Tsunami, earthquake preparedness project celebrated

Islamabad:With support from the Japanese government and partnership with the economic affairs division and disaster management authorities in Sindh and Balochistan, the United Nations Development Programme celebrated the successful conclusion of the $3.7 million project, "Strengthening Tsunami and Earthquake Preparedness in Coastal Areas of Pakistan," during a special ceremony here on Friday.

Through the project, the UNDP has addressed a critical development challenge in the coastal districts of Malir, West and Keamari in Karachi, and Gwadar by reducing tsunami risks and their potential impact on the local communities.

Under it, guidelines for tsunami and earthquake preparedness were revised to enhance the disaster response and preparedness capacity of vulnerable coastal communities. The project also prioritised gender equity in its approach to mitigate coastal hazards. UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk said the project had concluded, but the resilient, empowered, and knowledgeable communities and institutions it left behind would continue to make a difference.

“Our collaboration with Japan has been instrumental in building a more resilient future,” he said. Ambassador of Japan Mitsuhiro Wada said with its historical frequency of natural disasters, his country had gained significant knowledge and experience in climate and disaster risk management, preparedness, and response.