Islamabad, 13 Oct 2023: In a solemn commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Climate Change honoured the unwavering resilience of communities in Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amidst climate-induced disasters, particularly Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). According to a press release from UNDP, the event cast a spotlight on the vital importance of disaster preparedness and highlighted the formidable strength of communities in mitigating disaster risks and losses.
With active participation from professionals spanning government officials, implementing partners, NGO/INGO representatives, civil society members, academia, and media, the event became a nexus for those dedicated to reducing disaster risks. The IDDRR events in Ghizer, Ghundus, Ghulkin, Barah, and Parashing valleys of Gilgit Baltistan involved a series of awareness sessions and mock drills, underlining safeguarding procedures and mechanisms while providing practical demonstrations via mock drills. The aim was a fortified community cohesion in reducing disaster risks and a significant emphasis on preparedness.
Panel discussions in Gilgit and Skardu delved deep into strategies for disaster risk mitigation and community-oriented measures for climate adaptation, underscoring the critical nexus between disasters, poverty, inequalities, and discrimination. Through understanding how these factors amplify community vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, the panels sought to underline the necessity of proactive measures to build resilience and safeguard vulnerable populations.
In an enlightening address, Mr. Najeeb Alam, Commissioner of Baltistan Division, spotlighted the region’s susceptibility to disasters, with a keen focus on the intensifying impacts of climate change. He emphasized, “A disaster may strike at any time, especially owing to the melting of the glaciers; disrupting lives and causing massive destruction. With the GLOF-II Project’s climate-adaptation mechanisms, such as the installation of the Early Warning Systems, we will be more prepared to safeguard our lives and habitations than we have been before. This is what this day stands for – to be better prepared to reduce disaster risks.”
Peshawar and Chitral (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) saw events encompassing ‘Resilience For All’ themed Essay Writing, Art, and Speech Competitions for students, aiming to instil a deep understanding of climate adaptability and highlight the crucial role that disaster preparedness plays in safeguarding lives and mitigating environmental damage. A participating student reflected, “A disaster changes everything – from the way we live our lives, to our surroundings. Nothing remains to be the same. I want our voices to be stronger, so that our resilience can be strengthened, and so that we remain prepared.”
UNDP’s GLOF-II project operates in 16 valleys of Gilgit Baltistan and 8 valleys in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, empowering communities to identify and manage risks related to GLOFs and Climate Change impacts, enhancing public services to mitigate GLOF-related disaster risks, and augmenting community preparedness and disaster response. The project also advocates the development of sustainable livelihood options in project areas, with a pronounced focus on involving women in ensuring food security and livelihoods.