Effectiveness of Disaster Management Policies in Rural Baltistan : A Case Study of Village Qumarah, District Skardu (T-1262) (MFN 3053)

Abstract

unprecedented monsoon rains and heaviest floods in the known history. Gilgit-Baltistan which is non-monsoon mountainous terrain received monsoon rains with resultant thunder, lightning, outburst of glacier, land sliding and over-flooding of streams. This caused severe damage to life and property including livestock, crops, trees and other sources of livelihoods. This research project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster management policies and plans of the Government citing case study of Village Qumarah of Skardu District in Gilgit-Baltistan. The research also found out the gaps in government disaster management policies and its implementation status. Methodology followed in this study was qualitative by adopting case study empirical approach based on personal observations. The Village Qumarah was selected as case study area as it suffered heavy death toll and infrastructure loss during the devastating flood in the year 2010. Three main techniques were adopted for data collection. These included (i) data and document review, (ii) semi-structured interviews with the key informants including government officials, NGO representatives, social workers and volunteers, and (iii) focus group discussions with effected community. Findings of this research showed that Gilgit-Baltistan is a disaster prone area. Its vulnerability to natural disasters is compounded by its geography, geology, rising young mountain systems, fragile ecosystem and economic dependency. Absence of Early Warning iii System, scattered population living at high altitudes with weak communication and infrastructure multiplied its problems and vulnerability. Lack of modern equipment, infrastructure inventories, emergency response centers and contingency plans, all contributed to enhancing the impact of the disaster. Disaster management plan of district Skardu showed that village Qumarah was already defined as vulnerable in that document based on past incidents of flash floods and floods but no concrete preventive measures had been taken as advised there in. While the role and participation of local community was altogether neglected in the plan, the government was not prepared at all for such a disaster. Post-disaster, damage assessment surveys were conducted by a number of stakeholders and such repetitive work wasted time and resources. It was found that just after the first flood incident on August 7, 2010 in village Qumarah, the rescue and emergency response activities were carried out with great spirit by the district administration, Pakistan Army and civil society volunteers along with the community members. However, lack of equipment and untrained human resources were the limiting factors which did not allow the efforts to continue unabated. Relief efforts by the government also included “Watan Cards” and financial compensation for life loss and injuries. However, in rehabilitation process, the government and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) played a limited role and failed to respond to expectations of the community. The potential and role of NGOs in disaster management activities carried out in the study area could be much more than was actually realized. NGO should be brought into a coherent loop with government through adopting innovative approaches to address the issues effectively. iv In pre-flood and post-flood situations, environmental issues such as land sliding, land degradation, protection of potable water resources were not addressed and no campaign is launched to make people aware of its importance. For effective disaster management practice, it was recommended that the role of NDMA and its subsidiaries needs to be redefined. Special emphasis should be given on conducting research and preparing database by incorporating latest as well as traditional and indigenous practices and approaches. Importance should be given on capacity building of stakeholders and launching awareness campaigns for local communities about disaster management and environmental protection. Sustainable rehabilitation programmes with the help of NGOs should be launched in which innovative approached should be adopted such as micro-financing. Stress should be given on rehabilitation of most vulnerable segments of society such as women, children and elderly people. Disaster management plan should be made a public document in a local language so that people can have access to it, respond to it and ensure safer and sustainable communities.