Work starts on K-P monsoon contingency plan

PESHAWAR:

In response to the looming threat of monsoon-related disasters, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has embarked on a comprehensive contingency plan for the year 2024.

The plan aims at engaging all relevant stakeholders to identify potential hazards, vulnerabilities and risks associated with the monsoon season. By mapping available resources, the authorities seek to minimize disaster risks and ensure a well-coordinated response to any emergencies that may arise.

In a recent pre-planning meeting chaired by PDMA Disaster Risk Management Director Said Nawab, the representatives of various provincial line departments had come together to lay the groundwork for the upcoming monsoon season.

The PDMA Director highlighted the importance of collaboration. “We have initiated the process of Monsoon Contingency Planning 2024 by involving all stakeholders. This series of meetings will continue throughout April with the aim of finalizing the contingency plan by the end of May”.

The PDMA has taken proactive measures to assign specific roles and responsibilities to each department involved in the monsoon plan. Furthermore, tools for data collection have been developed and shared with stakeholders that will provide valuable information on district-specific hazards, vulnerability profiles, and potential impacts.

The comprehensive approach adopted by the authorities underscores their commitment to prevention and mitigation and to response strategies in anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season.

Through effective coordination and proactive planning, K-P aims to mitigate the impact of monsoon-related disasters and safeguard the well-being of its residents.

Last year, the PDMA, under the guidance of the relief, rehabilitation and settlement department, had formulated the Winter Contingency Plan for 2023-24 in order to cope with various natural hazards which the province may face during the winter season.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2024.