Islamabad: Supported by the Government of Japan and in partnership with the Economic Affairs Division and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) in Sindh and Balochistan, UNDP has marked the completion of a significant USD 3.7 Million project aimed at bolstering tsunami and earthquake preparedness along Pakistan’s coastal areas. The project’s closing ceremony, held in Islamabad today, celebrated the progress made toward disaster resilience in coastal communities of Sindh and Balochistan.

According to National Disaster Management Authority, the initiative, titled ‘Strengthening Tsunami and Earthquake Preparedness in Coastal Areas of Pakistan,’ has effectively enhanced the disaster preparedness and response capabilities of communities in the coastal districts of Malir, West/Keamari Karachi, and Gwadar. The project focused on revising guidelines for tsunami and earthquake readiness and improving the disaster response aptitude of vulnerable groups, with a notable emphasis on gender equity in disaster risk management.

Mr. Wajahat Ahmed, Assistant Director (Civil) of PDMA, Sindh, emphasized the importance of the project at the ceremony, stating that it represents a pivotal achievement in the region’s disaster resilience efforts. He highlighted the collective commitment to applying the lessons learned from the project to further strengthen community resilience against natural calamities.

H.E Mr. Mitsuhiro Wada, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, reiterated Japan’s commitment to sharing its extensive experience and knowledge in disaster risk management, an area where Japan has historical expertise due to its frequent encounters with natural disasters. Dr. Samuel Rizk, UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative, also reflected on the lasting impact of the project, noting that the empowered and knowledgeable communities and institutions formed during this initiative are crucial for future resilience efforts.