending the 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWS) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, in April 2008. The ICG/IOTWS was established by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) in 2005, to promote exchange of seismic and sea level data for rapid tsunami detection, to provide warnings and to coordinate mitigation efforts among Member States. At the same time IOC began coordinating the creation of similar systems in the Caribbean (CARIBE-EWS) and the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic Ocean and connected Seas (NEAMTWS). The IOC has been coordinating the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (PTWS) since 1965. This exercise takes place in the wake of the tsunami that killed more than 100 people in Samoa on Tuesday 29 September, providing a sober reminder that coastal communities everywhere need to be aware and prepared for such events. Countries include: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and East Timor.
8th October 2009
NDMA IS STRIVING FOR DISASTER RESILIENT PAKISTAN.
Islamabd:
To commemorate 8th October as National Disaster Awareness Day in a befitting manner, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) organized a wide range of national and international activities with the purpose to create awareness among policy makers, Civil Society Organizations and general masses. Since its establishment in March 2007 the NDMA has made a significant contribution in developing an effective disaster management system in the country.
On national disaster awareness day NDMA organized four main activities to advocate the policy of mitigation, preparedness and prevention rather than the past approach of response and reaction in the face of disasters. NDMA organized a national conference in Prime Minister’s secretariat with the theme of “WORKING TOGETHER FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION” Honorable Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani inaugurated the conference.
Along side this conference Minister of state for foreign affairs Nawabzada Malik Amaad Ahmed Khan inaugurated a large scale public awareness activity in the form of 2nd National Disaster Management Exhibition (DMEC) in the Jinnah Convention centre ( 8th to 10th October 2009) . Where a large number of local and international groups and companies are showcasing latest technologies, equipments, materials and services for disaster management. Among the exhibitors are leading brands of ambulances, bulletproof cars, fire fighting equipments, health and safety products, policing and anti terrorism equipments ,surveillance systems and state of the art security and safer construction services.
Along side this exhibition a simulation exercise of Urban Search and Rescue Teams was held in which recently raised search and rescue teams displayed their skills of evacuating the survivors from collapsed structures. These teams are equipped with latest high tech tools and gadgets used for search and rescue operations, along with canine (search dogs) arrangement.
A number of Donor agencies, INGOs, NGOs, Government Departments and UN agencies are also displaying their contributions in the field of disaster management. A Karachi based company SARG is organizing this mega event.
On the sidelines of the conference and exhibition a SAARC regional workshop on “EARTH QUAKE RISK MITIGATION” was also inaugurated by MOS for foreign affairs being hosted by Pakistan (NDMA) on this day to highlight the importance of the policy of mitigation and preparedness in disaster management.
MOS appreciated the activities being organized by NDMA for public awareness and he emphasized that preparedness and disaster risk reduction are the only ways to face the increased frequency of disasters in Pakistan.
7th October 2009
National Disaster Awareness Day.
Islamabd:
National Disaster Management Authority is organizing a number of activities on National Disaster Awareness Day of October, 2009. A national disaster management conference is being arranged to commemorate National Disaster Awareness Day at P.M secretariat Islamabad which will be attended by the policy makers and all the stake holders. Similarly a Disaster Management Exhibition is also being organized at Jinnah Convention Centre. In this exhibition local and international exhibitors will show case their equipments and tools which can be used for preparation and mitigation in the face of various disasters. Thousands of visitors are expected to visit this exhibition.
On the sidelines of these activities SAARC Regional Workshop on Earthquake Risk Management and Mitigation is being held where all the member countries of SAARC are participating.
1st October 2009
NDMA Receives High Tech Information Communication Technology Equipment.
Islamabd:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has received High Tech Information Communication Technologies (ICT) from World Food Program (WFP) to enhance the communication capacities of NDMA in disasters. The ICT equipment comprising of Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) was handed over to Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir, Senior Member NDMA, Prime Minister’s Secretariat by Mr. Wolfgang Herbinger, Country Director of WFP in Pakistan. Other Senior Officials of NDMA and WFP were also present at the occasion.
This ICT equipment will provide live coverage of disaster affected area immediately during /after any disaster. Transmission of the live data from affected region / site will be beneficial for national and provincial governments to launch response and recovery mission accordingly. The NDMA is planning to replicate the same communication system at provincial and district level to enhance connectivity for the provincial and hazard prone districts of the country.
30th September 2009
Disaster Management Exhibition & Conference.
Islamabd:
To commemorate 8th October as National Disaster Awareness Day in a befitting manner, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is organizing a wide range of national and international activities with the purpose to create awareness among policy makers, Civil Society Organizations and general masses. Since its establishment in March 2007 the NDMA has made a significant contribution in developing an effective disaster management system in the country.
NDMA following the paradigm shift has focused on mitigation, preparedness and prevention rather than the past approach of response and reaction in the face of disasters. This paradigm shift in the policy is being advocated through various activities at different levels.
On this day NDMA is organizing a national conference in Prime Minister’s secretariat with the theme of “WORKING TOGETHER FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION”.
Along side this conference a simulation exercise of Urban Search and Rescue Teams is being planned at Jinnah Convention Centre, Islamabad where recently raised search and rescue teams will display their skills of evacuating the survivors from collapsed structures. These teams are equipped with latest high tech tools and gadgets used for search and rescue operations.
Another large scale public awareness activity is the 2nd National Disaster Management Exhibition (DMEC) in the Convention centre from 8th to 10th October 2009. Where a number of local and international groups and companies will showcase latest technologies, equipments, materials and services for disaster management. Among the exhibitors are leading brands of ambulances, bulletproof cars, fire fighting equipments, health and safety products, p-licing and anti terrorism equipments ,surveillance systems and state of the art security and safer construction services.
A number of Donor agencies, INGOs, NGOs, Government Departments and UN agencies are also displaying their contributions in the field of disaster management. A Karachi based company SARG is organizing this mega event.
On the sidelines of the conference and exhibition a SAARC regional workshop on “EARTH QUAKE RISK REDUCTION” is also being hosted by Pakistan (NDMA) on this day to highlight the importance of the policy of mitigation and preparedness in disaster management.
22 August 2009
Chairman NDMA called on Prime Minister.
Islamabd:
Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt. Gen. (R) Farooq Ahmed Khan, called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House here this morning. He briefed the Prime Minister on the working of the NDMA.
17th August 2009
Economic Losses due to Natural Disasters Worth US$ 30 Billion since 1947.
Bhurban:
Pakistan has suffered huge economic and material losses over the last 62 years due to natural disasters, largely earthquakes and floods. This was shared during a Workshop on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Development organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) here on Monday.
Inaugurating the workshop, Senior Member, NDMA, Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir highlighted the role of the relevant federal ministries and other stakeholders in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) mainstreaming. He informed the audience that the Ministerial Working Groups of all the participating ministries have been established and they are now working on their strategies for integration of DRR into development process. It may be recalled that the key federal ministries selected by NDMA have prepared their respective strategies on DRR mainstreaming and now working on the implementation of their work plans, which include various activities especially development of Technical Guidelines and implementation of pilot testing projects by these ministries.
In the keynote speech, NDMA’s Advisor Mr. Zubair Murshed said that the statistics available with different public and private entities show that since its creation Pakistan has suffered economic losses worth US $ 30-35 billions due to natural disasters. He emphasized that the key Federal Ministries should come up with concrete long term strategies for reducing people’s vulnerabilities and material & economic losses.
The workshop was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministries of Water & Power, Housing and Works, Industries and Production, Defense and Planning Commission. NESPAK, Pakistan Engineering Council and Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners were also present being members of the National Working Group on DRR.
Mr. Jawed Akhter, the Additional Secretary / Chairman Ministerial Working Group on DRR while chairing the concluding session of the workshop stated that Planning Commission will facilitate training on DRR in its institute i.e. PPMI (Pakistan Planning Management Institute). A separate chapter on DRR will be the part of next Five Year Plan and subsequent Annual Development Plans. Budget allocations in Federal PSDP for disaster risk assessment and risk reduction, and most importantly the required modifications in existing PC 1 to V formats will also be made to incorporate DRR aspects therein. He also added that the Planning Commission plans to open separate section which will exclusively focus on Disaster Risk Management.
12th August 2009
Disaster Risk Management Training Course for District Officials of Baluchistan Province Organized in Karachi
Karachi:
The Provincial Disaster Risk Management Plan for Sindh was launched by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority on August 12, 2009. This Plan has been developed by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh with the technical assistance of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and UNDP.
This plan is the product of an intensive process of consultations with a wide range of partners. With the implementation of this plan, it is hoped that a disaster prevention framework will be put in place across the province.
This will help in protecting the lives of people as well as vital infrastructure against impending disasters and will put in place an effective mechanism for preparedness and mitigation against multiple hazards. The Plan also advises on how to manage an emergency response in an effective and timely manner.
NDMA with the cooperation of UNDP has been supporting provincial and district authorities in developing Disaster Risk Management Plans in Punjab, Balochistan, AJK and the Northern Areas of Pakistan. Along with provincial plans District Disaster Risk Management Plans for the 50 high risk districts are also being compiled which will act as model plans for the remaining districts of Pakistan.
The launch event was attended by Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir Senior Member NDMA, Mr. Ghulam Ali Shah Pasha, Senior member Board of Revenue Sindh, all relevant Secretaries of the Sindh Government and representatives of UN, Media and the key stakeholders including, , Ms. Shaista Hussain, Mr Tariq Rafique and Mr. Shalim Kamran Dost of the One UN DRM Programme.
8th August 2009
Disaster Risk Management Training Course for District Officials of Baluchistan Province Organized in Karachi
Karachi:
A 5-day training course on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) for the selected district authorities of Balochistan Province was organized by NDMA from August 8-12, 2009 in Karachi.
A total of 32 district officers and civil society representatives from 10 districts participated in the training course. The district officers were representing Civil Defense, Social Welfare & Community Development, Revenue, Coordination and Education departments.
The objective of the training course was the orientation of district authorities on the overall concept of DRM and to inform them about the National Disaster Management System with focus on District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).
The training agenda included 5 modules: DRM Introduction; Disaster Risk Assessment; Disaster Risk Management Operational Areas; DRM Planning at District Level; and Emergency Response.
On the first day of the training course, participants were oriented on the basic terms and concepts of DRM apart from detailed information sharing on the national DRM system and Pakistan’s risk profile. During presentations, the participants took keen interest in knowing more about the overall DRM system established in 2007 and came up with a range of questions pertaining to the role and mandate of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and DDMAs. The District Coordination Officer Quetta shared concerns about the likely overlapping of activities of different district departments under the new arrangements. However, the participants were given a detailed explanation on the roles & responsibilities of various federal, provincial and districts departments in the DRM process.
The second and third days were dedicated to disaster risk assessment and preparedness and mitigation of flood, drought, earthquake and cyclone. Again, the focus largely remained on the role of DDMAs for mitigating natural and man-made hazards through a host of proposed structural and non-structural measures.
Community Based Disaster Risk Management and Gender issues in DRM were thoroughly discussed on the fourth day of the training course. Similarly, a detailed session was conducted on the process of developing DRM Plan at the district level. Mainstreaming DRR and Public Awareness were other important topics of the day.
The last day of the training course was devoted to discuss Emergency Preparedness and Response at the local level.
The concluding session was chaired by Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir, Senior Member NDMA. While addressing the participants he highlighted the role of NDMA, PDMAs and DDMAs. He removed the impression that NDMA has overtaken provincial and district departments. Senior Member said that NDMA is coordinating body at the national level to ensure the implementation of national DRM policies by respective provinces including AJK and Northern Areas. He emphasized that the DDMAs have been given a huge responsibility of mitigating disaster risks at the local level by addressing peoples’ vulnerabilities and taking holistic approach towards DRM.
The Senior Member later distributed certificates among participants.
29th July 2009
Islamabad, 29th July 2009: Mr. Sergey Kuznetsov, Political Officer of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Islamabad called on Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir, Senior Member, National Disaster Management Authority
Islamabad:
Islamabad, 29th July 2009: Mr. Sergey Kuznetsov, Political Officer of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Islamabad called on Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir, Senior Member, National Disaster Management Authority, Prime Minister’s Secretariat, to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation and experience sharing in the field of disaster management between Emergency Control Ministry of the Russian Federation and the National Disaster Management Authority.
In the meeting it was agreed that both the countries can benefit from each others experience in the field of Urban Search & Rescue and contingency planning for different hazards.
24th July 2009
First Search and Rescue Operation by NDMA trained teams
Islamabad:
NDMA puts into action its first Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. The highly technical and state of the art equipped USAR teams are the backbone of any disaster response system. Pakistan did not have any such team in the past and the need for these teams was felt in the aftermath of the devastating 2005 earthquake. NDMA soon after its inception took on the gigantic task of raising international level 2 heavy and one medium USAR teams.
The first team to be in action was the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) team , which was deployed by NDMA led by its team leader, Mr. Naeem Yousuf when a building collapsed in Liaquatabad, Karachi on 21 July 2009 at 9:06 pm. . Lt Col Aijaz Akram (Retd), Advisor/Technical Expert on USAR supervised the Search and Rescue operation. The team was able to rescue 3 survivors from the rubble including one survivor who was rescued 18 hours after the building collapsed.Working tirelessly for 30 hours non stop the team also extricated 17 dead bodies from the rubble. The FOCUS search and rescue team worked under the supervision of NDMA in this rescue operation.
These teams are the national asset at the disposal of the respective city governments for their use and administration, however these can and will be deployed together in case of any national/international level calamity.
18th July 2009
FLOOD MONITORING ROOM ESTABLISHED IN NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (NDMA)
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the national body for coordinating and facilitating the disaster management has established Control Room for Flood Monitoring in the wake of current monsoon in the country. The control room will receive information about flood updates/incidents from across the country, for analysis and necessary measures. The contact numbers are as under:
- Telephone Number: 051-9213083
- Fax Number: 051-9213082
3rd July 2009
FIRST EVER TSUNAMI EVACUATION DRILL IN GAWADAR
In order to create awareness among the costal communities and test the preparedness of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for disaster response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has conducted a Tsunami Evacuation Drill (mock exercise) on 3rd July 2009 in collaboration with District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Gawadar.
This exercise is the response to a report by Pakistan Metrological Department On 7th January 2009 which highlighted the Tsunami threat to coastal areas of Balochistan and Sindh on the basis of seismic activities in the area as well as on the basis of historic record of the prospective tsunami threat in the coastal area. In 1945 Tsunami in coastal area of Baluchistan killed approximately 4000 persons.
After the report by Pakistan Metrological Department, the NDMA in pursuance of its role and responsibility immediately issued instructions to the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) Balochistan and Sindh and District Disaster Management Authorities of the costal area for necessary preparedness in this regard. In April 2009, the NDMA prepared and issued Tsunami Risk Reduction SOPs to all the stakeholders for recommendations. Besides this, the NDMA with the assistance of UNESCO have also organized two workshops for the preparation of SOPs for handling Tsunami in which all the stakeholders participated. The 3rd Workshop is being planned in August 2009.
For the successful conduct of this evacuation drill, a team of officer of NDMA held a series of pre-drill awareness workshops in coastal areas to sensitize the communities about the tsunami threat and response measures.
In the afternoon of 3rd of July the exercise was conducted and community participation in the exercise was fairly encouraging.
19th June 2009
Annual Report 2007 & 2008
Section 41 of the National Disaster Management Ordinance (NDMO) envisages that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) shall prepare once every year, an Annual Report of its activities during the previous year and copies thereof shall be forwarded to the Federal Government which shall lay it before the National Assembly and the Senate.
In compliance of the above provisions of NDMO, the NDMA submitted the Annual Report for the year 2007 & 2008 to the National Assembly and the Senate.
Download Annual Report 2007 & 2008
19th June 2009
Global Platform for DRR
Chairman, NDMA Lt Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan (R) represented Pakistan at the Second Session of The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva from 16-19 Jun, 2009. As NDMA is the lead agency and National Focal Point for all disaster management activities, therefore Chairman, NDMA participated in the session and appraised the member states of the progress made by Pakistan, in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction as per HFA guidelines and delivered the Official Statement of Pakistan at that forum.
He also attended the Pre-Conference SAARC Disaster Management Committee's meeting to discuss SAARC Region’s preparedness for disasters. Chairman made a Presentation on Pakistan's Disaster Preparedness post Earthquake 2005.
18th June 2009
Suspect case of Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) cleared
A suspected case of Influenza A H1N1 was reported to NDMA by National Institute of Health, Islamabad on 8th June 2009. NDMA probed into the case through the provincial Disaster Management Authority and the suspect was visited by Airport Health Officer , Allama Iqbal Airport, Lahore who confirmed that the suspect did not have any signs and symptoms of flu. Details of the case
17th June 2009
Joint UN Programme on DRM
ISLAMABAD:
This Programme was signed with the aim to promote regional stability and compensate for the social, ecomomic and environmental consequences being faced by Pakistani communities after arrival of more than 3 million Afghan refugees over the past 30 years. In addition, to that the programme will promote peaceful co-existance of remaining 1.7 million registered Afghans with local communities until situation in Afghanistan is conducive for their repatriation. Copy of the Joint UN Programme on DRM
13th June 2009
Plan for developing National Fire Safety Policy in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD:
Mr. Suleman Mehtab, an international expert on Fire Safety Policy and Emergency Response, gave a Presentation to the NDMA on a plan for developing National Fire Safety Policy in Pakistan on 13th June, 2009 at 10.30 a.m. in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad. The presentation focused on background, methodology, deliverables and time frame for this activity which would be covered under One UN Programme in Pakistan.
2. The Chairman, NDMA directed Mr. Mehtab to widen the scope of this exercise by including other emergency services like health as well as search & rescue etc. He also desired that the time frame for deliverables should be curtailed to achieve the objectives of this project in shortest possible time. Moreover, a monitoring mechanism be put in place for conduct of regular interactive sessions to monitor progress of this activity.
3rd June 2009
Mission from European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) called on Senior Member, NDMA
ISLAMABAD:
A two members European Commission Humanitarian Aid Organization (ECHO) Mission called on Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir Senior Member, NDMA, Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad to discuss the situation of IDPs. The meeting was attended by the following.
From ECHO- Ms. Beatrice Miege
- Mr. Jota Echevarria
- Mr. Imran Ashraf
- Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir, Senior Member
- Mr. Jamil Ahmad, Member (Operation)
- Mr. Amir Mohyudin, Director (M&P)
- Mr. Hassan Zulfiqar, Deputy Director (M&E)
- Mr. Masood Akhtar, Deputy Director (R&R)
- Mr. Muhammad Irfan Ch. PRO
2nd June 2009
Delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) called on Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan Chairman NDMA.
ISLAMABAD:
A delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) called on the Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in his office to discuss various contemporary issues of crises management and NDMA’s view point on the subject. The meeting was attended by the followings:
- Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman NDMA.
- Jamil Ahmad, Member (Operation) NDMA
- Ms. Catherine Huser, ICRC Geneva
- Ms. Saira Gulzar, ICRC, Islamabad
21st May 2009
NDMA Organizes Emergency Response Workshop Simulation at the Civil Services Academy, Lahore
LAHORE:
Under the auspices of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) organized a 2-day workshop on Emergency Response Management for the probationary officers of the District Management Group at the Civil Services Academy this week.
The purpose of the workshop was to orient DMG probationary officers about the basic concepts of Disaster Risk Management and emergency response mechanisms at the district level through interactive sessions and specific simulation exercise.
The first part of the orientation was dedicated to understanding terms and concepts of disaster risk management, mitigation and emergency response. In the second part, a total of 45 officers enthusiastically took part in a day-long simulation on earthquake response management. The simulation enabled them to look into some of the critical aspects of emergency response at the district level.
NDMA had earlier organized a similar workshop for a group of 50 DMG officers at the Civil Services Academy in 2007.
In order to save lives, livelihoods and property of the people from natural and human-induced hazards, the NDMA has been catering to the training and capacity building needs of civil servants and communities since its inception in 2007.
19th May 2009
UN HABITAT delegation calls on Chairman NDMA
Islamabad:
A delegation of UN HABITAT called on Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad. The delegates Mr. Lankatilleke, (Senior Human Settlements Officer) and Mr. Siamak Moghaddam, (Country Program Manager for Pakistan) discussed the matters relating to safer construction of houses in EQ affected and disaster prone areas of Pakistan. The meeting also discussed the mainstreaming of safer construction of houses through education in engineering schools and universities. It was decided that UN HABITAT will develop a proposal on this subject which will be discussed with HEC and other stake holders from the platform of NDMA.
19th May 2009
UN OCHA delegates calls on Chairman NDMA
Islamabad:
UN OCHA delegates Mr. Rashid Khalikov, Director OCHA and Mr. Jacco Snoeijer (OCHA Pakistan) called on Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad. The meeting discussed the state of Humanitarian Affairs in disaster affected areas of Pakistan.
14th May 2009
97% OF COMPENSATION TO BALUCHISTAN EARTHQUAKE 2008 AFFECTEES IS DISBURSED
Islamabad:
A delegation of Baluchistan Government lead by Nawab Aslam Raisani, Chief Minister Baluchistan and his Cabinet Members called on Chairman NDMA in National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad. They discussed the issues relating to affectees of Baluchistan earth quake 2008, including the measures regarding rehabilitation and reconstruction in the earth quake affected areas.
Chairman NDMA shared with the delegation that compensation to 80% of death cases, 93% of injured cases, and 97% of house damaged cases have already been disbursed thus completing an overall 97% of compensation distribution.
Chief Minister Baluchistan appreciated the efforts of NDMA and reiterated the commitment of Provincial Government for rehabilitation of affected people. Chairman NDMA emphasized on the need for strengthening the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to play an effective role in case of any eventuality.
Members of the delegation included Maulana Abdul Wassey, Senior Minister/Minister P&D, Mr. Asim Kurd, Minister Finance, Engr. Zamrak Khan, Minister Revenue, Mr. Muhammad Rahim Mengal, Minister PDMA, Maulana Abdul Samad, Minister for Forest, Mr. Asfandyar Khan Kakar, Provincial Minister, Mr Nasir Khosa Chief secretary Baluchistan, Mr. Abdur Rahim Ziaratwal, EX-MPA, Mr. Abdul Jalil Dotani, Ex-Caretaker Finance Minister and notables of the affected areas.
11th May 2009
IDPs Situation
Islamabad:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the national level focal body to coordinate and facilitate the disaster management has been engaged in management of IDPs of Bajaur & Swat since the inception of military operations against the militants.
Prior to current Swat operation more than 5, 53,929 IDPs are being looked after by provincial government with the help of Federal Government, various humanitarian agencies including Pak Red Crescent Society (PRCS) are dually coordinated by NDMA. More than 91,017 IDPs were housed in 11 camps in different districts and rest of the IDPs are provided relief in the form of food and non-food items on monthly basis. These IDPs in camps are provided with Health, Education and Psychosocial treatment facilities. Special care is being provided to the children and vulnerable families. There are about 27 temporary schools functional for 13,436 students (Boys & Girls) in the camps and evening classes in 63 government schools.
In response the recent influx of IDPs, NDMA and provincial authorities are fully geared up to meet the challenge. So far 36,032 families (2, 21,240) individuals have been registered in and out side the camps. To meet the requirement new sites for establishing camps are being developed in Swabi, Nowshera and other areas. For the convenience of IDPs 34 registration points for incoming IDPs have been established. The transportation for stranded people in conflict zone is being arranged by provincial authorities in coordination with military authorities.
NDMA teams along with representatives of UN Humanitarian Agencies have been deployed in Mardan to coordinate and facilitate civil administration. So far NDMA has mobilized 28,804 Tents, 1, 99,226 Blankets/Quilts, 10,887 Tons of ration, 22,466 kitchen sets, 183,994 Plastic Mats and other items like mosquitoes nets and jerry cans etc. from Federal Resources, humanitarian organizations and PRCS. All the new camps are being prepared by Provincial Government at international standards. In the efforts civil society, local NGOs and philanthropists are also participating.
6th May 2009
NDMA meets UN cluster heads to review IDPs Management
Islamabad:
In the view of on going security crisis in Swat, Buner and Lower Dir, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) held a meeting of UN cluster heads in NDMA, Prime Minister’s Secretariat Islamabad. Member Operations NDMA, Mr Jamil Ahmed, chaired the meeting. Opening discussion the Chair shared the situation of ongoing relief programs with regards to existing in-camp and off-camp IDPs. The participants shared their existing stock positions and ongoing relief activities.
While deliberating upon the IDPs management issues, the participants emphasized for forward planning for fresh wave of IDPs in case of intensified operations against militants. The participants also realized that management of IDPs is primarily the responsibility of respective provincial authorities while NDMA is responsible to facilitate the management process, plugging of resources gap, arranging for the shortfalls and over all coordination with the donors and local authorities. In the meeting the ways and means to improve the coordination among UN Humanitarian agencies, NDMA, Provincial and Local Authorities were discussed in detail for evolving a mechanism for working together in an integrated and synergetic fashion.
29th April 2009
NDMA for Integrated efforts to mitigate flood effects.
Islamabad:
NDMA, the national level focal body to coordinate and facilitate efforts by various agencies in their disaster management efforts, held 3rd Annual Pre-Monsoon Flood Coordination Meeting of federal and provincial stake holders to take stock of the level of preparedness and to firm up sectoral and national planning to combat any eventuality. The meeting focused on devising comprehensive strategy for tackling any potential disaster situation arising out of floods. Addressing the participants of the meeting, Lt Gen ® Farooq Ahmed Khan, Chairman NDMA emphasized that preparedness, better coordination, sharing of the experience and developing best practices for saving the precious lives as well as property of the people is the key for effective disaster management. The participants discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to flood management including:-
- Assessment of risk perception, vulnerabilities and pre-emptive/preventive actions;
- Preparedness of the health departments in the context of availability of essential medicines for water related epidemics as well as anti snake and anti rabies venoms.
- Preparedness of the Provincial Irrigation departments with regard to survey of the water courses, the protection bunds and monitoring mechanisms during the flood season.
- Flood forecasting arrangements of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (Long term and short term precipitation estimates, dissemination of the early warning to the stakeholders).
- Federal Flood Commissions’ flood monitoring and regulatory arrangements.
- Review of the water storage capacity of dams, especially the enhanced storage capacity of the Mangla Dam.
- Review of the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities preparedness to handle flood related disaster situation and relief and rescue measures.
- Review of the essential relief stockpiles of nonperishable relief items available with the ERC of Cabinet Division.
- Review of the preventive measures for the protection of the vital communication installations like Railways, Highways, Bridges and Communication lines.
After the review of all the issues authorities expressed their satisfaction about the in place arrangements for prevention and mitigation of flood effects. However it was felt that resource mapping of heavy machinery, timely completion of ongoing projects for flood control and strategic stock building of relief items would prove invaluable for further enhancing flood management capacity. All the Stake holders resolved to up grade their coordination and response in case of any eventuality arising out of the monsoon floods or any other natural hazard.
24th April 2009
USAID delegates call on Chairman NDMA
Islamabad:
Mr. Kenneth.C Ellis and Mr. Graig String of USAID called on Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmed Khan, Chairman NDMA. Chairman shared with delegates the latest situation of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in FATA and Swat, especially in the aftermath of recent developments in Bajaur areas and Swat Peace Agreement.
In the meeting the ways and means to improve the coordination among humanitarian agencies, NDMA, Provincial and Local Authorities were discussed in detail. Issues pertaining to the management of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of FATA and Swat were deliberated upon extensively.
Strategy /plan relating to return and rehabilitation of IDPs and development plan for FATA came under discussion and it was agreed that all avenues will be explored to materialize the rehabilitation of people in their original abode and development plans with cooperation of USAID and humanitarian agencies.
Chairman NDMA highlighted that livelihood, education, housing and infrastructure are the areas where humanitarian agencies intervention is necessary in a committed fashion to win the hearts & minds of affected people. Chairman emphasized that participation of local people in development plans is critical for successful execution of any development plans in tribal areas.
In the meeting Member Operations Mr. Jamil Ahmed, Director Operation and Director Relief and Recovery of NDMA were also present.
23rd April 2009
Chairman NDMA calls on Prime minister.
Islamabad:
Chairman National Disaster Management Authority, Lt. Gen. (R) Farooq Ahmad Khan called on Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister’s House today.
The Prime Minister directed him to expedite rehabilitation of the IDPs of NWFP to their original abodes and coordinate reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
The Prime Minister directed to prepare an elaborate plan to be presented before the Cabinet for approval before execution. The Prime Minister especially directed that all these activities should be based on the principle of equality and transparency.
He directed Chairman NDMA to carry out coordination with all concerned government departments at federal and provincial levels as well as international organizations, donors and humanitarian community for assistance in this national undertaking.
21st April 2009
Return strategy and plan for FATA and NWFP IDPs.
Islamabad:
To review the issues related to management of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and to discuss the outline of the plan for the IDPs management / return plan, Senior Member NDMA, Mr. Shaukat N. Tahir chaired a meeting of all the stakeholders at the NDMA’s Headquarters, Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Representatives of Provincial Ministry for Social Welfare NWFP, FATA, FC, NADRA and UN humanitarian agencies attended the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to establish an effective, efficient and synergized return strategy and plan for IDPs, involving all stakeholders to deal with the situation.
In the meeting, representative of Frontier Corps apprised the participants of the prevailing security and IDPs situation in the areas. The representative of FATA Secretariat and NWFP Social Welfare Department shared that people have started to return to their home towns and villages in FATA and Swat in view of improved security and living conditions.
The meeting especially focused on law and order situation in IDPs camps, statistical data of IDPs, problems faced by IDPs, security issues of humanitarian workers and related issues.
The chair and participants emphasized that an efficient and effective coordination mechanism between relevant Government Departments and other agencies need to be worked out to ensure timely interventions and avoid duplication of efforts and wastage of resources during return of IDPs. Besides, close coordination between the FATA Secretariat, Provincial Authorities and Humanitarian Agencies is highly essential for success of any return plan for IDPs.
During the meeting it was agreed that FATA Secretariat and Provincial Authorities will present comprehensive IDP’s return management strategy/plan within a week, which will then be shared with all the stakeholders. Further relief and other activities for IDPs will be carried out according to the agreed return plan.
Among the other main participants of the meeting were representatives of other UN Agencies, Afghan Refugees Commissionerate and NDMA officials.
16th April 2009
United Nation Advisor on Humanitarian Affairs calls on Chairman NDMA.
Islamabad:
Mr. Rashid Khalikov, UN Humanitarian Advisor (Head of UN OCHA) along with his team visited the office of Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmed Khan, Chairman NDMA. Chairman shared the latest situation of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in FATA and Swat, especially in the aftermath of recent developments in Bajaur areas and Swat Peace Agreement.
In the meeting the ways and means to improve the coordination among UN monitoring agencies, NDMA, Provincial and Local Authorities were discussed in detail. Issues pertaining to the management of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) of FATA and Swat were deliberated upon extensively.
Ideas relating to stock pilling of relief goods comprising food and non-food items as preparatory measures and contingency planning came under discussion and it was agreed that all avenues will be explored to realize this idea with cooperation of UN humanitarian agencies. Chairman NDMA emphasized for rapid response by UN Humanitarian Agencies in case of any natural disaster. Chairman highlighted the importance of preparatory measures for rapid response in natural disasters.
In the meeting director operations and director relief and recovery of NDMA were also present.
March 13, 2009
Prime Minister directs NDMA to ensure settlement of displaced person.
Islamabad:
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday directed National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to step up provision of substantial assistance to the internally displaced persons from NWFP and FATA.
In a meeting with Chairman NDMA Lt. Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, the Prime Minister asked him to ensure shelter, food, medical assistance and education facilities for such persons in coordination with international organizations.
The NDMA chairman apprised the prime minister of the ongoing relief activities in the earthquake-affected areas of Baluchistan, being carried out in coordination with major stakeholders including provincial authorities and the United Nations.
He said 97 percent of the compensation worth Rs. 2.070 billion provided by the federal government, had been disbursed among the earthquake affected person.
He also informed the prime minister that after the peace accord in Swat and stability in Bajaur, the internally displaced persons had started returning their homes.
Federal Food Committee (FFC) under the auspices of NDMA monitored, coordinated facilitated the up country movement of wheat from port Qasim, Karachi port and Gawadar port. It also controlled daily releases of wheat by provincial food department to floor mills with a view to ensure un interrupted functioning of supply chain. FFC ensured regular interaction for maintaining of supply - demand equilibrium.
FFC harnessed newly harvested crop for meeting emergent consumer needs. Liasoned with provincial / equivalent governments for enforcing price control. Interacted with Ministry of Interior, Frontier Constabulary NWFP and Frontier Constabulary Baluchistan to prevent haemorrhage of stocks.
February 10, 2009
NDMA Signs UN’s Joint Programme on Disaster Risk Management.
13 UN agencies combine their strengths to ensure a comprehensive response to Disaster Risk Management in Pakistan
Mr. Shaukat Nawaz Tahir. Senior Member, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Co-Chairs of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Joint Programme, Miss. Mikiko (Acting country Director UNDP), Wolfgang Herbinger (Country Director WFP), and Country heads / representatives of FAO, ILO, IOM, UNAIDS, UNESCO, UNIFEM, UNFPA, UNHABITAT, UNHCR, UNICEF and WHO signed the United Nation’s (UN) Pakistan Joint Programme Document in the presence of the Senior Officials of Economic Affairs Division (EAD).
Thirteen out of the nineteen UN agencies operating in Pakistan have planned and developed a Joint programme to address the needs for disaster risk management in Pakistan. The two years programme for 2009-2010 is estimated to cost around US$ 66.359 million.
Read More..January 29th, 2009
Chairman NDMA Speaks to Officers and Cadets of PMA
In an effort to accquaint the future leadership of the army with the concepts and functions of new Disaster Management system of the country, Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), invited the Chairman NDMA to deliver a talk to the Officer and Cadets of Pakistan Army. This talk was focussed on the old and existing system of the disaster management in Pakistan and also dialated upon the facets of leaderships required in management of the disasters. Being the blue collar workers in the event of any disaster, it is believed that army's leadership must keep abreast with the changes occuring in the country in the realm of disster management so that in any future contingency the coordination between the national authority and the army must be smooth and flawless. It is hoped that the young leadership will now be better poised to deal with any future disaster scenario.
January 21st, 2009
Raising of 3 Urban Search & Rescue (USAR)Teams
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will raise three international standard Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
The project aims at enhancing the preparedness and emergency response capacity in the country and the Authority has already penned down a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Swedish Rescue Service Agency, Sweden (SRSA), DFID-UK and Switzerland Development Corporation (SDC).
Two heavy teams consisting of 86 persons each would be raised in Islamabad and Lahore respectively, while one medium team comprising of 52 persons is on the cards for Karachi.
The project is estimated to be accomplished by July this year , ensuring professional capacity of the teams to timely respond during disasters in mega cities.
Under the project, domestic respective organisations are supposed to provide human resource as per standard requirement and monetary costs associated with raising the operations of the teams.
Meanwhile, international partners including SDC, SRSA and DFID would deliver equipment, besides assisting and advising for establishing appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
They would also undertake training of USAR team members, and assist in developing manuals and other essential material in the national language.
January 13th, 2009
Regional Conference on Climate Change
Inaguration Ceremony of the regional conference on "Climate change : Challenges and Opportunities for South Asia" was held today.On 14th of January 2009, chairman NDMA will give a presentation to the audiance on "Disasters: Regional Percpective".
January 3rd, 2009
Second Annual Meeting of the National Disaster Management Commission
Today, the chairman NDMA, briefed the NDMC about the progress and overall outlook of the NDMA after a year into its creation. NDMC is the top policy level decision making body in the realm of disaster managemnt in Pakistan. The Commission is headed by the honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan, who chaired this meeting.During the meeting the Chairman NDMA apprised the audiance about the overall progress achived by the NDMA and also highlighted the grey ares being faced in the persuit of its mandate by the national authority. The Commission displayed its full support and satisfaction on the development shown by the authority and took a no of important decisions to facilitate the DM in the country.
December 21st, 2008
The fire incident of Gakhar Plaza
The fire incident of Gakhar Plaza, Rawalpindi which occurred early morning of 20-12-2008 has resulted in collapse of around 80% of building structure at 1500 hours on 20-12-2008. The fire services of twin cities, including Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi, Cantonment Board Rawalpindi, CDA, Islamabad, Civil Aviation Authority, POF Wah, Bahria Town, carried out the fire fighting and search and rescue operation under the joint command of the District Government, Rawalpindi and the NDMA. On realizing that the retrieval of rescue workers and others entrapped underneath the debris of the collapsed building was becoming difficult, the NDMA mobilized the federal resources, including the FWO and Army Engineers Corps in aid of the district authorities. A contingent of about 300 army persons (both officers and Other Ranks), rushed to the site at 1600 hours on 20-12-08 and got engaged in support of the civilian fire fighting and rescue agencies. The incident has resulted in 10 confirmed deaths so far and 59 injuries, while 06 are still missing. Out of the injured persons, 12 are admitted in Hospitals for treatment, while others have been provided medical treatment for minor injuries and relieved from the hospitals. The dead bodies retrieved from the rubble of the building, includes fire fighters of POF, Wah, the Rescue 1122 and the Fire Department of City District Government, Rawalpindi. So far, 25% of the rubble has been cleared. The rubble clearance operation is expected to take almost a week for completion.
16 Novemeber 2008
Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan (R) departs for Ziaarat to oversee reilief efforts.
The Chairman NDMA alongwith a team of 4 senior members of the Disaster Management Authority left today for Ziaarat. The aim of the visit is to oversee the relief efforts on ground and coordinate / kick start the early recovery phase of the humanitarian operation. During the four days the team shall visit all the affected areas to accertain the progress of the relief efforts and identify the gaps required to be plugged. Moreover, as the situation has stabilized the early recovery phase has to be started for which plan shall be finalized after consulltation with Balochistan Govt and other stakeholders.
1 November 2008
Chairman NDMA accompanied the President's representative Mr Humayun Kurd and Interior advisor Mr Rehman A Malik on visit to the EQ hit areas of Balochistan. During the visit it was decided that & directed that :
? Immediate interim arrangements be made for provisions to safeguard the displaced population against severe winters.
? In order to manage the media perception a rep from Media Association of Balochistan will be made part of the Relief Distribution Mechanism. Furthermore, Media will be asked to identify the grey areas in the mechanism for their removal / remedial action.
? No stone shall be left un turned in providing relief to the affectees.
October 31st 2008
Chairman NDMA briefed the President Mr Asif Ali Zardari about the on going relief activities in the Earthquake hit areas.
The President showed his satisfaction on the relief efforts and directed that all help must be extended to the victims in a swift and expeditious manner.
It was further decided: to evaluate the possibility of providing pre fabricated houses for EQ area. that arrangements be made swiftly to ward off the effects of the cold weather for victims.
NDMA should brief the President quarterly on progress and impediments in performing its assigned tasks.
DONATE MONEY for EQ victims in Disaster Relief Funds' following Accounts:
NBP,P.M. Sectt, Islamabad Account no 294 - 2
Askari Bank, Beverly centre, Islamabad, Account no 15-02-130-0009-4
October 31st 2008
Chairman NDMA Briefed Mr Rehman A Malik about the relief activities in Balochistan.
NDMA will be the focal agency for all activities related to this EQ.
USC was directed to provide 10,000 food packs with stove for the affected population.
Distribution of relief goods shall be coordinated by NDMA in consultation with the political authorities of the province.
October 29th 2008
Earthquake in Balochistan
Quetta: An Earthquake measuring 6.5 on richter scale struck area approximately 70 kms north/ north-east of Quetta, Balochistan at approximately 0510 hours on 29 October 2008.Read More..
