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Islamabad: To mark the completion of one year of the historic floods 2010 in Pakistan, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) joined the UN and the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF) in arranging a Press Conference and launching of a publication, ‘Pakistan Floods-One Year On’. The Chairman NDMA, Dr. Zafar Qadir, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Assistance to Pakistan, H.E Rauf Engin Soysal, Acting Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mengesha Kebede and PHF Chairperson, Mr. Jack Byrne were among the luminaries who were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman NDMA, Dr. Zafar Qadir appreciated the humanitarian assistance of the UN in the hardest times of our national life. He said that one year is not a long time to rebuild lives but if we look at our performance, we have done well. Dr. Zafar Qadir appreciated the contributions of the UN in the Contingency Plan and termed it a good example of cooperation. He said that 99% of the displaced floods affectees have been repatriated, 97% of the affectees have been given Watan Cards, while 57% of Schools and a considerable part of community infrastructure have been rehabilitated. Responding to a news item about NDMA’s level of preparedness in case of floods, Dr. Zafar said that all stake holders are on board even in case of 10% more rainfall during this monsoon season, we will be able to manage the situation from our own resources. It was due to a collective effort that we are moving into a new year of commitment and resilience, he added.
Addressing the gathering the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Assistance to Pakistan, H.E Rauf Engin Soysal, highly appreciated the resilience, triumph and courage of the people of Pakistan in the face of this unprecedented calamity.
The Acting Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mengesha Kebede, saluted the courage of Pakistani nation and civil society in wake of Floods 2010. He said that there is a funding gap of US$ 600 Million in response to the largest appeal by the UN and all efforts are being made to bridge this gap.
Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF) Chairperson, Mr. Jack Byrne expressed the resolve to stay in Pakistan and continue its humanitarian initiatives in collaboration with all the humanitarian actors.
A detailed interactive question/answer session ensued at the end of the Press Conference.
For more information, contact:
Ahmed Kamal
Spokesperson
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Tel: +9251 9215412
Cell: +92300 5278981 and +92331-5657779
Email: maf@ndma.gov.pk