NDMA urges coordinated relief efforts in calamity-hit areas

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Farooq Ahmed on Monday called upon the government departments, armed forces and the NGOs to co-ordinate efforts for effectively reaching out to people marooned by recent torrential rains and floods.
"We need to evolve and co-ordinate efforts for strategic deliverables. We are not here to listen plans but definite strategic commitments and delivery," he said addressing the NDMA meeting widely attended by the departments carrying out relief activities.
He was very specific about the working of the health department and the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and asked them to assure delivery of goods and medicines as committed. "We will have to generate massive efforts," he said and specifically underlined the need for channelising the NGOs working in affected areas.
Representatives of the NDMA, Armed Forces, National Logistic Cell (NLC), Health Department, Utility Stores Corporation and other agencies briefed the meeting on their relief activities.
The meeting was informed that rains and flash flood had affected 16 district in Sindh and Balochistan with the death toll till now reported at 220 including 89 alone in Karachi. As many as 39 fishermen were missing, around one million were affected and 100,000 people are homeless.
"Here is time to deliver. We have handled activities in the past. But, we have to be more focussed and concentrated when it comes to actual delivery," he added. Lieutenant General Farooq also pointed out to set up an NDMA fund for relief activities and submission of donation by various local and international organisations and departments.
He foresaw delivery system to be managed by the NDMA during next couple of days and directed the Cabinet Division to ensure availability of tents as per requirement of the affected people. Representatives of the Armed Forced told the meeting that by Sunday evening, the Jawans had reached all the areas and the roads network was restored to some extent, although the Coastal Highway was not fully operative yet.