The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Government of Japan has completed a $3.7 million project aimed at strengthening tsunami and earthquake preparedness in the country’s coastal regions to enhance disaster resilience in Pakistan.
The project, which focused on vulnerable communities in the coastal districts of Malir, West/Keamari Karachi, and Gwadar, was marked by a closing ceremony in Islamabad.
The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Economic Affairs Division and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) in Sindh and Balochistan, has made a lasting impact on the disaster readiness of these regions. While the project itself has concluded, it leaves behind empowered and knowledgeable communities and institutions that are better equipped to respond to natural disasters.
Key achievements of the project include the revision of guidelines for tsunami and earthquake preparedness, which has significantly bolstered the disaster response capacity of coastal communities. The project also emphasized gender equity, ensuring that the needs of all community members were addressed in disaster risk management strategies.
At the closing ceremony, the Assistant Director (Civil) of PDMA Sindh, Wajahat Ahmed, praised the collaborative efforts behind the project. “This project marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to enhance disaster resilience. It has testified to the power of collaboration, expertise, and a shared commitment to saving lives. Let us take the lessons learned and apply them to further develop the resilience of vulnerable communities in the Coastal Belt, making them more resilient to natural disasters,” he said.
Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Mitsuhiro Wada also addressed the gathering, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to disaster risk reduction. “With its historical frequency of natural disasters, Japan has gained significant knowledge and experience in climate and disaster risk management, preparedness, and response,” he stated.
Through our Development Cooperation Charter, Japan’s Development Cooperation Charter prioritizes disaster risk reduction as a key element of sustainable development and poverty eradication, he said, adding that this project is a testament to Japan’s dedication to these efforts.
UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk expressed his satisfaction with the project’s outcomes. “The project has concluded, but the resilient, empowered, and knowledgeable communities and institutions it leaves behind will continue to make a difference. Our collaboration with Japan has been instrumental in building a more resilient future,” Dr. Rizk noted.
The successful completion of this project marks the beginning of a new chapter in disaster preparedness for Pakistan’s coastal communities, ensuring they are better equipped to face the challenges of tsunamis and earthquakes in the future.