Pakistan: NDMA for Rs 20bn allocation to prepare against disasters

According to the Daily Times, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has demanded an allocation of Rs 20 billion for disaster preparedness. "We are asking federal government for this allocation to save hefty spending on disaster management - as one dollar spent for preparedness saves 10 dollars on disaster management," said NDMA Chairman Zafar Qadir.

He announced the forthcoming launch of a Disaster Need Allocation (DNA) Survey report for 2011-floods and a plan to construct at least 110,000 shelters in flood-hit parts of Sindh and 10,000 houses for flood-affected people of Balochistan with the $365 million appeal for 2011-flood, of which $150 million were given for relief and rescue operations and $200 million for execution of rehabilitation projects. NDMA will also launch an innovative insurance scheme for the calamity prone areas of the country, imbibed with the disaster safety concept, with the help of World Bank and Asian Development Bank.