Advisor to the Chief Minister Sindh for Rehabilitation, Mr. Gyanchand Essarani, visited the headquarters of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh, where he was given a comprehensive briefing on the authority’s ongoing initiatives, future preparedness strategies, and operational capacities in response to natural disasters across the province. The Advisor conducted a detailed meeting with the staff, Secretary Rehabilitation, Mr. Akhter Hussain Bugti, DG PDMA Salman Shah, Director Finance Shah Hussain Shah, and senior officials of PDMA also joined the meeting. Director General PDMA Sindh, outlined the authority’s core functions which include disaster risk mitigation, policy formulation, contingency planning, fiscal management, and post-disaster relief coordination.
During the session, the DG informed that PDMA is actively working to strengthen its logistical framework. Currently operating three warehouses strategically located across Sindh, the authority plans to establish three additional warehouses in other districts to ensure faster response times and accessibility to emergency supplies. A major highlight of the briefing was the development of a comprehensive Beneficiary Information System, aimed at streamlining the registration and tracking of individuals receiving relief. “This system will enhance transparency and allow PDMA to respond more accurately to requests for relief from Deputy Commissioners (DCs). After evaluating the data, our team dispatches relief items accordingly,” said the DG.
PDMA Sindh, in collaboration with SUPARCO, has also conducted extensive studies to identify areas at risk of future disasters. These studies are being used to enhance early warning systems and forecast seasonal patterns. “We utilize data from SASCOF (South Asian Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum) and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) to prepare detailed monsoon contingency plans, which are critical to disaster readiness,” he added. The authority’s Geographic Information System (GIS) unit has developed simulation models to assess the impact of riverine floods under various scenarios. These simulations provide data on potential damage down to the village level, enabling district administrations to prioritize vulnerable communities and infrastructure.
In addition, PDMA has developed a centralized digital monitoring system to track the deployment and status of relief camps, ambulances, boats, de-watering pumps, and other critical emergency response assets. This system enables real-time updates and faster decision-making during emergencies. Highlighting recent efforts, the DG shared that during the most recent flood alert, PDMA successfully disseminated emergency SMS alerts to over 78,000 residents living near the banks of the Indus River, helping mitigate loss of life and property. To ensure energy-efficient operations and reduce dependency on the national grid, the authority is also solarizing three Human Resource Facilities (HRFs), which serve as key operational hubs during emergencies. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Rehabilitation Mr. Akhter Hussain Bugti revealed that PDMA Sindh is initiating a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) pilot project in three districts. “Based on its performance and outcomes, the model may be replicated in other districts of the province,” he noted.
Advisor Gyanchand Essarani commended PDMA’s efforts but emphasized the importance of greater transparency and on-ground presence during relief operations. “I strongly recommend that PDMA’s own staff accompany the relief consignments sent to the Deputy Commissioners. This will ensure better monitoring, prevent misuse, and facilitate the quick recovery of valuable equipment such as pumps and boats,” he said. He further stated his intent to personally inspect all PDMA warehouses across the province in the coming weeks. “The Sindh Government remains committed to ensuring timely and effective relief for the people in every emergency situation,” Mr. Gyanchand Essarani affirmed.