BACK

Well-coordinated approach against climatic hazards emphasised

Our Correspondent
Thursday, Aug 01, 2024

Islamabad: Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasised the need for a well-coordinated approach to manage climatic hazards.

Chairing the third meeting of the National Disaster Response Committee at the headquarters of the National Disaster Management Authority here, the minister said the establishment of the Disaster Response Committee was a crucial move to bolster Pakistan's disaster management system and foster effective collaboration between federal and provincial authorities.

He directed provincial disaster management authorities to prepare essential stockpiles, including snakebite vaccinations, in anticipation of ongoing monsoon rains, and called for enforcement of building codes and resilient infrastructure. "All stakeholders should assume their responsibilities with utmost seriousness, ensuring the committee's goals are met," he said.

The meeting, which was called on the orders of the prime minister, focused on reviewing the progress of directives issued during the first DRC meeting and assessing the preparedness of provinces and departments for the current monsoon period.

In the meeting co-chaired by NDMA chairman Lt-General Inam Haider Malik and PM’s coordinator on climate change Romina Khursheed, officials of the National Emergencies Operations Centre provided an overview of the possible impact of the monsoon period along with the NDMA’s preparedness and plans. The PDMA officials and other stakeholders briefed participants on the tasks assigned by the chair in the last meetings.

They updated him on the ongoing efforts to address potential emergencies, rectify shortcomings, and the resource deployment plan for vulnerable areas.