Flood 2012 in Balochistan: Initiatives, Challenges and Way forward – October 8, 2012

SPO Quetta organized a Round Table Dialogue on “Flood 2012 in Balochistan: Initiatives, Challenges and Way forward”. The event was attended by about 40 participants, including representatives of provincial government, political parties of the province, flood affectees and National Humanitarian Network. Key participants included Sardar Aslam beezenjo (Minister Irrigation), Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, President National Party, Mr. Munir Ahmed Badeni (Secretary Education), Khudad Khan (X- President, Awami National Party Balochistan), Ghulam Nabi Marri ( CC Member Balochistan National Party), Abdul Qayum Kakar ( CC Member Jamat-e-Islami), Mohammed Raza Wakeel ( Information Secretary Hazara Development Party). Speakers shared their information about the situation of flood in the province and expressed their concern that response is not matching the gravity of disaster. The participants extended the following recommendations.

• Priority should be given to the provision of Shelters, food and non food items
• Government must declare emergency and must allow the civil society to intervene
• A realistic assessment of damages should be conducted and development of long term strategy should be considered
• PDMA and disaster related government agencies should be revitalized to perform proper role in flood response
• Advocacy with donor organizations for seeking their support in relief and rehabilitation work
• Infrastructure development should be well planned and disaster proof structure should be developed in disaster prone areas

Ms. Zeenat Yaqoob, member BoD closed the event with her remarks.