Islamabad: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has completed a two-day national simulation exercise, titled “Winter Freeze,” aimed at enhancing the country’s preparedness for winter-related disasters. Conducted from December 3 to 4, 2024, at NDMA headquarters, the exercise tested response mechanisms to scenarios including extreme cold weather, smog, and earthquakes.

According to Press Information Department, the exercise involved a range of simulated challenges such as a severe blizzard impacting northern areas, leading to snowstorms, road blockages, power outages, and stranded tourists. It also included a major earthquake scenario in northern Balochistan and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, assessing the efficiency of rescue operations and medical response in remote locations. Additionally, the simulation addressed severe smog conditions in Punjab, with a focus on the health impacts and emergency responses in Lahore.

Participants in the exercise comprised Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), law enforcement agencies, and representatives from humanitarian organizations. They acknowledged the value of the platform provided by NDMA for improving disaster preparedness and shared feedback and suggestions to enhance future disaster response strategies.