Summary NDMA conducted first nationwide search and rescue drill to improve coordination, preparedness, and response, focusing on monsoon risks, floods, earthquakes, and early warning systems.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has conducted its first comprehensive search and rescue simulation exercise aimed at strengthening coordinated disaster response mechanisms across Pakistan.
The drill was successfully held at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad, focusing on enhancing an integrated system to tackle potential hazards and emergencies more effectively.
According to officials, the exercise was organised in view of anticipated monsoon risks, particularly flooding. The NEOC is playing a key role in ensuring early preparedness through advanced weather forecasting, satellite data, and timely warnings.
Conducted under the INSAR framework, the simulation involved participation from multiple agencies and volunteers, including Rescue 1122, civil defence, armed forces, and federal as well as provincial institutions.
The exercise simulated multiple disaster scenarios, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in Gilgit-Baltistan, widespread flooding in various regions, and earthquakes in Islamabad and Muzaffarabad.
Officials reviewed preparedness, coordination, and response times during the drill, emphasising the importance of effective communication, timely information sharing, and a unified command system. The role of local volunteers was also highlighted as critical in disaster response.
The NDMA chairman stressed the need to ensure timely dissemination of information to the public and to address gaps in the existing response system.
Authorities underscored that an integrated and efficient system is essential to minimise losses from natural disasters, while reaffirming the commitment to make such exercises a regular part of national disaster management strategy.
The NEOC will continue to be strengthened as a central hub for early warning and risk communication across the country.
