Launch of the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Risk Management Plan 2023

Organisers: Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, ICIMOD, WWF-Pakistan

About the event

The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) is launching the revised Disaster Risk Management Plan (DRMP) 2023 with key stakeholders and calling for action to prioritise and implement the plan. The event will inform the stakeholders about the severity and importance of disaster risk management and its mainstreaming in the development process of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Risk Management Plan 2023 was prepared with technical support from ICIMOD and World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan. The DRMP was revised to strengthen the approach of managing disaster risks from natural and human-induced hazards and to align with the international standards and best practices.

Objectives

• Present the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Risk Management Plan 2023 to the government of Gilgit-Baltistan and other key stakeholders.
• Highlight the importance of disaster risk management and its mainstreaming in the development process of Gilgit-Baltistan
• Officially launch the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Risk Management Plan 2023 to mark it as a public document

Background

Natural hazards have become a significant obstacle to development in Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan. Located entirely in the mountainous northern part of Pakistan, the province is prone to various types of natural disasters. Communities in the region are frequently exposed to disasters events. A recent assessment by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) found that almost half of the population in over 250 villages in the province are at risk of different types of natural hazards. This includes critical social infrastructure such as schools, health facilities, and other community buildings.

The most frequent and dominant hazards in Gilgit-Baltistan are earthquakes, flash floods, glacial outburst floods, riverine floods, heavy snowfall, snow avalanches, landslides, debris flows, erosions, rock falls, and torrential rains. These disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, manifesting deep into their social structures, and further aggravates the poverty and vulnerabilities of disadvantaged groups.

To mitigate these risks and respond promptly to disasters, GBDMA with partners including ICIMOD and World Wildlife Fund – Pakistan conducted a rigorous consultative process with key stakeholders including the communities to revise and update the existing disaster risk management plan. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Risk Management Plan 2023 is an essential milestone in the process of helping reduce disaster risks and in ensuring sustainable socio-economic development in the region.

Agenda

All time stamps are in Pakistan Standard Time.

Moderator: Ajaz Ali, Programme Officer, Strategic Group on Reducing Climate and Environmental Risks, ICIMOD