Road map launched : AJK PM for upgrading disaster management system

Says AJK govt will provide full support to the disaster management authority to implement the road map

ISLAMABAD: Disaster management system has to be upgraded to mitigate the loss of life and property in the region most prone to avalanches, landslides and flash floods, said Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Farooq Haider on Monday.

Addressing the launching ceremony of the report Road Map to Disaster Risk Management in Azad Jummu and Kahmir 2017-2026, Haider said,”AJK govt will provide full support to the disaster management authority to implement the road map.”

He appreciated the efforts of State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and support provided by Islamic Relief (IR) for bringing out the Disaster Risk Management Road Map for Kashmir.

“AJK is exposed to range of natural hazards including floods, earthquakes, landslide, flash floods, glacial lake outburst flood and avalanches,” Haider expressing hope that road map will help formulate disaster risk management plans and programmes.

SDMA Secretary Zaheeruddin Qureshi said the authority aims to develop an operational document for disaster risk management at the state and district levels. “We want all the prople concerned, the stakeholders, particularly the local communities to share their responsibilities in the risk manangement programmes,” Qureshi said.

Islamic Relief Country Director Adnan Cheema said: “we aim to strengthen the state level institution and legal system for disaster management.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2017.