A World Bank delegation, as part of its ongoing mission for the proposed Sindh Flood Resilience Project, held a meeting with Director General, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Sindh, Syed Salman Shah, to discuss measures for strengthening disaster risk assessment, preparedness, response and resilience across the province.
PDMA Sindh, World Bank discuss comprehensive disaster risk assessment across province
KARACHI, Oct 06 (APP): A World Bank delegation, as part of its ongoing mission for the proposed Sindh Flood Resilience Project, held a meeting with Director General, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Sindh, Syed Salman Shah, to discuss measures for strengthening disaster risk assessment, preparedness, response and resilience across the province.
According to a press release issued by SID, during the meeting, DG PDMA Sindh Syed Salman Shah briefed the delegation on the Authority’s performance and said that different areas of Sindh are exposed to various natural and other disaster risks, making it essential to reassess these risks on comprehensive and modern lines.
He said the existing Multi-Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (MHVRA) was conducted a few years ago and therefore needs to be upgraded and updated in view of emerging and changing risks. He emphasized that the new assessment should include emerging hazards such as seawater intrusion and urban flooding, while datasets covering all districts of Sindh should also be upgraded in accordance with modern requirements. This would strengthen the evidence base for preparedness, planning and investment related to disaster risks.
The meeting also discussed assessment of risks associated with industrial areas, including hazards related to fires, explosions, leakage or release of toxic and chemical gases or materials, and industrial accidents resulting from natural disasters. The proposed assessment would include industrial risk mapping, identification of priority hotspots, development of a GIS-based database, and preparation of risk and crisis plans tailored to the needs of each area.
The World Bank delegation also emphasized the importance of protecting cultural and historical heritage sites, which may be affected by heavy rainfall, waterlogging and other disasters. The delegation noted that these sites form an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and should therefore be incorporated into disaster risk reduction and resilience planning.
The delegation further stressed the need for special attention to the desert areas of Sindh, where local communities face a range of hazards and vulnerabilities. It was proposed that the upgraded MHVRA should include a dedicated assessment of desert areas, covering drought, extreme heat, water scarcity, food and livelihood insecurity, groundwater availability, and access to essential services during emergencies.
The proposed project also includes the establishment of a Humanitarian Response Facility (HRF) in the coastal area of Badin, aimed at strengthening preparedness for cyclones, storm surges and floods, while ensuring the availability of relief supplies and response equipment closer to vulnerable populations in coastal areas.
The meeting also discussed enhancing the capacity of existing Humanitarian Response Facilities in Karachi, Jamshoro and Sukkur, office infrastructure for the PDMA Headquarters, Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), District Disaster Risk Management Units (DDRMUs) and District Emergency Operations Centres, as well as the development of an Integrated Decision Support System (IDSS).
The World Bank mission comprised Saleem Roohana, Lead Urban Specialist; Syed Muhammad Bilal Khalid, Task Team Leader and Disaster Risk Management Specialist; Kamran Akbar, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist; Amparo Semper Heraldo, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist; Marzia Farooq, Consultant; and Fikado Game Morda, Consultant.
