SWAT
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with the GLOF-II project implemented by UNDP, federal ministry of climate change observed the International day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR).
The authority, in an attempt to create awareness, held a program at Saidu Medical College Swat.
The representatives of GOLF-II project, PDMA, district administration and line departments, faculty members and a large number of students attended the event with great enthusiasm.
Prof Israr Khan principal Saidu Medical College welcomed the participants and highlighted the memories of recent past disasters, disasters are not only affecting the human lives but also severely damaging the socio-economic fabric of the country.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Swat Abad Wazir said climate change appeared to be a macro driver leading to changes in the environment.
Director General PDMA Sharif Hussain in his message said climate change had many hard-hitting and obvious impacts.
“If we are going to defeat climate change and address its impacts, we need to work together,” he added.
He said that PDMA deals effectively with disaster management, disaster risk reduction, preparedness and planning.
Mr Sharief maintained that as a nation there is a need to take the ownership and readiness for any volunteer work.
PDMA Deputy Director Disaster Risk Management Sahibzada Saleem, stressed on the implementation and enforcement of building codes policy, conducting geological surveys to identify vulnerable locations and multi hazard vulnerability assessment across the province.
He added that risk and uncertainties are increasing in the region due to climate change, greater frequency of extreme climatic events, extreme minimum and maximum temperature and increased incidence of temperature influenced disasters & pests.
The world in general and Pakistan in particular is suffering as a result of climate change.
He further added that PDMA has installed 07 telemantary systems for early warning information.
GLOF is another emerging phenomenon, observed especially in Chitral District (having a glacial cover of 4000 sq.km, the second largest glacial inventory in Pakistan after GB).The incidents of GLOF have posed some serious threats and challenges to the mountainous communities in the far-flung areas in recent times.
Spokesperson PDMA KP Taimur Ali said, the series of activities are planned for the month of October. PDMA conducts multiple activities in October to create public awareness about natural disasters and climate change adaptation. Hydro meteorological Disasters occur due to climate change and rise in temperature.Risks and uncertainties are increasing in the region, greater frequency of extreme climatic events, extreme minimum and maximum temperature and increased incidence of temperature influenced disasters.
