Lahore:A delegation of the German Agency Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on Wednesday visited Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab and discussed disaster risk reduction, climate change and damages in province. Head of Adaptive Social Protection Project, Johanna Knoess, chaired the delegation.
Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia informed the delegation about the working of PDMA. He gave a detailed briefing to the delegation about the flood simulation model. The DG said that 24-hour communication with all districts is ensured in the provincial control room.
The PDMA is alert to all challenges including flood, dengue, drought, smog and heat wave, he added and said advance warnings and alerts are issued to management about heat waves, rain floods and other disasters. Irfan Ali said that this year more than normal monsoon rains were recorded.
Due to early warning system de-silting and advance arrangements, drainage was ensured in minimum time added high level f
loods passed through the Dera Ghazi Khan River Hills. Due to the advance arrangements of Punjab government, the citizens were rescued in time.
In view of the directives of chief minister Punjab, the affected families are being financially supported, he added.
The delegation was impressed with the PDMA simulation model and emergency response system. The delegation said that all possible support will be provided to PDMA to avoid natural calamities.