Conference On Mega Disasters: ‘Give vulnerable areas special budget’

The government should allocate special funds for disaster-prone areas to deal with future disasters. This was one of the recommendations at the final day of a conference on “Mega Disasters in Pakistan Lessons Learnt — Way Forward”, organised by Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS). Four working groups were formed to draft a set of recommendations on earthquakes, floods, cyclones, Internally Displaced Persons and internal security, said a press release. The working groups came up with the joint recommendation that there is a dire need that the government prioritise disaster management and preparedness and double its budget for an effective and well-coordinated response during any natural and man-made disasters. The other recommendations made during the conference include better early warning system, proper contingency planning, community involvement, international procurement policy, accountability and transparency, increased response capacity of hospitals and volunteers first aid community trainings. News Desk




Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2011.