PRCS, UNDP completes tsunami and earthquake preparedness project

KARACHI: Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Sindh, in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), had successfully completed a community resilience project, Strengthening Tsunami and Earthquake Preparedness (STEP), in coastal areas of one district of Baluchistan and coastal areas of two districts of Sindh through community-led activities. 

PRCS and UNDP jointly organised a ceremony to launch and disseminate the Preparedness, Mitigation & Response Plan for District and Sub-Divisions of Malir, Keamari and Gwadar under Strengthening Tsunami and Earthquake Preparedness Project. Multiple stakeholders, including Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Sindh, PDMA, Baluchistan, Pakistan Metrological Department, communities and officials from district administration, education, and health authorities, attended the ceremony. 

Addressing the participants, Kanwar Waseem, Provincial Secretary, PRCS, Sindh, asserted that tsunami affect communities in many ways and to diminish the loss of life and properties/infrastructure, this project closely worked with the coastal communities of selected districts to prepare them for earthquakes and tsunami through awareness, ameliorated community warning systems and evacuation capability at villages' level. 

In his concluding remarks, the Provincial Secretary appreciated community members' commitment and interest. He also lauded the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 emergency. "Mitigation plans have been prepared, and the community has been trained; it is now time to implement these plans properly," Kanwar Waseem added. 

Abaidullah Khan, Joint Director Operations of the Pakistan Red Crescent National Headquarters, Islamabad, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly UNDP and government officials, for their coordination and participation in this initiative. 

Ayub Khan, Provincial Secretary PRCS, Baluchistan, Agha Ghafoor, Deputy Director PDMA, Baluchistan, and Falak Nawaz, Project Consultant, also addressed the audience. 

In the closing session, appreciation shields and certificates were distributed among all stakeholders and project staff representatives. 

Photo by Nikolas Noonan on Unsplash