SWAT: The UNDP’s Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods (GLOF-II) on Thursday observed the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) with great zeal and enthusiasm.
In this connection a program was held at Saidu Medical College Swat in collaboration with the PDMA to create awareness among the masses about the importance of IDDRR keeping in view of the negative impacts of climate change.
The program was participated in by representative of GLOF-II project, PDMA, district administration and line departments, faculty members and a large number of students.
The observance of the IDDR was more important this year keeping in view the recent disaster caused by torrential rains and devastating floods.
Prof Israr Khan principal Saidu Medical College welcomed the participants and highlighted the memories of resent past disasters, saying disasters are not only effecting 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. It may be seen as a threat multiplier that can worsen existing vulnerabilities.
PDMA Director General 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 said and added that PDMA KP deals with disaster management, disaster risk reduction, preparedness and planning.
He said disasters phenomenon cannot be stopped but can be reduced by taking DRR measures. As a nation there is a need to take the ownership and readiness for any volunteer work. He further said PDMA in its proactive role, is taking steps to nullify or manage disaster risks before it results in catastrophe. In this regard, actions are taken in the domains of risk assessments, mitigation and preparedness. He further emphasized that we need to reduce disaster risk through prevention and mitigation along with preparedness.
PDMA Deputy Director Disaster Risk Management Sahib Zada Saleem stressed the implementation and enforcement of building codes policy, conduct of geological surveys to identify vulnerable locations and multi hazard vulnerability assessment across the province.
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 occurs 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. The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the last two decades suffered from a series of natural disasters including floods, GLOF, earthquakes, avalanches, heatwave and droughts.
