Islamabad: In a significant step towards enhancing regional disaster resilience, Mr. Anil Pokhrel, Chief Executive of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) of Nepal, visited the National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC) at the headquarters of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today. Accompanied by senior officials from Nepali disaster management departments and representatives from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the visit aimed to foster collaboration and exchange best practices in disaster management.
According to National Disaster Management Authority, Mr. Pokhrel and his delegation were briefed by NDMA Chairman Lt General Inam Haider Malik on the capabilities of the NEOC. The briefing covered the center’s use of technology in disaster projection and predictive analysis, as well as its strategies for anticipatory actions and risk communication within the disaster risk reduction (DRR) cycle of Pakistan. The delegation expressed approval of the NEOC’s setup and its proactive approach to preparedness for natural disasters and climate change impacts.
The visit also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional strategies to enhance disaster resilience. The delegation included notable figures such as Mr. Bikram Shrestha Zoowa, a hydrologist from Nepal, and Mr. Sonam Tshewang, Executive Engineer of the Disaster Prevention & Mitigation Division from Bhutan. Other distinguished members included Dr. Arun Bhakta Shrestha and Dr. Neera Shrestha Pradhan from ICIMOD, Dr. Bhisma Kumar Bhusal, Joint Secretary of the Disaster Management Division in Nepal, Brigadier General Prakash Thapa from the Department of Disaster Management of the Nepali Army, and Mr. Tshering Norbu, Assistant Program Officer from the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management in Bhutan.
This collaborative visit underscores a shared commitment to improving disaster response capabilities and enhancing preparedness measures across the region, reflecting a proactive stance in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.