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Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) do?
Ans: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh is responsible for disaster management within the province. Its primary functions include disaster preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation and risk reduction. PDMA executes initiatives to manage disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, cyclone and heatwaves by working together with NDMA DDMAs, Provincial Line Departments, Federal Ministries, Armed Forces, INGOs, National NGOs, Humanitarian Organizations, UN Agencies and Philanthropies. It also plays a key role in developing and disseminating early warning systems, conducting multi hazard risk assessments and facilitating community awareness and training programs to build resilience against disasters.
- How can I report a disaster to PDMA?
Ans: To report a disaster to PDMA, you can reach out on PDMA Emergency Helpline Number 1736. You can also contact your local District Disaster Management Authority for assistance or for any incident report you can contact Sindh Emergency Rescue Service (1122).
For Further assistance in any matter regarding disaster management you can email at pdmapeoc@gmail.com or WhatsApp on 0335-5557362 or by searching Provincial Disaster Management Authority Sindh on social media i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Links to all resources are available on Home Page of the PDMA website.
- What services does PDMA provide during an emergency?
Ans: During disaster, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) provides a wide range of resources to support effective disaster response and recovery. It coordinates with various government departments, UN agencies, NGOs and international organizations to manage response initiatives and allocation of humanitarian resources. It supports district management in acquisition and distribution of essential relief supplies such as food, water, medical aid and shelter to the affected population in the province. Additionally, PDMA facilitates the safe evacuation of individuals from disaster-affected areas, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
- How does PDMA help in disaster preparedness and risk reduction?
Ans: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) promotes disaster preparedness and risk reduction by conducting risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas through MHVRA, develops disaster preparedness and contingency plans, and provides guidelines for local governments and communities. PDMA also organizes training sessions and technical capacity building workshops for government officials and community members to enhance skills for effective disaster response along with educating community about disaster risks and safety measures to natural disasters. By fostering partnerships with local and international organizations, PDMA strengthens community resilience and ultimately minimizing the impact of potential disasters. It develops SOPs to define role of provincial, district as well as local agencies for the involvement in emergency response. PDMA Sindh also prepare and disseminate sectoral guidelines on mainstreaming DRR into the development planning.
- How do I volunteer for disaster relief efforts through PDMA?
Ans: To volunteer for disaster relief efforts with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh, you can visit headquarters in Karachi or submit an application with a request to volunteer with PDMA Sindh during disaster emergency situation. Additionally, you can participate in community awareness programs or training sessions organized by PDMA, which are excellent ways to get involved and prepare for disaster response efforts.
- How can communities receive disaster awareness training from PDMA?
Ans: Communities can receive disaster awareness and training by keeping an update on workshops, training sessions, seminars, and other community-based programs, focusing on disaster preparedness, response strategies, and risk reduction, with the support from the disaster responders and NGO. Training materials and safety resources are easily accessible on the PDMA’s official website under Training and Education: https://pdma.gos.pk/training-education/ . Awareness material links are also given on PDMA’s website. Please visit
- What should I do in the event of a flood, earthquake, cyclone and heatwave?
Ans: In events of any disaster, knowing how to respond is vital. During a flood, stay alert, keep an update on weather alerts and warnings, evacuate to safer place if needed, and avoid going to going to floodwaters. It is also important to take important documents like CNICs, land records, passports, child birth certificates etc. while evacuating. For earthquakes, remember to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” staying inside and away from windows. In a cyclone, follow warnings, secure your home, gather emergency supplies, and evacuate if advised. During a heatwave, stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours, and use fans or air conditioning to stay cool. Being prepared and informed can greatly reduce risks during these emergencies.
- How does PDMA coordinate with local and national authorities?
Ans: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) operates under the Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh. It coordinates with the local and national authorities through established communication channels. While PDMA works independently at the provincial level, it closely collaborates with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for dealing with whole spectrum of disaster management activities. In this capacity, PDMA aligns its strategies with NDMA guidelines and follows key instructions to ensure a unified national approach to disaster management. PDMA also works with District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to prepare contingency plans, implement disaster response plans and manage resources efficiently. It convenes regular meetings, joint training exercises, and clear communication protocols which ensure smooth humanitarian coordination across all levels of government, enabling an effective disaster response system at the provincial level.
- Where can I find PDMA’s latest disaster risk management materials?
Ans: The disaster risk management materials by PDMA Sindh are available on its official website, which are regularly updated in Maps Section (https://pdma.gos.pk/gis-maps/ ) as well as district disaster management plans (https://pdma.gos.pk/disaster-management-plans/) along with risk atlases (https://pdma.gos.pk/hazard-risk-atlases/) under Disaster Management option.
- What is the role of PDMA in post-disaster recovery efforts?
Ans: PDMA collaborates with local and national authorities, as well as with NGOs by providing them a support platform for long-term recovery and strengthen community resilience after disasters.
- How to download the Maps of Disaster Assessment?
Ans: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) regularly publishes disaster assessment maps on its official website, providing up-to-date information on recent disasters. Additionally, researchers can download maps and data related to various disasters for analysis and study purposes. Link: https://pdma.gos.pk/gis-maps/
- How to access and download MHVRA from PDMA Sindh Website?
Ans: The district information on Multi Hazard Risk Assessment is available in Risk Atlases (https://pdma.gos.pk/hazard-risk-atlases/) and MHVRA Informed Disaster Management Plans (https://pdma.gos.pk/disaster-management-plans/) available on PDMA website under Disaster Management Menu Option. A more interactive version of study can also be accessed through Disaster Management Information System (DMIS). Link: https://dmis-pdma.gos.pk/
- How to access Disaster Management Information System (DMIS)?
Ans: You can access Disaster Management information System (DMIS) by clicking DMIS Menu Option on PDMA’s Website or you can directly access through: https://dmis-pdms.gos.pk/ once registered.
- How to complain PDMA for the relief activities?
Ans: To lodge a complaint about relief distribution, you can use several channels, including the emergency helpline, phone calls, SMS, email, and social media. You can also reach out to your local District Disaster Management Authority. The PDMA helpline, contact number, email, and social media accounts are available on the PDMA Sindh website.
- How to easy access and downloads PDMA reports during and post Disaster?
Ans: You can easily access and download reports from the official website, as well as posts on Facebook and other social media. On the website you can go to disaster and calamities option on menu bar and access the situation reports for the desired disaster (https://pdma.gos.pk/monsoon-2024-situation-reports/).
Additionally, both the annual report and post-disaster reports are readily available there. (https://pdma.gos.pk/2023/02/07/flood-2022-in-sindh/)