Islamabad: Supported by the Government of Japan and in partnership with the Economic Affairs Division, UNDP, and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) in Sindh and Balochistan, a ceremony was held in Islamabad today to mark the successful conclusion of the ‘Strengthening Tsunami and Earthquake Preparedness in Coastal Areas of Pakistan’ project.
According to Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, the initiative, valued at USD 3.7 million, aimed to enhance disaster risk management in the coastal regions of Sindh and Balochistan. The project involved revising guidelines and strengthening the capacity of communities to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, with a particular focus on tsunamis and earthquakes.
The project significantly impacted the coastal districts of Malir and West/Keamari in Karachi, and Gwadar, focusing on gender equity and comprehensive disaster preparedness strategies. Mr. Wajahat Ahmed, Assistant Director (Civil) at PDMA Sindh, emphasized the project’s role in building durable community resilience and enhancing collaborative efforts to mitigate disaster risks.
H.E. Mr. Mitsuhiro Wada, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, highlighted Japan’s commitment to sharing its extensive experience in disaster risk management to support sustainable development and poverty eradication initiatives globally. Meanwhile, UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk reflected on the enduring benefits of the project, noting the resilient and knowledgeable communities that will continue to drive disaster preparedness forward.