NDMA convenes national level simulation exercises on floods & rain emergencies

ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (SABAH): In an effort to ensure preparedness of Federal and Provincial departments for emergencies, NDMA has initiated a series of simulation exercises (Sim Ex) to assess the effectiveness of emergency response strategies and evaluate the readiness in the event of a disaster.

In this regard, NDMA conducted the first Sim Ex for floods and rain emergencies with support of Ministry of Climate Change, UNICEF and Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) from March 14-16 at Islamabad.

Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman, Chairman NDMA Lt. General Inam Haider Malik and Country Head WFP Chris attended the inaugural session of 3-day long exercises and delivered opening remarks. Minister Sherry Rehman called for a ‘whole of Pakistan’ approach leading to sustainable development for people and recovery in the aftermath of Floods 2022. She lauded the efforts by the NDMA’s relief operations during Floods 2022 and other emergencies. She emphasized on the importance of collaboration across government agencies, humanitarian organizations, civil society and the private sector for disaster mitigation and building well-prepared Pakistan.

Chairman NDMA highlighted that the simulation exercises are part of NDMA’s Remodelled National Preparedness and Response System in Pakistan which will be replicated at Provincial & District level. He said that the success of these simulation exercises underscores the importance of being vigilant and prepared for emergencies and that we can improve our overall resilience and ability to cope with natural disasters through proactive measures. The simulation exercises involved various scenarios, such as flash flooding and landslides caused by heavy rainfall based on Floods 2022.

Emergency responders, including NDMA, PDMAs, Armed Forces, PMD, FFC, Rescue 1122, UN organizations, NGOs and Representatives of other coordinating Federal and Provincial departments participated in the scenario-based drills. These exercises will allow participants to practice their response skills, communication protocols, and decision-making processes in a realistic and safe environment.