Japan's $18.5m to help mitigate flood losses

Japan would provide $18.5 million aid to strengthen flood management in the Indus river basin to avoid any future catastrophe in Pakistan, according to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two sides on Wednesday.

The MoU was signed by Japan's Ambassador to Pakistan Wada Mitsuhiro and Economic Affairs Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz. Under the MoU, Japan would provide ¥ 2.831 billion to Pakistan. The amount equals to Rs5.119 billion or $18.5 million.

Pakistan braved the worst floods in its history in 2022. After this disaster, Japan took important steps to help Pakistan in the recovery and reconstruction efforts. With the latest aid, three dams would be constructed on the Indus in Haripur district of K-P to prevent flood losses.

With this aid, the government would install 45 water and rain meters on the Indus in K-P and Punjab. The data obtained through water and rain gauges would be kept with the Federal Flood Commission (FFC) and the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and shared with other institutions.

The data would help predict and manage potential floods. "I hope this project will end worries of the people of Pakistan about possible future floods," Ambassador Mitsuhiro told the signing ceremony. "Japan is determined to provide assistance to directly benefit the weaker sections of Pakistan."