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Islamabad: In remembrance of the Martyrs of October 8, 2005 Earthquake, the greatest of Disasters in the history of Pakistan, the whole nation will observe Disaster Day on 8 October, 2011. The objective of this event is to express solidarity with the bereaved families who lost their family members on that October day and to arouse the spirit of individual and group enrichment to face the challenges in the post disaster scenario.
In consonance with the significance of the occasion, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), with the help of the UN, is launching an awareness campaign for safe Schools, Hospitals and more resilient civic facilities.
Assigning high priority to the campaign and to the Disaster risk Reduction in the backdrop of recent natural disasters which occurred in Pakistan, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Disaster Risk Reduction Ms Margareta Wahlstrom is visiting Pakistan from 06 October 2011 to 08 October 2011 to further take along a more pro-active DRR agenda in Pakistan with increasing emphasis on effective mitigation, prevention and prepared in case of disasters.
The national launch of the United Nation’s International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)’s Global campaigns of “One Million Safe Schools and Hospitals” and “Resilient Cities” will also be organized by the National Disaster Management Authority on 8th October on the eve of National Disaster Awareness Day 2011.
Madam Margareta Wahlström, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction, parliamentarians and high level officials of the Government of Pakistan shall attend the ceremony.
This event will also include a technical session in which representatives of different cities, educational and Health institutions will pledge to make cities disaster resilient, and schools and hospitals safe from threat of any disaster. Besides, demonstration for on-line pledging will be given to the participants about how to pledge and to sensitize them about their role in disaster risk reduction.
On-line pledging by volunteers for safer schools and hospitals will also take place simultaneously during the event.
It may be recalled that UNISDR has launched this campaign around the globe to address the priorities set in the Hyogo Framework of Action. It is hoped that this launch will provide a forum for different stakeholders to become partners in disaster risk reduction through becoming active partners for this campaign which seeks to raise public awareness and help to create a demand for safer schools and health facilities.
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