National Disaster Mitigation Plan - Pakistan Remodeled Ndmp-Ii 2023

NATIONAL DISASTER
MITIGATION PLAN - PAKISTAN

REMODELED NDMP-II 2023
National Disaster Management Authority

Prime Minister’s Office
Government of Pakistan
NATIONAL DISASTER MITIGATION PLAN - PAKISTAN REMODELED NDMP-II
List of Acronyms

Provincial Disaster Management Authority

Provincial Emergency Operation Centres

Executive Summary
Pakistan is prone to various natural and human- previous experience in managing disasters by
induced hazards due to its diverse geographical improving disaster preparedness and response
characteristics and climatic variations. On top of mechanisms. This includes the operational
that, the country's vulnerability is exacerbated procedure of the national emergency operation
by factors such as population growth, center, the need for developing contingency
unplanned urbanization, exposure to vulnerable plans, conducting regular drills and simulation
elements in hazard-prone areas, lack of exercises, and maintaining a resource inventory.
institutional capacities, and climate change. To In addition, the establishment of coordination
address these issues, there is a need for mechanisms is reiterated to effectively respond
developing a National Disaster Mitigation Plan to disasters, including the operationalization
that includes standard guidelines for taking procedure of emergency operation centers,
preventive measures against various hazards activation of clusters, conducting rapid damage
and explaining the standard operating needs assessment and media management
procedures to meet emergencies in an during emergencies. Last but not the least, the
organized manner engaging all government NDMP-II emphasizes the need for community
and non-government stakeholders at all levels. involvement in disaster management and
outlines strategies for building community
This plan is indeed a successor document of
resilience through public awareness campaigns,
National Disaster Management Plan-I which
training, and capacity-building initiatives. It also
recently expired after achieving considerable
highlights the importance of international
numbers of milestones during 2012-2022. The
cooperation and coordination in disaster
NDMP-II shall serve as a comprehensive
response and recovery efforts.
document that outlines the strategies and
interventions set with a proactive approach Overall, the National Disaster Mitigation Plan-II
enabling National and Provincial Disaster for Pakistan is a critical tool for ensuring the
Management Authorities to prepare for and country's preparedness and resilience to
respond to emergencies in a coordinated disasters and climate change. Its
manner. It identifies the roles and implementation will require the collaboration
responsibilities of various stakeholders and and commitment of all stakeholders to
outlines the necessary actions to be taken at effectively manage disasters and minimize their
each level to manage disasters. The plan focuses impact on the population, economy, and
on building existing coping capacities and environment.
2 |National Disaster Management Authority

Table of Content
Chapter One: Need for Developing National Disaster Mitigation Plan in the
Context of Emerging Hazards and Climate Change 07
1
1.1. Introduction 08
1.1.1. Vision 08
1.1.2. Mission 08
1.1.3. Objectives 08
1.1.4. Who Can Use the NDMP? 09
1.2. Pakistan at a Glance 10
1.2.1. Geographical Features 10
1.2.2. Population Distribution 11
1.2.3. Climate of Pakistan 12
1.2.4 Administrator Features 14
1.3. Hazard Profile of the Country 14
1.3.1. Floods 14
1.3.2. Drought 17
1.3.3. Earthquake 19
1.3.4. Tsunami 22
1.3.5. Landslide 23
1.3.6. Smog 25
1.3.7. Avalanche 25
1.3.8. Heat wave 26
1.3.9. Cyclone 27
1.3.10. Snowstorm/Blizzards 28
1.3.11. Locust Infestation 29
1.3.12. Dengue Fever 30
1.3.13. COVID-19 31
1.3.14. Industrial and Technological Hazards 31
1.3.15. Fires 32
1.3.16. Transport Accidents 32
National Disaster Management Authority | 3

1.4. Factors Contributing to Vulnerabilities 32

1.4.1 Population Growth 32
1.4.2. Urbanization Issues and Migration Towards Urban Areas 33
1.4.3. Exposure of Vulnerable Elements in the Hazard Prone Areas 33
1.4.4 High Dependency on Agriculture Sector 33
1.4.5. Lack of Institutional Capacities to Deal with Disaster Risk Reduction 34
1.4.6. Lack of Landuse Planning and Management 34
1.4.7. Climate Change & Its Impact 34
1.4.8. Weak Early Warning System in Remote Areas 35
1.4.9. Limited Health Facilities 35
1.4.10. Limited Educational Facilities 35
1.4.11. Housing Conditions 37
1.4.12. Lake of Investment in DRR Activities 37
1.5. Coping Capacities to Managing Disasters 38
Chapter Two: Disaster Preparedness & Response Mechanism 39
2.1. Preparedness Phase 40
2 2.1.1
2.1.2.
2.1.3.
2.1.4.
Developing Contingency Plans
Resource Inventory
Conducting Regular Drills and Simulation Exercises
Standard Guidelines for Taking Preventive Measures Against Various
Hazards
2.2. Coordination Mechanism During Response and Early Recovery Phase
40
40
40
40
44
2.2.1. Declaration of Emergency 44
2.2.2. Criteria for Declaring an Area Disaster Affected 44
2.2.3. Operationalization of the Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) 45
2.2.4. Activation and Stand Down Procedures of the National Emergency
Operation Centre 45
2.2.5. Activation of Clusters 46
2.2.6. Multi-Sector Initial Rapid Assessment 46
2.2.7. Media Management During Emergencies 47
2.2.8. Monitoring and Evaluation 47

2.3. NDMA's Major Initiatives for 2023 and beyond 47

2.3.1. National Monsoon Contingency Plan-2023 47
2.3.2. National Contingency Plan for Winter 2022-23 48
2.3.3. Remodeling of the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) 48
2.3.4. Initiatives Plan at the Platform of National Institute of Disaster
Management (NIDM) 48
2.3.5. Disaster Management Calendar 50
Chapter Three: Proposed DRR Strategy & Implementation Framework 52
3
3.1. Target Priority Interventions 53
3.1.1. Functionalize the Disaster Management System at District Levels 53
3.1.2. Developing Multi-Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Profile at
National Levels 54
3.1.3. Developing Disaster Risk Management Plans at Various Levels 54
3.1.4. Climate Change Adaptation 55
3.1.5. Promoting Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient Sustainable
Development 55
3.1.6. Strengthening of Multi-Hazard Early Warning System 56
3.1.7. Building Capacities Through Training and Research 56
3.1.8. Community Involvement in Reducing Disaster Risk at Local Level 57
3.1.9. Preparedness for Effective Emergency Response 57
3.1.10. Post Disaster Recovery 58
3.2. Mechanism for Implementation 59
3.3. Institutional Arrangement 59
3.4. Financial Arrangement 59
References 60
List of Annexures 62
Ÿ Annexure I: List of Concerned Organizations at National and Provincial
Levels 62
Ÿ Annexure II: Contact Details of NEOCs and PEOCs 63
Ÿ Annexure III: Basic Concepts used in the NDMP 63
Ÿ Annexure IV: Prioritized Hazards Prone Districts of Pakistan 66

Chapter One:
Need for Developing National Disaster
Mitigation Plan in the Context of Emerging
Hazards and Climate Change

Chapter One: Need for Developing National Disaster

Mitigation Plan in the Context of Emerging Hazards and
Climate Change

1.1 Introduction achieve set milestones mentioned at the end of

this plan.
The recent increase in the natural disasters and
its severity in terms of its frequency and 1.1.1. Vision
magnitude have given the impetus for adopting The vision of the NDMP-II is “to enhance the
a vibrant disaster risk management system at all capacities required for reducing risks and
levels. According to the Global Climate Risk building disaster and climate resilience at all
Index 2021, Pakistan is among the top 10 levels”.
countries badly affecting by the climate change
with annual average during 2000 to 2019 ,
[1]
1.1.2. Mission
st
while Pakistan is on 31 position in the world's
To manage disasters by contributing to all
ranking of emitting total greenhouses gases[2].
phases of the disasters management cycle and
Considering that climate change as an
further to adopt a strategic approach by setting
important factor in increasing the risk of hydro-
target interventions for implementation with the
meteorological disasters during recent years,
collaboration of counterparts to strengthen the
there is an intense need to shift paradigm from
capacities of all stakeholders to prepare for any
reactive to proactive approach and further fully
emergency/disaster in well-coordinated
prepare for emergency response to reduce the
manners.
consequences of disasters. Though considerable
achievement can be observed after the 1.1.3. Objectives
establishment of disaster management
The objectives of plan are:
authorities across the country, still lot more to
do to increase awareness and develop resilience Ÿ To functionalize a robust disaster risk
against future hazard's risk imposed by the management system with focus on its
climate change and human interactions with the institutionalization at the grass root levels.
natural processes.
Ÿ To analyze the natural and human-induced
In order to adopt a strategic direction, the hazards including hydro-meteorological
National Disaster Management Authority have hazards induced by the climate change, with
developed National DRR Policy in 2013, a view to identify where and when these
followed by developing National Disaster threats are likely to occur and in what
Management Plan 2012-2022 and National frequency.
Disaster Response Plan in 2018. Under these
Ÿ To identify and prioritizing at risk districts for
strategic documents, significant milestones have
future implementation of projects for
been achieved across the country with the
reducing the consequences of disasters and
collaboration of government and non-
develop resilience against disasters and
government organizations. The National
climate change.
Disaster Mitigation Plan is a successor to the
previous NDMP expired during last year 2022, Ÿ To provide a strategic direction in all three
while NDMA is in the process of developing phases of the disaster management cycle
long term National Disaster Management Plan considering preparedness as an utmost
2025-2030, this plan will help in collecting priority for an effective emergency response.
strength to continue working together to
Ÿ To set priority interventions for

implementation with the support of to understand the national, provincial and

counterparts to develop disaster resilience district level disaster management system and
and adaptation to climate change. prioritize the needs for implementation to
reduce hazard's risk and further develop
Ÿ To ensure mainstreaming of the disaster risk
resilience against disasters and climate change.
management into future development
The plan is specifically useful document for all
programmes in changing climate.
those relevant authorities, ministries,
1.1.4 Who Can Use the NDMP-II? department, UN, I/NGOs, financial and
development institutions and private sectors
The National Disaster Mitigation Plan will involve in all three phases of the disaster
provide strategic direction for those all management cycle.
government and non-government stakeholders

1.2. Pakistan at a Glance

1.2.1. Geographical Features
Pakistan occupies a geo-political strategic position situated at

the crossroads of South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
LOCATION Geographically, it is located between 23°, 41/, 49// to 36°, 54/ 23//
north latitudes and 60°, 52/, 19// to 75°, 22/, 50// east longitudes.
The country shares border with China in the Northeast, Afghanistan

in the Northwest & West, Iran in the Southwest, Arabian Sea in the
BOUNDARY South and India in the East & Southwest. Towards the Northwest,
the country is separated narrowly from Tajikistan by Afghanistan's
Wakhan Corridor, while also shares a maritime border with Oman.
The total area of Pakistan is 796,096 Km2. Approximately 468,000

Km2 in the North and West consists of mountains and plateaus,
AREA while the remaining 328,096 Km2 comprises of plains and dessert
areas. The country has around 700 KM long coastline situated in
the Province of Sindh and Balochistan.
Pakistan has diverse geographical and physical situated in Pakistan, as well as the 62 KM long
features comprising of mountains, fertile plains, Baltoro Glacier, which is one of the longest
plateaus and deserts. It consists of the flat Indus glaciers outside the Earth's Polar Regions. The
plain in the east and the Balochistan plateau in mighty River Indus is the major river with the
the West. It has one of the World's highest total length of 3,180KM and considered as the
mountain ranges – the Karakoram Range in the lifeline of the country. Other major rivers are
North and Northwest part of the country. The Jhelum and Chenab as Western Rivers, and
World's second highest mountain, the K2, is also Rave, Bias and Sutlej as Eastern Rivers.

Mountains Plains Rivers
Deserts comprised
of (a). Thar Desert,
Mountains Plateau include (a). River Indus is the
(b). Cholistan
comprised of (a). Balochistan major river with the
Desert, (c). Thal
Northern mountains, Plateau, and (b). total length of
Desert, (d). Kharan
(b). Western Potohar Plateau Plain consists of (a). 3,180KM and
Desert, and (e). The
bordering Trans Indus Plain, considered as the
Indus Valley Desert
mountains, (c). (b). Upper Indus lifeline of the
Suleiman mountains Plain, (c). Lower country. Other major
and Kirthar hills, and Indus Plain and (d). rivers are Jhelum and
(d). Mountains and Deltaic Plain Chenab as Western
hills of Sub- Rivers, and Ravi, Bias
Himalayas, and and Sutlej as Eastern
Siwaliks. Plateaus Deserts Rivers.
1.2.2 Population Distribution experiencing a rapid increase in population

during the last 3-4 decades and thus showing
Pakistan with a total population of 207,684,626
an overall cumulative increase in population of
people as recorded in Census-2017 has become
515.55% since 1951[3].
the fifth-most populous country in the world.
The intercensal population shows an increase
from 33.74 million in Census-1951 to 207.68
million in 2017, witnessing a population burden
of 173.94 million people over the last 67 years.
207,684,626
The figure below shows that Pakistan has been

132352,000
Cumulative increase in population since 1951-2017

(In %age)
84,254,000
65,309,000
42,880,000
7
201
8
33,740,000
199
1
198
2
197
1
196
1 951
Intercensal Growth of Population of Pakistan

According to Population census report of 2017, density shows that Islamabad population is
the overall populations' density is 260.88 increasing at enormous rate.
persons/Km2. The province-wise population
Province-Wise Population Density (Person/ Km2)
2211.22
592.83
535.63
339.6
35.53
KPK including Punjab Sindh Balochistan Islamabad

Farmer FATA
1.2.3 Climate of Pakistan warmer. The winter months are December to

January, where the temperatures sometime
Most of Pakistan has generally dry climate and
drop very low in the northern, western and
receives less than 297.6mm of rain per year,
north-western mountains making the northern
although the Northern and Southern areas have
and western regions the coldest in winter with
a noticeable climatic difference. The average
o heavy snowfall i.e., the temperature of Skardu
annual temperature is around 22.45 c. In the o
District experiences as low as -6 and -8.7 C in
plain areas, the hottest months are June-August,
the winter months of December and January.
when temperature cross sometime 50oC.
Likewise, Quetta and Ziarat of Balochistan
However, in the coastal areas of Sindh and
Province, also experience severe winters and
Balochistan Provinces, the summers remain
snowfall on its mountains.

Normal 1961-1990
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Monthly Mean Temperature during 2020 Compared with their Corresponding Averages[4]
The country receives rainfall by the two major receives from the monsoon season which cause
sources i.e., the monsoon during summer sometime severe flooding in the plain areas of
months and the westerly depression during the country.
winter months. However, most of the rainfall
Normal 1961-2020
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Monthly Rainfall during 2020 compared with their Corresponding Averages [4]

1.2.4 Administrative Features can cause widespread damage and losses when
they occur. These hazards have been turning to
Pakistan is administratively divided into four
disaster of varying magnitudes in the past
provinces, namely Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab,
affecting the lives and livelihood of people. The
Sindh and Balochistan in addition to Islamabad
following is an overview of the key hazards that
Capital Territory and the autonomous regions of
threaten Pakistan.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
Administratively, the country has been further 1.3.1 Floods
divided into 28 divisions, 129 districts and 526
Flood disasters can be classified into five main
Tehsils/Talukas, while there are 586 urban areas
categories namely Riverine Floods, Flash Floods,
comprising of some pf mega cities.
Urban Floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and
1.3. Hazard Profile of the Country Coastal Floods.
The frequent occurrence of natural and human Riverine Floods

induced disasters during recent years and The Northern, North-Eastern, Central Punjab
further the climate change implications and Southern Sindh lie on the track of monsoon
highlighted the risk, exposure and vulnerability winds blowing during the summer season. The
of general public. Pakistan's exposure to natural onset of the monsoon is anticipated to reach
hazards could be ranked between moderate to late June or early July and stay at various part of
severe. A range of natural hazards including the country till middle of September. This
earthquakes, droughts, floods, landslides, weather pattern causes heavy precipitation
avalanches, cyclones, tsunami, glacial lake followed by the riverine foods in the major
outbursts floods, and locust infestations rivers of the country. Besides, heavy raining in
prevailing in Pakistan. In addition, a variety of the catchment areas of the river system, the
human induced hazards also threaten the glacier melting in Northern part of the country
society, economy and environment in the generate high flow of water in rivers starting
country. These hazards include industrial, from early May and continue rapid melting
technological and transport accidents, oil spills, during the summer season. The heavy raining
urban fires and civil conflicts etc. The high accompanied with the glacier melting cause
priority hazards from the perspective of disaster flooding in the plain areas of Khyber
risk reduction include earthquakes, droughts, Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh Provinces.
landslides, flooding and transport accidents that
Pakistan is among first five South Asian Countries with the

highest annual average number of people affected by Floods.
Flooding is the most recurring natural disaster affecting human
lives, and heavy losses to infrastructure and property. Normally
tropical monsoon depression systems which originate from the
Bay of Bengal during the month from July to September is the
main cause of flooding in Pakistan. Flood characteristics can be
classified into three main categories namely Riverine Floods,
Flash Floods and Urban Floods.

Flash Floods and their influence is only felt for a few miles
below the hills. The torrent water is used for
The flash floods are accompanied with the cloud
irrigation through a network of diversion and
burst, thunderstorms and torrential rains. These
dispersion arrangements by community since
types of floods are frequently occurring in the
centuries. During 2022 floods, the districts of
hilly areas of Districts like Dera Ghazi Khan,
Dadu, Jaffarabad, Naseerabad, D.G.Khan,
Mianwali and Rajanpur in Punjab; Dadu in Sindh
Rajanpur, Mianwali, D.I.Khan and Tank were
and Jaffarabad and Naseerabad in Balochistan
seriously affected by the hill torrents floods.
and Chitral, D.I.Khan, Kohistan, Swat, Batagram,
Mansehra and Abbottabad in Khyber Besides the hill torrents, number of Nullahs are
Pakhtunkhwa Provinces. flowing especially in Sialkot, Narowal and
Rawalpindi Districts. However, there are many
Urban Floods other nullahs across the country that cause
Apart from the riverine and flash floods, the localized floodings and cause damages to local
urban floods are becoming more common in communities and infrastructure. Whenever
major cities due to swelling of drains, heavy rains occur, the nullah swells up but
environmental pollution, unplanned suddenly disappear causing localized damages
development and poor maintenance etc. The Lai to standing crops, trees, homes and other
Nullah in Rawalpindi, Malir and Liari Nullahs in infrastructures etc. Some of Nullahs include
Karachi frequently flooded due to heavy rainfall Palkhu, Deg, Aik, Basantar, Bein etc. are flowing
and cause local damages to infrastructure. in District Sialkot and Narowal, while the famous
Lai Nullah is flowing inside Rawalpindi city,
Recent Floods from Hill Torrents and
causing frequent damages to infrastructure due
Nullahs[5] to heavy encroachment along the Lai Nullah.
Beyond the riverine system of Pakistan, the
Coastal Floods
country has number of hill torrents that are
perennial streams bringing waters whenever Coastal floods is a result of seawater inundating
there is heavy raining in the hilly areas. In dry and low-lying land along the coast. The
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, these torrents severity and extent of the flooding depend on
are known as “Rodh Khoie”. In Punjab, these hill several factors, including the elevation of
torrents are 200 in numbers, out of which 13 are floodwater, the topography of the land, and the
major torrents. Whenever heavy raining occurs paths through which the seawater can penetrate
in the Suleiman Ranges, it suddenly changes inland. Although flood damage modeling has
into flash floods and badly damage the irrigated traditionally been done at national scales, but
lands, crops, houses and public / private with the increase in intensity and frequency of
infrastructures down in Dera Ghazi Khan, flood events due to climate change and
Rajanpur and Mianwali districts. While on one population growth, there is a growing need for
side, the flash floods destroy the infrastructure global approaches to flood management.
in Dera Ghazi Khan Canal / Chashma Right Bank During recent years, the impact of climatic
Canal command area, on the other side, the changes have tremendously increased the
barren land in piedmont area (Pachad area) are frequency and intensity of extreme weather
deprived off water for agriculture. Mostly these events, including storms and sea level rise,
torrents dry up suddenly after the rain stops which will further exacerbate coastal flooding.

This will have severe consequences for the Province. Therefore, it is crucial to develop
people who live in coastal regions of Gwadar, effective strategies to manage coastal flooding
and the Lasbella in Balochistan, and Karachi, and mitigate its impacts.
Thatta, Badin, and the Sujawal districts of Sindh
Major Flood Disasters in Pakistan
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) formation of new lakes and extension in the
volume and size of pre-existing lakes. Thus, the
The bursting of glacial lakes in the upstream
probability of sudden discharge of water from
reaches of the Indus River basin, a phenomenon
these lakes generally known as Glacial Lake
termed GLOF is one of the natural disasters in
Outburst Flood (GLOF) has increased.
Pakistan. In particular, the Karakorum region is
noted for the distractive effects of GLOFs from During the past 200 year's history, the Gilgit-
naturally dammed lakes. The lower parts of Baltistan region has observed almost 35
large glaciers in the Upper Indus River basin can destructive GLOF events. According to the
severely disrupt and modify river courses in the available records, five GLOF events have
valleys below. In the case of GLOF, slides, and occurred during the year (2008-2009) in Gojal
debris torrents are large enough to dam rivers. valley of Hunza. In 2008, a lake at the Gulkin
glacier in Upper Hunza burst three times in the
Due to climate change effects, the frequency
span of two months, flooded the village
and persistence of heatwaves in glaciated areas
community nearby, and destroyed around 50
have also increased. Due to these reasons, the
houses. The Korambar Glacier near Iskhoman
melting rate of glaciers has increased causing
Valley and the Buni Gole Glacier near Chitral
glacier retreat where as some studies suggest
generated GLOFs in 2010 and 2012, causing
that more than 35 glaciers of Karakorum Range
damages to agricultural land and human
are advancing with 11 exceptional surges. The
settlements on each occasion[14].
changing behavior of glaciers has caused the

A total of 5,218 glaciers covering an area of basins. Among total glacial lakes, 1,328 have
about 15041 km2 have been identified having been characterized as major lakes having an
2738 km2 of ice reserves in ten river basins of area of more than 0.02 km2. Out of these major
the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region of lakes, 52 are identified as potentially dangerous
Pakistan. Similarly, 2,420 glacial lakes have been lakes. Most of these potentially dangerous lakes
also identified. About two third of these lakes are located in Indus, Astore, and Gilgit river
are found in Gilgit, Indus, Swat, and Shino River basins.
List of Vulnerable Districts to Flood Hazard
Province Districts
Bolan, Chaghai, Gwadar, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Kech, Kharan,

Balochistan Khuzdar, Lasbela, Nasirabad, Nushki and Sibi
Buner, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swat, Chitral, D.I.Khan, Dir

Upper, Dir Lower, Kohistan, Kurram, Lakki, Marwat,
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Malakand, Mansehra, Mardan, North Waziristan, Nowshera,
Orakzai, Peshawar, Shangla, South Waziristan, Swabi, Swat
and Tank
Bhakkar, D.G.Khan, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhang, Khushab,

Punjab Layyah, Mianwali, Muzaffargarh, Narowal, R Y Khan,
Ranjanpur, Rawalpindi, Sialkot and Sheikhupura
Badin, Dadu, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Thatta, Mirpur Khas,

Sindh Jamshoro, Kamber, Karachi, Kashmore, Khairpur, Larkana,
Sanghar, Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Sukkur, T.M.Khan & Thatta
AJ&K Bagh, Bhimber, Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Poonch
Astore, Chilas, Diamer, Ghanche, Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar

Gilgit-Baltistan
and Skardu
1.3.2. Drought
Pakistan has a long latitudinal extent with very high the rainfall
variability which makes droughts an intermittent phenomenon
in the country. Drought differs from others natural disasters in
effects which often accumulate slowly over a considerable
period of time and may linger on for years even after the
termination of the event. Because of this drought is often
referred to as “Creeping hazard”. The impacts of drought are
[6]
less obvious and are spread over larger geographical areas .

During recent years, droughts are reported to droughts in 1902 and 1951, while Sindh had its
have drought extensive damages in Balochistan, worst droughts in 1871, 1881, 1899, 1931, 1947
Sindh and Southern Punjab where average and 1999. The most severe drought at the
annual rainfall is as low as 200-250mm. The national scale occurred in 1998-2001, which had
Punjab province experienced the worst serious adverse impacts that have been
droughts in 1899, 1920 and 1935. The Khyber described further on.
Pakhtunkhwa Province experienced the worst
Major Drought Disaster in Pakistan
List of Vulnerable Districts to Drought Hazard
Province Districts
Severe - Awaran, Gawader, Kech, Kharan, Nushki, Panjgur
Balochistan and Washuk
Moderate - Chaghi, Killah Abdullah and Pishin
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chitral
Severe - Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi

Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan
Punjab
Moderate - Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Layyah and
Mianwali
Severe -Dadu, Jamshoro, kambar-Shahdad Kot, Tharparkar

Sindh and Umerkot
Moderate - Badin, Benazirabad, Karachi, Khairpur,
Mirpurkhas and Thatta

Distribution of Drought Prone Districts in Pakistan
1.3.3. Earthquake
Pakistan lies in a seismic belt along the Himalayas, Karakorum

and partly Hindu Kush ranges in the north; Suleiman range in
the west with Chaman fault line along Quetta, and Makran
fault line along the seacoast. Many earthquakes have struck
the area constituting Pakistan in the previous and present
century as can be seen in the following map. Earthquakes
normally occur along the Himalayas, Karakoram and partly
Hindu Kush ranges in the north Koh-e-Suleiman range, in the
west with Chaman fault line along Quetta and Makran fault
line along the coast. In 1935, an earthquake of above 6.5 on
Richter scale rocked Quetta leaving 35,000 people dead.

Seismic Zonation of Pakistan

Over the period from 1974 to 1999 of 8 October 2005 was the worst natural
approximately 5669 people were killed due to disaster that the nation has experienced in the
earthquake in the Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber recent history leaving behind around 78,000
Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The earthquake people dead.
Major Earthquake Disasters in Pakistan

List of Vulnerable Districts to Earthquake Hazard

Province Districts
Balochistan Quetta, Khuzdar, Kalat, Gwadar, Ziarat, Pishin, and Noshki
Abbottabad, Bajaur, Bannu, Chitral, Dir Lower, Malakand,

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Mardan, Peshawar, Swat, Shangla and Swabi
Punjab Gujrat, Narowal, Okara, Rawalpindi and Sialkot
Sindh Karachi
Bagh, Hattian, Haveli, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Poonch and

Azad Jammu & Kashmir Sudhnoti
Gilgit-Baltistan Astore, Diamer, Gilgit and Ghanche
Distribution of Earthquake Prone Districts in Pakistan

1.3.4. Tsunami
Due to the tectonic setting in the Arabian Sea where the

Arabian plate Subducts beneath the Eurasian plate, large
earthquakes along the Arabian coast have occurred historically.
However, all of the earthquakes cannot generate Tsunamis.
A major tsunami was experienced on 28 this source region exists. The fact that cities like
November 1945, due to a great earthquake of Karachi lie close to the potential epicentres for
magnitude 8.3, offshore Makran Coast south of large submarine earthquakes, demands
Pasni during the early hours. The tsunami attention for enhancement of local capacities
produced sea waves of 12-15 meters height that for disaster risk reduction, early warning and
killed at least 4000 people in Pasni and response in order to reduce losses to life,
adjoining areas. The tsunami waves reached as property and environment from future
far as Mumbai in India. Karachi, about 450 kms earthquake or tsunami events. Tsunami may
from the epicentre, experienced 6 feet high sea reach the coastal region within one hour. Thus,
waves which affected the harbour facilities. there is a need to put in place a warning system
Fortunately, when the sea wave occurred it was that would ensure that the warning message
not the time of high tide at Karachi coast. The reaches the coastal inhabitants as soon as
risk of the occurrence of a future tsunami from possible.
Major Tsunami Disasters in Pakistan
List of Vulnerable Districts to Tsunami Hazard

Province Districts
Balochistan Gwadar and Lasbela
Sindh Badin, Karachi, Sujawal and Thatta

1.3.5. Landslide
Pakistan is at considerable risk to landslide hazard. Landslides

can occur on any terrain having the right conditions of soil,
moisture, and the angle of slope. They can be triggered by
rains, floods, earthquakes, and by other natural as well as
human-induced causes, such as grading, terrain cutting and
filling, excessive development, etc. Major landslides have
triggered in the aftermath of the 1972, 2005and 2010
earthquakes in Northern Pakistan. The cracks and unstable
earth resulting from the earthquakes may cause massive
landslides and loss of life and agricultural land in the event of
heavy or extended rains. Some of these have posed major
threat to the lives and livelihoods of a large population.
In particular, the Northern region of Pakistan landslides because of their steep hilly
(Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and mountainous topography.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) are vulnerable to
Major Landslide Disasters in Pakistan

List of Vulnerable Districts to Landslide Hazard

Province Districts
Swat, Chitral, Upper Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Batagram &
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Kohistan
Gilgit-Baltistan Astore, Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Skardu, Ghanche and Shigar
Azad Jammu & Kashmir Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Neelum and Poonch
Punjab Murree
Distribution of Landslide Prone Districts in Pakistan

1.3.6. Smog
During the month of December, the thick fog descends upon

the major cities of Punjab blocking out the winter sunshine
especially in the morning time. According to the air quality
index especially for the month of December, the Lahore
normally placed among the top three worst cities affected by
the smog[7].
The smog is caused primarily by the emission result, it causes hazy air that makes breathing
from vehicles and industries, excessive waste difficult and resultant severe disruption to
production and rubbish incineration, dust from human activities, causing highway and road
the surrounding deserts, excessive accidents, flight disruptions, health issues and
consumptions of fuel due to high population compel people to stay at home especially in the
and cold winters, burning in the agricultural morning time. Moreover, excessive pollution has
fields and smoke emitting from the brick kilns in made the atmosphere suffocating even indoors,
the surrounding of Lahore city[8]. The problem putting rather housewives and children at huge
has grown worse over the last few years during risk of getting eye, skin, lungs, ear, nose and
the month of December and January. As a throat complications.
List of Vulnerable Districts to Smog Hazard
Province Districts
Lahore, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur,
Punjab Gujrat, Narowal, Sialkot are vulnerable to smog hazards
during winter season.
1.3.7. Avalanche
Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir regions and northern parts

of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experience snow avalanches on seasonal
basis. Local communities surrounding the avalanche prone areas are
vulnerable to this disaster. Avalanches are a kind of local natural
disaster and their impact is localized to the communities living
nearby or in areas where avalanches happen on regular basis.
Therefore, the impact of avalanches is area minimal.
A study conducted by WAPDA in 1985-1989 by rise in temperature or some tectonic

under the Snow and Ice Hydrology Project, movement, where glacier advances move at
identified the potential avalanche paths. The velocities up to 100 times faster than normal
Siachen-Kariyan avalanche is normally called avalanche. Due to heavy precipitation in the
glacier surge, a new phenomenon caused either late winter, the Northern areas of Pakistan i.e.,

Kaghan valley, district Nagar, Ghizer and Skardu Himalaya. The tragedy occurred at an altitude of
of Gilgit-Baltistan are prone to snow avalanches. 15,000 feet, the avalanche has left snow up to
On 9th April 2012, a deadly avalanche engulfed 25 meters. Around 130 soldiers have been
Pakistan army headquarters near the Siachen buried due to the incident.[9]
Glacier in the eastern Karakoram Range in
List of Vulnerable Districts to Avalanche Hazard
Province Districts
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chitral and Upper Kohistan
Azad Jammu & Kashmir Neelum and Hattian Bala
Gilgit-Baltistan Astore, Gilgit, Ghanche, Ghizer and Skardu
1.3.8. Heatwave
During recent years, the heatwave phenomenon is becoming

potential threats especially to urban areas like Karachi,
Hyderabad, Sukkur and other cities where the excessively high
temperatures and humidity last for several days with no or less
blow of winds.
Karachi has suffered from a severe heat wave Some of research studies suggests that housing
during 2014 and 2015. In June 2015 Karachi City quality and type, population size, low-income
experienced a severe heat wave that caused levels and a lack of education are factors likely
over 1,200 deaths, while 65,000 were affected to have increased heat vulnerability in Karachi,
[10]
and 1,200 cases of heat illness were recorded . at least in June 2015 heat wave threat.
The temperature recorded during those days' Therefore, the dwellers of Karachi would require
ranges in between 40 to 49oC. The heat wave the provision of more shaded communal spaces
phenomenon is becoming more common with using greenery and future urban design. In such
climate change, global warming and situations, water and fans should also be made
environmental pollution and hence Karachi will available to the most vulnerable such as the
be more at high risk during hot summer season elderly people, sick and children[11].
where more than 16 million people are residing.

1.3.9. Cyclone
Although the Cyclones occur in Pakistan occasionally, still the

intensity, magnitude and tack change have been observed
more severe during recent years due to climate change and
global warming of the surrounding sea. On average, the
cyclone happens about two times a year. The typical cyclone
season depends on the summer monsoon. In the months
before (May to June) and after (October to November).
The weather system passed through four stages before it
matured into a cyclone; the system first developed into a low-
pressure area, then a well-marked low-pressure area followed
by depression and deep depression before a cyclone was born
and named.
Cyclones have caused large scale damage to the Pakistan, especially Sindh is highly vulnerable to
coastal area of Pakistan. The costal belt of tropical cyclones associated with storm surges.
Major Cyclone Disasters in Pakistan
List of Vulnerable Districts to Cyclone Hazard

Province Districts
Balochistan Awaran, Gwadar, Ketch and Lasbela
Sindh Badin, Karachi, Sujawal and Thatta

1.3.10 Snowstorm/Blizzards
Snowstorm or Blizzard is a type of precipitation that falls on

the earth in the form of snow. It is more commonly occurring
during the month of winter season specifically during
December and January in Pakistan, where mostly the
precipitation occurs in the form of snow within the clouds
because temperatures at the top of the storm are cold enough
to make snowflakes. When the snowflakes are accompanied by
strong gusts of wind and accumulation of lots of snow, the
snowstorm or blizzard happened. It lasts for few hours and
often leads to the accumulation of lots of snow, either as new
snowfall or as redistribution of previously fallen snow as
blowing snow.
[12]
Although in Northern part of the country, this the intervening night of 4 to 8 January . As a
phenomenon is commonly occurring, but due result, the cars were packed bumper-to-bumper
to low or no population in upper part of the on the roads in the surrounding of Murree
country, the effects might not have observed so town. All routes into and out of Murree were
severely. However, the snowstorm occurred on totally blocked, leaving the tourists stranded.
7th January 2022 bring huge devastation in When it began to snow heavily, lot of people
Murree hill station of Rawalpindi district, where left their cars on the roads to seek shelter in
a painful incidence happened when substantial hotels. In some places, the heavy snowfall and
number of local tourists trapped due to severe strong winds caused fall of trees thus further
snowstorm at night. Despite of the Pakistan block roads. As a result of which at least 22
Meteorological Department warning issued on tourists lost their precious lives. The victims
5th January about the expected snowstorm in suffered from hypothermia while some may
Murree and Galiyat areas, the tourist snubbed have died of carbon monoxide inhalation
the warning and rush to travel with their families because their exhaust pipes were blocked by
to enjoy the snowfall. It was estimated that snow, which resulted in leakage of carbon
around 150,000 vehicles entered Murree during monoxide into the cars, causing the deaths.
Snowstorm in Surroundings of Murree During January 2022

1.3.11. Locust Infestation
The Locust is one of about a dozen species of short-horned

grasshoppers that are known to change their behavior and
form swarms of adults or bands of hoppers. The swarms that
form can be dense and highly mobile. The arid areas of
Balochistan and Punjab are becoming ideal breeding habitats
for locusts due to which these provinces always remained
under threat of Locust attack. It is a transboundary pest that
traveled freely in large parts of Africa and Asian countries
where it attacks nearly all crops and rangeland vegetation.
In Pakistan, the history of Locust attack revealed Baluchistan, 25% in Sindh and 15% in Punjab)
that during the last ≈100 years, the country are breeding grounds for the Desert Locust,
remained under the grip of desert Locust whereas the entire country is under the threat of
invasions in 1926, 1952, 1962, and 1992. These invasion if the Desert Locust is not contained in
swarms injured to all crops and rangeland the breeding regions[13]. During 2019-20, severe
vegetation with compounded adverse effects in locust attack badly damaged the cropped area
the form of 2 to 3 years of drought and an and fruit orchards in 54 districts of the country,
overall longer-term condition of dwindling including 31 districts of Balochistan, 08 of
water availability. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 10 of Punjab and 05
districts of Sindh.
In Pakistan, 38% of the area of Pakistan (60% in
Province Districts
Chaghai, Kharan, Panjgur, Khuzadar, Awaran, Pishin, Barkan,
Balochistan
Harani, Kohlu, Washuk, Gwadar, Ketch and Lasbela
Badin, Sukkur, Khairpur, Shaheed Benazir Abad, Sanghar,

Sindh
Tharparker, and Ghotki
Rahim Yar Khan, Bawhawalpur, Bahwalnagar, Bhakkar,

Punjab
Khushab, Rajinpur, and Muzaffargarh
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dera Ismail Khan, Bannur, Lakki, Orakzai, Kurram and Tank

1.3.12. Dengue Fever
During recent years, the dengue virus is becoming common

specifically during summer seasons in urban areas of Pakistan.
The frequency of dengue specifically is more common in
Punjab Province.

The first confirmed outbreak of dengue fever in reported from the rest of the country[15].
the province was recorded in 1994, since then it
The three provinces facing the dengue are
arises time to time especially at the start or end
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh. Until
of the summer season in different part of the
October 2019, more than 19000 cases of
country specifically, Lahore and Rawalpindi
dengue infection and 30 deaths had been
mostly remain under the grip of this disease.
reported by the National Institute of Health,
During 2010, Pakistan has experienced an
Pakistan, in 2019 while during 1995 to 2019,
epidemic of dengue fever that has caused
there were around 147,200 cases of dengue
16,580 confirmed cases and 257 deaths in
infection and over 800 deaths.
Lahore and nearly 5000 cases and 60 deaths
1.3.13 COVID-19
Since December 2019, the entire world including Pakistan have

been remained in the grip of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
The effects of COVID have already been visibly felt in the form
of four waves in Pakistan whereas the entire provinces
witnessed serious impact on lives and seriously shattered the
economic activities of the country. COVID-19 was first reported
in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and soon became serious
public health threat for more than 213 countries across the
globe.
As of 13th January 2023, the National toll of including 30,639 deaths.

confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 1,575,991
Table 3.15: Impact of COVID-19 As on 24 April 2022 [16]
1.3.14. Industrial and Technological marine accidents. In July 2003, in Karachi, the
Hazards wreckage of Tsunami Spirit, an old Greek Ship
caused colossal environmental losses and health
This includes industrial incidents, Oil, Spills, hazards for the businesses, port worker and
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear adjacent communities. About 28,000 tons of oil
incidents. Industrial cities like Karachi, spilled all over the harbor area, which adversely
Hyderabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujrat, affected marine life. The residents in the area
Gujranwala and Sialkot are prone to industrial reported headaches, nausea and respiratory
disasters. The chemical industry faces the problem in the weeks following the accident. It
potential threat of disaster because of possible took month for the authorities to clear the oil
explosions Pakistan ports are at risk from affected areas.

1.3.15. Fires Alpine vegetation in the north. Out of all these

types, sub-tropical broad leave ever green scrub
There has been a significant migration from
forest and sub-tropical (Chir) pine are the most
rural to urban areas during last two decades,
fire prone Forests.
which has put a lot of pressure on the urban
areas of Pakistan thereby creating more slum 1.3.16. Transport Accidents
areas in the cities. In addition, there is a lot of
Transport accidents includes both land and Air
contraction activities taking place without
accidents. Road accidents, are common in
following/ abiding by the building codes. Over
Pakistan. The major reasons for this are poor
and above, mushrooming of unauthorized LPG
road conditions, single road tracks, and unsafe
Stores are quite common. The sale of petroleum
driving practices. In 2017, a tanker truck
products in the residential areas is also
exploded in Bahawalpur District, killing 219
widespread in the cities. These practices pose
people and injuring at least 34 others. Besides,
major Fire Risk in Urban Areas. While the risk of
railway accidents are also common and caused
fire exists in all dwelling, the cities with more
heavy deaths to passengers. During recent
industrial units, CNG stations/petrol Pumps,
years, the sad air crash incidences of Air Blue
godowns are comparatively more fire prone.
and Bhoja in Islamabad, and PIA crash in Karachi
Moreover, Pakistan has different types of and Havellian were among the prominent air
forests, ranging from Mangroves in the south to accidents causing huge losses.
Traffic Accidents in Pakistan During 2019-2020 [17]
1.4. Factors Contributing to vulnerabilities of people in the country:

Vulnerabilities 1.4.1. Population Growth
The above overview of disasters reveal that the The population of Pakistan has grown by 361%
country is vulnerable to various hazards that can since 1947. According to the Pakistan Bureau of
cause serious threats to human lives and Statistics 2017, the country population is
properties especially those communities are 207,684, 626 (51.19%) persons with male
more exposed that are living along the population as 106,318,220 and female stands at
earthquake faults, landslides, major rivers, and 101,344,632 (48.80%). The Density of the
hill torrents as these districts are more at risk of Population was recorded as 260.88 persons
frequent hazards. On top of that, the affected per/km2. Out of total population, 63.6% were
district administrations do not have enough living in rural and 36.4% in urban areas.
capacities to fight against the high-level flood
The growth of population has negatively
and earthquake disasters, while the climate
affected the socio-economic development of
change impacts are further compounding the
the country resultantly most of the population
problems to rural communities. Below are some
has settled in the areas that are vulnerable to
of the major root causes that are putting
various of hazards like floods, fires, earthquake,
dynamic pressures in increasing the
cyclones, landslides, avalanches, and epidemics.

1.4.2. Urbanization Issues and Migration resources manifold and degraded the
Towards Urban Areas environment through cutting of trees,
unplanned development, land erosion, noise,
The migration from rural to urban areas for the
air, and waste pollution. The following figure
sake of better lifestyle, services and job
shows that there are around 54% of cities
opportunities is very common all over the
having more than 500,000 population, which
country. As a result of which, the cities have
brings huge urban problems due to unplanned
been grownup at tremendous speed resulting
development, meager resources and urban
increase of slum areas where the low-income
sprawl.
people are living in dilapidated conditions. All
this has increased stress on the natural
Number of Urban Localities by Population Size: Census-2017
1.4.3. Exposure of Vulnerable Elements Agriculture sector plays a vital role in Pakistan's
in the Hazard Prone Areas economy accounting for 18.9% of the GDP,
employing 42.3% of the labour force and
Poverty is one of the major factors contributing
providing raw material for several value-added
to the vulnerability, under development and [18]
industries . Likewise, the share of livestock in
exposing communities to disasters. Poverty
the agriculture sector alone is 58.3% while its
reduces the capacities of the communities to
contribution to Pakistan's GDP is 11.4%.
resist, mitigate and respond to hazard. Absence
Specifically, the rural population living in the
of safety nets and limited access to assets,
floods and drought prone areas are dependent
shrinks the people's capacity to sustain the
upon the agriculture and livelihood as main
brunt of disasters. The poor livings in hazard-
sources of livelihood and income. Therefore, the
prone areas are badly exposed to disaster
impact of floods and drought is very high for
affects in one way or the other.
these communities. When they are hit by any
1.4.4. High Dependency on Agriculture disaster, their recovery takes unusually longer
Sector time. Various disaster impact assessment studies

indicate that these communities suffer more distinct. The main reasons are: growing
from floods because of agriculture based urbanization, mushrooming of slum areas and
livelihoods. lack of implementation civic laws. Furthermore,
due to over population, agricultural lands and
1.4.5. Lack of Institutional Capacities to
cropped areas are being converted to
Deal with Disaster Risk Reduction residential areas; thus, deforestation is causing
Institutional capacity of different government river erosion, environmental pollution etc. which
department/agencies, particularly at district is further increasing vulnerability to floods and
levels are quite limited to deal with the droughts.
consequences of major disasters. Lack of
1.4.7. Climate Change and its Impact
coordination between response agencies at
federal/provincial level and limited early Pakistan is among the top ten countries badly
[19]
warning system are main areas of concerns. affecting by the climate change , while the
There is a lack of focus on preparedness country is on 31st positions in the world's
because of the capacity and scarcity of ranking of emitting total greenhouses gases[20].
resources. All these factors ultimately increase Its visible impact in the country can be seen in
the vulnerability of local population to different the form of rapid glaciers melting, losses of
disasters. biodiversity, sea intrusions, snowstorm in
Murree and Galiyat areas, rise in temperatures
1.4.6. Lack of Landuse Planning and specifically in urban areas and in the drought
Management prone district, heavy and erratic rainfall, intense
The vulnerabilities in different regions of the flooding, droughts and abnormal shift of the
country for various hazards are absolutely weather pattern etc.
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
Puetrto Rice Myanmar Haiti Philippines Mozambique The Bahmas Bangladesh Pakistan Thailand Nepal
Cumulative Risk Index Score of Top Ten Countries

1.4.8. Weak Early Warning System in temperature extremes; air pollution, allergen
Remote Areas and wildfire exposures; food, water and vector-
borne diseases; occupational health risks; and
An advance level end-to-end early warning
mental health and systemic social impacts.
system for floods and other natural disasters are
in place in Pakistan. However, dissemination of The health care coverage of the province shows
early warning messages especially for those a big gap between service providers and
rural communities living in far-flung rural areas population they supposed to serve. It is critical
is an uphill task. to build the institutional capacity of the health
sector (at provincial, district and local levels) in
1.4.9. Limited Health Facilities relation to extreme weather events to reinforce
Natural disasters and climatic changes in surveillance, early detection and response in the
Pakistan are affecting human health. Ultimately areas of infectious diseases, nutrition,
it results in increasing the number of cases of respiratory diseases, water, and food safety.
avian influenza, malaria, cholera, and dengue On the face of the rapid population growth, the
fever. The climate changes also impact key health facilities seem very inadequate i.e., 1201
determinants of health which include; air, water, hospitals, 5802 dispensaries, 683 Rural Health
and food. These also influence the transmission Centers (RHCs), 5518 Basic Health Units (BHUs),
of infectious diseases. Impacts of changing 347 T.B. Clinics and 731 Mother and Child
climate will exacerbate a wide range of existing Health (MCH) centers that are providing health
risks to public health and its infrastructure, services to the vast population.
ranging from effects due to heat and cold
TB
Hospitals
Clinics
1,201
347
Total
Disp. RHCs
5,802
Health Facilities 683
14,282
MCHs BHUs
731 5,518
Healthcare Facilities in Pakistan (2017)

On the other hands, according to the Pakistan counts are 1,038, and 11,513 per dentists and
Bureau of Statistics 2017, the number of 1,604 per beds, that seems very inadequate for
[21]
registered doctors were 184,711 while there are such a large population .
94,766 Nurses. Thus, the population per doctor
1604
Pop/
Bed
184,711 16,652
Pop /
Doctors Dentists
Doctors
1038
Pop /
Nurses
94,766 Dentists 11,513
As a whole, around 70% of population are 2017, there were total of 250,300 schools in the
catered by the private sector, while only 30% by country. The number of students enrolled in
the public sector. Pakistan is a low-income these schools were 32.26 million while the
country and the public sector health number of registered teachers were1,491,200.
expenditure is 0.92% of GDP as per World Bank Likewise, there were total of 10,485 colleges
data for 2014. including 3,800 vocational/technical colleges
and only 185 public sector universities.
1.4.10. Limited Educational Facilities
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics

Total
Colleges /
Universities
To 10,485
Teac tal l
Tota s
he
Coll rs in Scho
ol
Univ eges / ities 300
er
2,35 sities er
s
2,50,
,100 v
/ Uni
Education
Profile
s
tal
ge
t
To lmen To
rol Teac tal
e
Coll he
En in es / Scho rs in
g s
lle itie . 1,4 ols
Co vers 91,20
Un 52
i Ms Total 0
4.3 Enrollment in
Schools
32.26 Ms.
Education Profile of the Country (2017)
The total literacy ratio found only 58.9%. The 1.4.12 Lack of investments in disaster risk
female literacy ratio is still need to be improved reduction interventions
as at the movement, it is 49.7% as compared to
male literacy ratio which is 67.8% during 2017- DRR activities are essential in preventing or
18. Among the Transgender, it is further less of minimizing the negative impact of disasters on
38.76%. There should also be special focus to people, infrastructure, and the environment.
setup more professional and technical However, a lack of investment in DRR activities
institutes/colleges to develop technical skills of can lead to increased vulnerability and risk to
the youth. At present there are only 3,800 disasters. There are several reasons why there
vocational colleges for such huge population. may be a lack of investment in DRR activities,
including:
1.4.11. Housing Conditions
Ÿ Lack of awareness: Many people and
The number of housing units in the country are governments may not fully understand the
[22]
31,915,884 . It is estimated that around 6.4 importance of DRR activities and the
persons are living in per housing unit, while the potential benefits they can bring.
number of rooms per housing units are only 2,5.
Ÿ Short-term focus: Many organizations,
Considerable population both in urban and
including governments, may prioritize short-
rural areas are still pose to live in single room
term gains over long-term investments in
housing units.

DRR activities, which can be seen as less individuals can take steps to support DRR
tangible or immediate. activities, such as increasing awareness and
education, investing in infrastructure and
Ÿ Limited resources: Many governments and
technology, and promoting policies and
organizations may lack the resources to
regulations that prioritize disaster risk reduction.
invest in DRR activities, which can require
significant funding and expertise. 1.5. Coping Capacities to
Ÿ Political and economic factors: Political Managing Disasters
instability or economic challenges can also
impact the allocation of resources toward With the passage of time, the National Disaster
DRR activities. Management Authority has developed
emergency response capacities with the
Investing in DRR activities is critical to reducing collaboration of allied partners including
the risk and impact of disasters. It can help to PDMAs UN and Financial Banks. Below table
build resilience in communities, protect lives shows the Humanitarian Response Facilities
and assets, and promote sustainable (HRFs) available in different parts of the country.
development. Governments, organizations, and
Human Response Facilities Across the Country (2022)
NDMA Warehouses. In addition to strategic c. Balochistan. Quetta

HRFs, NDMA has following warehouses in the d. Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Country: Muzaffarabad
a. Punjab e. Gilgit-Baltistan
(1). Rawalpindi (Central stock to support (1). Gilgit
Punjab/KP/AJ&K/G-B and ICT). (2). Skardu
(2). Lahore. c. Flospans. 53xFlospans have been
b. Sindh established at different locations of the
(1). Karachi country
(2). Sukkur (Central stock to support
Sindh/Balochistan)

Chapter Two:
Disaster Preparedness and
Response Mechanism

Chapter Two: Disaster Preparedness and Response Mechanism
2.1. Disaster Preparedness (SIMEX) on regular basis at National and

Provincial levels. The Exercise is based on multi-
2.1.1. Developing Contingency Plans
hazards' simulated scenario which includes
With the collaboration of respective PDMAs, earthquake and floods. SIMEX is aimed at
and relevent Government Departmens at the evaluating preparedness and coordination
Federal levels, the NDMA regularly prepare between the national and provincial disaster
contingency plans to meet any emergency management authorities and humanitarian
situation especially developing Monsoon community by rehearsing coordination
contingency plan is a regular activity before the arrangements and emergency response at
onset of Monsoon season. Adopting a bottom- different tiers in given situations.
up approach, the NDMA compile Monsoon
At the province levels, the respective PDMAs
contingency plan based on the DDMAs and
regulalry conduct Mock exercises with the
PDMAs contingency plans. The contingency
support of other Provincial Government and
planning helps in exploring readiness measures,
Non-Government Organziations. They conudct
resource mapping, strenghthenng the
Mock exercises at the local level by involving
coordiantion mechanism, early warning
general public and local government.
dissimination and updation of data to meet any
emergency situation. 2.1.4. Standard Guidelines for Taking
2.1.2. Resource Inventory Preventive Measures Against Various
The NDMA updates resource inventories Hazards
throughout the country with the support of all In order to meet any emergency situation, the
respective PDMAs and relevant Government NDMA has developed standard guideliness for
Organizations. The latest data on resource coping with the major disasters in the country.
inventories helps in pooling resources and plan These guidelines have been circulated through
for those need to be available to meet any contingency plans and available on the NDMA
emergency situation. The available resourcea at website. Below are some of the guidelines for
the HRF and warehouses reviwed and cross major hazards.
check for its durability and integrity. In above Measures Against Riverine and Urban
section 2.4, detail resource mapping has been Flooding
given availabel at various localities throughout
Based on past experiences, the following
the country.
measures will help to mitigate disaster/losses:
2.1.3. Conducting Regular Drills and a. Respective PMDAs have already identified
Simulation Exercises low-lying areas prone to
In close corodiantion with the PDMAs and pondage/inundation not only at the province
Federal/Provincial Government Organizations, and district levels but also in the urban areas.
the NDMA conduct regular drills and simulation
b. Preparation of hazard maps of major cities
exercises by involving key emergency response
against urban flooding based on recorded
organizations. One of prominent activity is
history for sensitization, awareness, early
conducting the National Simulation Exercise

warning and evacuation of vulnerable clearly demarcate threat level of waterways

communities. thereby sensitizing the public.
c. Capacity building of Municipal Corporations c. Long term planning for introducing new DRR
with priority to Municipal Corporations of structural and non-structural measures,
mega cities. Attention must be given to relocation and rehabilitation of population
availability of requisite number of heavy-duty living under threat of flash floods.
de-watering pumps and generators at most d. Strengthening local early warning system
vulnerable areas of city centres. with community-based vigilance during dark
d. Widening, dredging and de-silting of water / hours and periods of intense rains by using
sewerage drains. sirens or announcement on loud speakers of
e. Removal of encroachments along the flood mosques.
plains and sewerage drains, thus reclaiming e. Giving priority to commissioning of
original extents of such drains. emergency services like Rescue-1122 and civil
f. Serviceability and operability of pumping defence in inaccessible mountainous areas.
stations. Measures against Earthquake
g. Provision of backup electricity arrangements The following preparedness and mitigation
in the form of generators for sewage disposal measures will help in reducing the damages
/ pumping stations. caused by the earthquake;
h. Establishment of committee for planning and a. Map out the active fault lines and identify
implementation of contingency plans at population living close to the active faults.
municipal level especially in cities like Especially identify people that are more
Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. vulnerable to earthquake and need special
I. Identification of likely evacuation sites and attention.
relief camps. b. Collect past record of major faults and
Measures against Flash Flood earthquake triggered from these faults.
Flash flood phenomena is becoming more c. Establishment and fully capacitate the local
destructive during recent years due to level DRM committees for planning and
disturbance in weather pattern posed by the implementation of contingency plans at local
climate change, unplanned development, levels.
deforestation, and encroachment. During the d. Introduce structural and non-structural DRR
recent years, serious damages occurred due to measures and arrange necessary repairing
flash flooding in Monsoon flooding of 2016, and retrofitting to make disaster resilient
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and most recently infrastructure.
during 2022. Following preparedness and e. Strengthening the community based early
mitigation measures will help in reducing the warning system and provide proper trainings.
losses from flash floods:
f. Conduct regular drills and simulation
a. Collect data and record flash flood history in exercises by involving local communities and
regions prone to such hazards. government machinery
b. Signposting of waterways in local language g. Identify schools and safer areas that can be
with known flash flood history. It should utilized for evacuation and relief operations

h. Capacity building of Municipal Committees variability has the potency to trigger

with due attention to availability of requisite avalanches in vulnerable areas.
number of heavy-duty machineries for pre- d. Community based early warning system as
placing/ deployment at most vulnerable part of response mechanism be instituted in
areas. landslide / avalanche prone areas by
i. Removal of encroachments/ hinderances to nominating local notables to ensure that
provide full access/ way to traffic and rescue alerts are timely disseminated. Measures may
personnel with their machinery to the include use of watchmen, loudspeakers/
earthquake affected areas. megaphones, loudspeakers of Mosques,
j. Ensure serviceability and operability of whistles, SMS alerts, telephone and any other
available machinery with sufficient fuel etc. arrangements of similar nature.
Provision of backup electricity arrangements e. Based on landslide / avalanche alerts issued
in form of generators. by PMD, local administration may consider
k. Availability of paramedics and ambulances precautionary closure of roads/ tracks to
with respective district health departments. avalanche/ landslide prone areas and
evacuation to safer places as a contingency
l. Identification and coordination with local
planning.
health officials for stocking medicine, in case
of being cut off or likely outbreak of health Measures against GLOF
emergency, especially against diseases likely a. Civil Engineering Interventions. To prevent
in winters. the lake outburst, following civil engineering
m. Vulnerability based stockpiling of interventions may be considered:
commodities required during emergencies by Ÿ Prevent over topping of the lake water
the local administration and line and strengthen moraine dam by concrete
departments. cementing, gabion wall etc.
Measures against Landslides/Avalanches Ÿ Keep volume of stored water in the lake to
Threat of landslides/avalanches in vulnerable a safe level; initially by dropping the level
areas underscores outlook of impending and then by excavating a tunnel or
Monsoon-2021. It merits reappraisal of basic deepening the breach of the moraine-dam
precautionary measures such as: to retain the lower level through any one
of the following: -
a. Prepare hazard and risk assessment and
mapping the active landslide prone areas. ü Siphon system.
b. Refresh recorded history of landslides / ü Electrical pumping.
avalanches prone areas. Besides vulnerability ü Controlled blasting of the moraine-
risk assessment; personal experience of dam.
notables of such areas can also prove b. Preparation of hazard and risk maps of the
beneficial. GLOF affected areas.
c. Local communities of vulnerable areas be c. In order to predict and understand GLOF on
sensitised to pay special attention to weather its occurrence, evaluation of possible
forecasts / alerts as heavy rains can trigger hydrograph along water channel
landslides / avalanches. Sudden temperature downstream.

d. Placement of round the clock monitoring and incharge of local arrangement at the relief
early warning system at identified GLOF sites. camps.
e. Construction of adequate trapping dams with I. Collect data of fishermen working in the
capacity to dissipate the GLOF impact. surrounding sea and plan for informing them
f. Strengthening infrastructures to make these while they are at the sea
robust enough to resist GLOF destruction. Measures against Winter Hazards
g. Measures to timely disseminate information Following protective measures based on past
to the vulnerable populace. experiences will help to mitigate disaster/
h. Rehearsal / contingency planning to shift losses:
vulnerable communities to safer places. a. Preparation of hazard maps of major cities,
Measures against Cyclones districts and known vulnerable areas based
on recorded history for sensitization,
The following guidelines can help/ protect
awareness, early warning and evacuation of
people in vulnerable areas:
vulnerable communities.
a. Carryon risk assessment and enlist villages
b. Establishment of committees of volunteers
and UCs prone to Cyclone hazards. Inventory
for planning and implementation of
of resources available at local levels and plan
contingency plans at municipal level.
for further enhancement of resources.
c. Identification of vulnerable areas especially
b. Prepare contingency plans at local levels to
near communication arteries and population.
prepare for any emergency situation. Collect
important contact details of government and d. Awareness and sensitizing local community
non-government stakeholders and focal and tourists of possible risks and adherence
persons to laid down guidelines.
c. Provision of emergency kit and provide e. Strengthening the community based early
trainings on the use of emergency response warning system and provide proper trainings.
equipment. f. Capacity building of Municipal Corporations
d. Develop liaison with the local television, radio with due attention to availability of requisite
station and social media activists to keep number of heavy-duty machineries for pre-
abreast with the developing situation. placing/ deployment at most vulnerable
areas.
e. Removal of billboards and any heavy objects
especially in urban areas. g. Widening, dredging and de-silting of water
channels to prevent waterlogging and
f. Necessary repairing/retrofitting at houses,
saturating soil.
offices and at commercial markets to
strengthen buildings h. Removal of encroachments/ hinderances to
provide full access/ way to traffic and rescue
g. Provide necessary trainings and conduct
personals with their machinery when in case
mock exercises involving all machinery and
of need.
local communities
i. Serviceability and operability of available
h. Formation and activation of local committees
machinery with sufficient fuel etc. Provision
that will support during the evacuation to
of backup electricity arrangements in form of
nearest safe zone or high ground and
generators.

j. Identification of likely evacuation sites and critical information.

relief/ medical camps.
2.2. Coordination Mechanism
k. Coordination with all stakeholders for
keeping communication arteries open and
During Response and Early
immediate mobilization of required Recovery Phase
machinery in time of need. 2.2.1. Declaration of Emergency
l. Identification and coordination with local The declaration of emergency depends upon
health officials for stocking medicine, in case the natural and magnitude of the disaster.
of being cut off or likely outbreak of health Disaster situations of a smaller scale which are
emergency, especially against diseases likely within the capacity of District authorities would
in winters. be managed by the respective District
m. Availability of paramedics and ambulances Authorities on the declaration of emergency by
with respective district health departments. the province.
n. Coordination with private and government In case of disaster situation of a relatively larger
hospitals to prepare a synergized plan for scale which overwhelms the capacities of
meeting emergent requirements. District Governments/Authorities but are within
o. Measures for creating redundancy in utility the capacities of Provincial
supply to inaccessible areas especially Governments/Authorities to manage shall be
drinking water. declared by the province.
p. Pruning of trees especially ones close to In case of disaster situation of a large scale of
roads, electricity supply lines, homes and that overwhelms the capacities of provincial
other infrastructure. Government/Authorities but are within the
capacities of Federal Government to manage
q. Emergency contact numbers of local and
primary through National Emergency. However,
other emergency services must be displayed
international assistance can be requested by the
at various locations and made part of all
Government in case of disaster situation is of
coordination meetings for maximum
mega scale when the National Capacities are
awareness.
over whelmed.
r. Fixing of loose billboards, hoardings, sing
posts and other similar fixtures must be 2.2.2. Criteria for Declaring an Area
ensured. Disaster Affected
s. Encouragement of communities to remain As per the National Calamities Act- 1958, if
indoor and restrict movement immediately more than 50% loss of livelihood of the affected
upon development of weather and especially population has occurred, the District and
when a weather advisory/ alert is issued. Provincial Authority declare the area “calamity
Affected”. Normally, a technical committee is
t. Vulnerability based stocking be carried out
formed to access the situation after a relief
under local administration and line
phase and make recommendations to Prime
departments.
Minister for the National calamity and Chief
u. Utilization of all possible platforms for Minister for Provincial calamity for declaring the
spreading required information and keep area calamity- affected. The loss of human lives,
local radio stations involved in relaying damages to property, livelihood, infrastructure

and mass displacement are some of the The NEOC has the following procedure for
important considerations for declaring an activation of the center in case of any
emergency in the country. emergency situation:
2.2.3. Operationalization of the (1) On Receipt of Alerts (Standby-Stage 1)
Emergency Operation Centers Director response will collect information from
A network of well-established National and PEOC/DEOC about the potential disaster, after
Provincial Emergency Operation Centers analysis of situation, advise/recommend chief
N/PEOCs) are already in place with state-of-the- coordinator at the NEOC for alerts or standby
art equipment to receive early warning and its position of NEOC. Chief coordinator will update
dissemination to relevant authorities and the chairman NDMA and to seek his approval
general public. These EOCs also serve as hub for for activation of NEOC. Standard Operating
issuing damage and needs information to the Procedures to be followed for this stage are:
public, media, ministries, departments and Ÿ Monitor the situation.
humanitarian response agencies. One of major Ÿ Alerts the NEOC staff for operationalization
role of the EOCs is to ensure an effective of NEOC at short notice.
coordination mechanism and management of
Ÿ Put everything ready and functional in the
relief operations in affected areas through
NEOC.
respective PDMAs and further by the DDMAs.
All the agencies such as Emergency Services, Ÿ Coordinate with key ministries, departments,
Civil Defence, Armed Forces, Pakistan Police JS HQ, armed forces, NLC, humanitarian
Services, Pakistan Red Crescent Society and organizations and alerts them.
other humanitarian agencies will be coordinated Ÿ Closely coordinate with respective PEOCs to
by the EOCs at respective levels. Although the get information and review it.
EOCs operate 24/7 in disaster and non-disaster (2) On Receipt of Warning (Stage 2)
times, however, during the disaster times, the
Chairman NDMA will issue notification for full
EOCs regularly monitor and conduct meetings
activation of the NEOC. Chief coordinator will
to coordinate for an effective emergency
inform key ministries, federal government
response and relief operations.
department, and respective PEOCs, emergency
As mentioned above also that NDMA has services, civil defense, I/NGOs, UN agencies,
already a well-coordinated mechanism and have PRCS, and media. NEOC will remain fully
a networking with all S/PDMAs and further with operational on 24/7 basis. SOPs to be followed
the DEOCs for emergency response operation for this stage are:
and activation of EOCs at various levels. A quick
Ÿ Place NEOC on fully activation/operational
acquisition of information and dissemination of
role.
information to concerned authorities are already
Ÿ Open all communication systems and links.
in place and necessary gadgets have been
provided to Provincial and Districts eminency Ÿ Collect essential information including
operation centers to fully functionalize on the situation updates, details of resources etc.
24/7 basis. which will be required for relief operation.
2.2.4. Activation and Stand Down Ÿ Inform all relevant ministries and department
Procedures of the National Emergency and ask them to send their
Operation Centre (NEOC)

representatives/liaison officers to operate predictability and accountability of international

from the NEOC. humanitarian actions, by improving
Ÿ Chief coordinator/chairman NDMA may prioritization and clearly defining the role and
meet the NDMC to update on the situation. responsibilities of humanitarian organizations.
At respective levels, the various clusters are
Ÿ Share information regularly with PEOCs.
activated working closely with the District,
(3) Stand Down Procedure (Stage 3) Provincial and National Disaster Management
After reviewing situation and consultation with Authorities to get updates and take appropriate
concerned PEOCs, chief coordinator NEOC will actions to provide relief services to the disaster
recommend the chairman NDMA for stand affected areas. The clusters meet on regular
down. After getting approval of chairman basis headed by the respective disaster
NDMA, chief coordinator NEOC will issue management authorities followed by
notification of stand down to the key ministries appropriate actions.
and departments at federal/provincial and to 2.2.6. Multi-Sector Initial Rapid
the PDMAs to be followed for this stage are;
Assessment
Ÿ Director NEOC will debrief chief coordinator
Multi-Sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA)
about stand down who will advise chairman
has been conducted in Pakistan twice after the
NDMA for approval of stand down.
floods of 2012, 2014 and 2022. MIRA-2014
Ÿ Director NEOC will disseminate notification lessons learnt exercise highlighted two major
to the relevant ministries, department and gray areas in implementation including
other stakeholders. unavailability of trained enumerators at the time
Ÿ Final report on the emergency operations will of assessment and lack of validation
be circulated to key stakeholders. mechanism. Subsequently, rounds of revisions
Ÿ Inform PEOC and DEOC for stand down and were conducted to keep MIRA up-to-date and
share final report with them. relevant in emerging situations.
Ÿ NEOC staff work in normal mode. The standard guidelines for MIRA have been
developed by NDMA with technical support of
2.2.5. Activation of Clusters
UNOCHA to provide operational guiding
Depends upon the severity and magnitude of principles on roll-out and implementation of
the disaster, the clusters are activated by the UN MIRA. Approach adopted for these Guidelines is
agencies upon request from the Government of inclusive, comprehensive, decentralized and
Pakistan. The clusters are designated by the focused on institutionalization of initiatives.
Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and MIRA methodology document has been
have clear responsibilities for coordination. exclusively consulted for the development of
These clusters during emergencies are led by these Guidelines. To familiarize and making
the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, to support of practice on the MIRA tools, NDMA has
the Government in emergency response and conducted series of trainings throughout the
recovery operations. country and has developed pool of trained
During recent disasters, specifically in the professionals from various government
earthquake 2005, flood 2010 and flood 2022, organizations. In case of any emergency
the cluster approach works very successfully to situation, the MIRA team will be activated. The
avoid duplication, strengthen partnerships, the

initiation of MIRA process shall be undertaken track the progress and facilitate the mid-course
as under: correction, effective/efficient monitoring is
Ÿ The respective provincial disaster mandatory. Post disaster evaluation is vital to
management authorities after analyzing and determine the relevance and fulfillment of
assessing the nature and severity of a objectives. An evaluation should provide info
particular disaster, declare it as of medium, that is vital to determine the relevance and
high or mega intensity. fulfilment of objectives. NDMA conduct regular
meetings and follow frequent interaction with
Ÿ Respective provincial and state governments
government and non-government actors for
through PDMAs shall request NDMA for
effective measure to monitor their activities.
initiation of MIRA process. However, NDMA
Besides, NDMA publishes paper to share lesson
will make a final decision in consultation with
learned after the disaster retreat.
all stakeholders.
Ÿ NDMA may ask UNOCHA to coordinate with 2.3. NDMA's Major Initiatives for
PDMAs to involve humanitarian partners i.e., 2023 and beyond
UN agencies/clusters/sector coordinator, and
After the promulgation of the National Disaster
I/NGOs etc. and any other member deemed
Management Act during 2010, a robust disaster
necessary to support the activities.
management system is already in place
2.2.7. Media Management During throughout the country. During the past 23
Emergencies years, significant milestones have been achieved
Media can play vital role in disaster to strengthen the disaster management system
response/management. Therefore, a well- with focus on shifting paradigm from reactive to
organized arrangement be made at all tiers for proactive approach where more focus has been
information sharing/periodic media briefs by given on preparedness, prevention, mitigation,
appropriate spokespersons. Efforts must be developing disaster resilience and disaster risk
made to provide timely updated and accurate reduction at all levels. To follow the pace, the
inf to media houses for dissemination. Delays in NDMA has planned the following major
provision of inf may lead to frustration and initiatives for 2023 and beyond.
misunderstanding by media house should be 2.3.1. National Monsoon Contingency
discouraged at all levels. Plan-2023
To disseminate authentic and up-to-date Being one of major initiative, the NDMA with
information, the NDMA dedicates the collaboration of various disaster
spokespersons for briefing on the current management stakeholders both at federal and
situation, and release of data to media provincial levels, shall develop National
personnel on day-to-day basis. These Monsoon Contingency Plan for 2023. The
informations further updated on website as well NDMA normally prepare early monsoon
as media briefing organized for electronic and contingency plan based on analysis of seasonal
print media to inform general public about the forecast issued by the PMD and likely impacts of
situation. climate change. In this Plan, explicit guidelines
2.2.8. Monitoring and Evaluation shall be lay down for all DM tiers and other
During the execution of the response phase, to relevant stakeholders for mitigation of likely

hazards, preparedness against most probable Ÿ All provincial and districts set ups (PDMAs
and worst-case scenarios and mounting an & DDMAs)
effective and timely response to a situation B. At the NEOC, a daily common operating
resulting from monsoon heavy rainfall. picture (CoP) will be generated after fusing
2.3.2. National Contingency Plan for multilayered climate and geographical data
Winter 2022-23 filtered through professional analysis.
Automatically fed to all national media and
For the first time, the NDMA has prepared the
info mediums. The NEOC will remain active,
National Contingency Plan for Winters 2022/23
staffed and continuously manned.
in close coordination with all the government
department both at federal and provincial C. Besides a bulk financing will be coordinating
levels. The plan has been developed based on at this platform.
analysis of seasonal forecast by the PMD and D. Smaller Situation Room (at PM Secretariat)
likely impact of climate change. In this plan, will extend to all NEOC members.
explicit guidelines have been outlined for all DM E. It will further provide outputs for national
tiers and other relevant stakeholders for leadership and foreign delegates, as
mitigation of primary and secondary hazards required.
associated with the winter season, preparations
2.3.4. Initiatives Plan at the Platform of
against most probable and worst-case scenarios
National Institute of Disaster
for mounting timely response to arising
situation. Management (NIDM)
Since 2009, the NIDM is actively engaged in
2.3.3. Remodeling of the National
building capacities of the government and non-
Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC)
government disaster management stakeholders
The salient features of the NEOC are as follows: through imparting knowledge i.e., by
A. The establishment of the NEOC has been developing training toolkits, conducting series
principally approved as hub of decision of disaster management/climate related
enabling information and shared terrestrial trainings, and create awareness among the
intelligence from all national and maximum general masses through IEC material.
global systems, including:- During the current year, the NIDM shall closely
Ÿ Global Early Warning systems - 5 to 10 work with the Academia, shall conduct local
Ÿ UN and Satellites feeds needs and gap analysis and shall develop
Ÿ NDMA's Regional and Global equivalent framework of recommended national
organisations preparedness and response. The proposed
dates for organizing these activities are as
Ÿ Common Alerts Protocols - US, China,
follows.
Canada, Australia etc.
Ÿ Pakistan Meteorological Department
(PMD)
Ÿ Federal Floods Commission (FFC)
Ÿ Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP)
Ÿ National Highways Authority

Furthermore, with the financial support of NIDM shall impart the following trainings
various non-government stakeholders, the during 2023:

2.3.5. Disaster Management Calendar management calendar to achieve the set targets
during 2023.
Besides the above major planned activities, the
NDMA has prepared the following disaster


Chapter Three:
Proposed DRR Strategy and
Implementation Framework

Chapter Three: Proposed DRM Strategy and Implementation

Framework
3.1. Target Priority Interventions in synergy with the National DRR Policy,
National Disaster Management Plan 2012-2022
This plan serves as a guiding document to
and National Disaster response Plan 2018 at all
implement the targeted DRR strategy during
levels.
2023 and beyond as on-going activities. The
implementation of this plan will be carried out






3.2 Mechanism of implementation organizations involved in the implementation

of the disaster management plan. The
Each priority strategy has been turned into an
working group shall hold at least quarterly
action plan which consist of proposed
meetings, and share minutes of the meeting
interventions, relevant implementing
for approval and further necessary directions.
counterparts and quarter-wise timeline. The
plan will be elaborated into national, provincial Ÿ Plan for mobilizing resources and funds at
and district levels plans/strategies set by various various Level and conducting donor
departments/organizations mentioned below in meetings.
the given table. The NDMA shall coordinate Ÿ Coordinate with Federal/Provincial
with all dealing departments/organizations to Government Departments, Financial Banks
monitor progress to ensure the implementation and NDRMF for mobilizing funds and
of the proposed interventions. In order to technical resources.
strengthen implementation of the plan, there is
3.4 Financial Arrangement
need to build a network that will link the
government and non-government Funding for the implementation of this plan will
organizations, financial banks, the private be allocated from the National Disaster
sector, the civil society and other relevant Management Fund, State/Provincial Disaster
stakeholders to work for developing disaster Management Funds and other allied
and climate resilience. Besides local government counterpart's allocated budget. Considering the
and targeted communities will be involved at government's limited funding capacity, the
the grass root levels for the implementation of technical and financial assistance of Financial
the plan, which shall ultimately help in building Banks, National Disaster Risk Management
the capacities of general public to fight against Fund, UN, I/NGOs and private sector will be
the disasters in well-coordinated manners. mobilized.
3.3 Institutional Arrangement

In order to ensure the implementation of
proposed interventions at all level, an “NDMP-II
Working Group” will be established to monitor
progress. The proposed group will be
comprising of officers from all relevant
department/organizations. Some of key
responsibilities of the working groups are as
under;
Ÿ Provide strategic directions and technical
assistance for the implementation of the
plan.
Ÿ Conduct regular meetings to monitor
progress and evaluate the work of all those

References
[1]
David Eckstein, Marie-Lena Hutfils and Maik Winges. (2021), “Global Climate Risk Index 2021”,
published by German watch, p. 13, available at
https://www.germanwatch.org/sites/default/files/Global%20Climate%20Risk%20Index%202021_2.pd
f,
[2]
Qamar Uz Zaman Chaudhry (2017), “Climate change profile of Pakistan”, published by the Asian
Development Bank, p. 11, available at
h ps://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publica on/357876/climate-change-profile-pakistan.pdf.
[3]
Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan., “Population
National Census Report of 2017”., available at
h ps://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files/popula on/census_reports/ncr_pakistan.pdf
[4]
Pakistan Meteorological Department, Government of Pakistan (2020)., “State of Pakistan's Climate
in 2020”., available at h p://www.pmd.gov.pk/cdpc/Pakistan_Climate_2020.pdf
[5]
Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Government of Punjab., “Monsoon contingency plan
2022”
[6]
Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman Chaudhry, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Cabinet Division, (2006),
National Plan for Strengthening National capacities for Multi- Hazard Early Warning System (Phase I)
[7]
Air quality and pollution city ranking., available at h ps://www.iqair.com/world-air-quality-ranking
[8]
Conserve energy future., available at h ps://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-
solu ons-to-smog-
pollu on.php#:~:text=Smog%20is%20composed%20of%20a,by%20the%20effects%20of%20smog
[9]
The EurAsia Time (2022), available at h ps://eurasian mes.com/when-pakistan-army-lost-129-soldiers-to-
one-of-the-deadliest-avalanches-in-the-history/
[10]
Commissioner Office, Karachi (2015), “Karachi Heat Wave Management Plan: A Visual Guide”,
CDKN, 2015 and available at (h p://www.lead.org.pk/a achments/Heatwave-Visual-Guide.pdf
[11]
Provincial Disaster Management Authority Sindh (2017-18)., “Organizational Capacity Assessment
& Development of Capacity Enhancement Plan”., p. 14.
[12]
Aamir Yaseen (2022), the Daily Dawn, article published “Snow clearing vehicles parked at Sunny
bank during blizzard, Murree prove learns”, available at h ps://www.dawn.com/news/1669088/snow-
clearing-vehicles-parked-at-sunny-bank-during-blizzard-murree-probe-learns
[13]
Minà Dowlatchahi et.al., Food and Agriculture Organization, “Desert Locust Situation in Pakistan”.,
available at h ps://www.fao.org/pakistan/resources/in-depth/desert-locust-situa on-in-pakistan/en/
[4]
ICIMOD Nepal., “Floods, GLOFs and early warning systems”., available at
h ps://www.icimod.org/floods-glofs-and-early-warning-systems/
[5]
World Health Organization, “Pakistan: Dengue Fever, the current epidemic”, available at
h p://www.emro.who.int/pak/programmes/dengue-fever.html

[16]
World Health Organization dash board., available at h ps://covid19.who.int/region/emro/country/pk
[17]
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Government of Pakistan (2020), available on
h ps://www.pbs.gov.pk/sites/default/files//tables/rename-as-per-table-
type/tarffic_accidents_annaul__09_02_2021.pdf
[18]
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Government of Pakistan (2017)., “Pakistan National Census Report-
2017”., Page 41 and 44
[9]
David Eckstein, Marie-Lena Hutfils and Maik Winges. (2021), “Global Climate Risk Index 2021”,
published by German watch, p. 13, available at
https://www.germanwatch.org/sites/default/files/Global%20Climate%20Risk%20Index%202021_2.pd
f
[20]
Qamar Uz Zaman Chaudhry (2017), “Climate change profile of Pakistan”, published by the Asian
Development Bank, p. 11, available at
h ps://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publica on/357876/climate-change-profile-pakistan.pdf.
[21]
2017”., page 54
[22]
2017”., Page xxiii
[23]
Ranking is extracted from the NDMP-I conducted through consultation workshops at Provincial
levels during 2011-2012

List of Annexures
Annexure I: List of Concerned Organizations at National and Provincial Levels

Annexure II: Contact Details of NEOCs and PEOCs
[23]
Annexure III: Basic Concepts used in this Plan
Ÿ Capacity hazardous events interacting with conditions of
exposure, vulnerability and capacity, leading to
The combination of all the strengths, attributes
one or more of the following: human, material,
and resources available within an organization,
economic and environmental losses and impacts.
community or society to manage and reduce
disaster risks and strengthen resilience. Ÿ Disaster Management
Ÿ Disaster The organization, planning and application of

measures preparing for, responding to and
A serious disruption of the functioning of a
recovering from disasters.
community or a society at any scale due to

Ÿ Disaster Management Planning with the term disaster, as, for example, in the
context of biological and technological hazards
Participatory disaster management planning is
or health emergencies, which, however, can also
process in which the community members are
relate to hazardous events that do not result in
involved in analyzing the participatory disaster
the serious disruption of the functioning of a
risk assessment information, towards developing
community or society.
an action plan for disaster risk reduction
measures that will help in reducing the prioritized Ÿ Hazard
risk of the target communities. A process, phenomenon or human activity that
Ÿ Disaster Risk may cause loss of life, injury or other health
impacts, property damage, social and economic
The potential loss of life, injury, or destroyed or
disruption or environmental degradation.
damaged assets which could occur to a system,
society or a community in a specific period of Ÿ Mitigation
time, determined probabilistically as a function of Lessening or minimizing of the adverse impact of
hazard, exposure, vulnerability and capacity. a hazardous event. Mitigation include
Ÿ Disaster Risk Assessment undertaking both structural and non-structural
measures aimed at reducing the risk from
A qualitative or quantitative approach to disasters. Structural measures are any physical
determine the nature and extent of disaster risk construction to reduce or avoid possible impacts
by analyzing potential hazards and evaluating of hazards, or the application of engineering
existing conditions of exposure and vulnerability techniques or technology to achieve hazard
that together could harm people, property, resistance and resilience in structures or systems.
services, livelihoods and the environment on Non-structural measures are measures not
which they depend. involving physical construction that uses
Ÿ Disaster Risk Management knowledge, practice or agreement to reduce
disaster risks and impacts, in particular through
Disaster risk management is the application of
policies and laws, public awareness raising,
disaster risk reduction policies and strategies to
training and education.
prevent new disaster risk, reduce existing disaster
risk and manage residual risk, contributing to the Ÿ Preparedness
strengthening of resilience and reduction of The knowledge and capacities developed by the
disaster losses. governments, response and recovery
Ÿ Disaster Risk Reduction organizations, communities and individuals to
effectively anticipate, respond to and recover
Disaster risk reduction is aimed at preventing new
from the impacts of likely, imminent or current
and reducing existing disaster risk and managing
disasters.
residual risk, all of which contribute to
strengthening resilience and therefore to the Ÿ Prevention
achievement of sustainable development. Activities and measures to avoid existing and
Ÿ Emergency future disaster risks.
Emergency is sometimes used interchangeably

Ÿ Reconstruction preservation and restoration of its essential basic

structures and functions through risk
The medium- and long-term rebuilding and
management.
sustainable restoration of resilient critical
infrastructures, services, housing, facilities and Ÿ Response
livelihoods required for the full functioning of a Actions taken directly during or immediately after
community or a society affected by a disaster, a disaster in order to save lives, reduce health
aligning with the principles of sustainable impacts, ensure public safety and meet the basic
development and “build back better”, to avoid or subsistence needs of the people affected.
reduce future disaster risks. Permanent measures
to repair or replace damaged dwellings and Ÿ Risk
infrastructure and to set the economy back on The combination of the probability of an event
course. and its negative consequences
Ÿ Recovery Ÿ Vulnerability
The restoring or improving of livelihoods and The conditions determined by physical, social,
health, as well as economic, physical, social, economic and environmental factors or processes
cultural and environmental assets, systems and that increase the susceptibility of an individual, a
activities, of a disaster affected community or community, assets or systems to the impacts of
society, aligning with the principles of sustainable hazards.
development and “build back better”, to avoid or
reduce future disaster risk.
Ÿ Rehabilitation
The restoration of basic services and facilities for

the functioning of a community or a society
affected by a disaster.
Ÿ Relief
Measures that are required in search and rescue

of survivors, as well to meet the basic needs for
shelter, water, food & health care. Intervention
aimed at meeting the immediate needs of the
victims of a disaster.
Ÿ Resilience
The ability of a system, community or society

exposed to hazards to resist, absorb,
accommodate, adapt to, transform and recover
from the effects of a hazard in a timely and
efficient manner, including through the

Annexure IV: Prioritized Hazards Prone Districts of Pakistan[23]






National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Prime Minister’s Office, 2nd Floor,
Sector G-5/1, Constitution Avenue, Islamabad.
UAN-No: 051-111-157-157
Website: [email protected]
Fax No: 051-9030729

National Disaster Mitigation Plan - Pakistan Remodeled Ndmp-Ii 2023

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

National Disaster Mitigation Plan - Pakistan Remodeled Ndmp-Ii 2023

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

National Disaster Mitigation Plan - Pakistan Remodeled Ndmp-Ii 2023

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

NATIONAL DISASTER

MITIGATION PLAN - PAKISTAN

National Disaster Management Authority

National Disaster Management Authority

Provincial Disaster Management Authority

National Disaster Management Authority

2 |National Disaster Management Authority

National Disaster Management Authority | 3

1.4. Factors Contributing to Vulnerabilities 32

4 |National Disaster Management Authority

2.3. NDMA's Major Initiatives for 2023 and beyond 47

National Disaster Management Authority | 5

6 |National Disaster Management Authority

Chapter One: Need for Developing National Disaster

National Disaster Management Authority | 7

1.1 Introduction achieve set milestones mentioned at the end of

8 |National Disaster Management Authority

implementation with the support of to understand the national, provincial and

National Disaster Management Authority | 9

1.2. Pakistan at a Glance

Pakistan occupies a geo-political strategic position situated at

The country shares border with China in the Northeast, Afghanistan

The total area of Pakistan is 796,096 Km2. Approximately 468,000

10 |National Disaster Management Authority

Mountains Plains Rivers

1.2.2 Population Distribution experiencing a rapid increase in population

The ﬁgure below shows that Pakistan has been

Cumulative increase in population since 1951-2017

Intercensal Growth of Population of Pakistan

National Disaster Management Authority | 11

Province-Wise Population Density (Person/ Km2)

KPK including Punjab Sindh Balochistan Islamabad

1.2.3 Climate of Pakistan warmer. The winter months are December to

12 |National Disaster Management Authority

National Disaster Management Authority | 13

The frequent occurrence of natural and human Riverine Floods

Pakistan is among ﬁrst ﬁve South Asian Countries with the

14 |National Disaster Management Authority

National Disaster Management Authority | 15

Major Flood Disasters in Pakistan

16 |National Disaster Management Authority

Bolan, Chaghai, Gwadar, Jaﬀarabad, Jhal Magsi, Kech, Kharan,

Buner, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swat, Chitral, D.I.Khan, Dir

Bhakkar, D.G.Khan, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhang, Khushab,

Badin, Dadu, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Thatta, Mirpur Khas,

AJ&K Bagh, Bhimber, Muzaﬀarabad, Neelum, and Poonch

Astore, Chilas, Diamer, Ghanche, Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar

National Disaster Management Authority | 17

Major Drought Disaster in Pakistan

List of Vulnerable Districts to Drought Hazard

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chitral

Severe - Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi

Severe -Dadu, Jamshoro, kambar-Shahdad Kot, Tharparkar

18 |National Disaster Management Authority

Distribution of Drought Prone Districts in Pakistan

Pakistan lies in a seismic belt along the Himalayas, Karakorum

National Disaster Management Authority | 19

Seismic Zonation of Pakistan

20 |National Disaster Management Authority