By Rehan Khan Khushik
KARACHI: : Imdad Hussain Siddiqui, Director (Operation) PDMA, Sindh Chaired a meeting with Protection Sector Working Group (PSWG), during his opening remarks, he apprised that the Sindh Province may experience above normal rains and high flows at barrages in Sindh and to these effects, it needs to be better prepared to mitigate the impacts of monsoon. He further elaborated that the PDMA Sindh has got identified low lying areas/ water logging areas throughout the province. Highlighting that these are 197 low lying points in Karachi division, in addition to 431 Hyderabad, 105 Mirpurkhas, 105 Sukkur, 153 Larkana and 117 Shaheed Benazirabad divisions for rest of the province.
During briefing the chair also added that the PDMA Sindh has dispatched 10% to 15% NFIs (Non-Food Items) which include tents, mosquito nets, chatai, cotton mattress, synthetic sleeping mats, hygiene kits, jerry can, de-watering pumps before onset of monsoon to riverine and rain induced flood prone districts at the province. The chair appreciated the candid humanitarian support extended by all stakeholders including UN agencies, Int. NGOs, National NGOs and government line departments.
The chair also shared that the PDMA Sindh is going to establish a Gender Cell at its Karachi office in collaboration with UNFPA. The cell shall deal with GBV cases referral system, Coordination with DDMAs, government line department, and flow of information.
The meeting was participated by UNHCR, UNFPA, UN OCHA, UNRCO, IOM, Social Welfare Department Government of Sindh, Panah Shelter Home Karachi, Ageing Disability and Diversity Task Force, HANDS, International Medical Corps, Pathfinder, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, RSPN, LRF, NDF, Indus Hospital, Rahnuma, & other organizations and the matters pertaining to GBV (Gender Based Violence) were discussed and addressed by relevant stakeholders.
Photos of meeting by Rehan Khan Khushik