Disaster management: UN urges preparedness to fend off next disaster

ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan moves into the early recovery and reconstruction phase of following the devastating floods of 2010, UN officials state that there is a dire need to pay attention towards investing in mechanism that mitigates risk.

United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction Margareta Wahlström, while addressing a press conference here, said that Pakistan is at continued risk of disasters.

She further said that Pakistan faces massive long-term losses in lives as well as livelihoods by not currently investing in mechanisms that reduce risks in future if a disaster reappears.

“We need to concentrate on building back safer hospitals,” said Wahlström. “No country is safe from disaster even if it’s rich, but they are definitely more prepared. Therefore we need secure medical facilities to safeguard our future,” she added.

The official stated that the damage caused by the recent floods cost Pakistan an estimated $8.74 billion to $10.85 billion – approximately one-third of the country’s 2009-2010 budget. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have said that an investment of $27 million in disaster risk reduction mechanisms can greatly reduce future losses.

Pakistan director for Oxfam Neva Khan said that government leadership is needed to implement disaster risk reduction strategies, as well as the role of the international community to support it.

Noting that the government of Pakistan has signed on to international initiatives to reduce disaster risk, Wahlström said, “The immediate need is for commitment from stakeholders. Without it, hard-fought gains will be in danger when the next disaster strikes.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2011.