Ayesha Saba

The National Disaster Risk Management Fund has invested more than Rs7.2 billion in flood resilience, reconstruction and recovery initiatives in Balochistan through a range of disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and infrastructure strengthening projects, according to an official briefing submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee.

The document states that the NDRMF’s mandate is to support and finance medium- and long-term resilience through Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Financing interventions. The Fund adopts a risk-informed approach based on probabilistic and deterministic assessments of natural hazards.

According to the briefing, the NDRMF has invested Rs3.7 billion in reconstruction and rehabilitation projects across Balochistan following flood events. These investments include the construction and rehabilitation of 88 flood protection structures and 20 small dams and water conservation structures aimed at mitigating future flood risks.

The document further records that 15 public buildings, including schools and basic health units, have been retrofitted to improve resilience against climate-induced disasters. In addition, an early warning system has been installed to enhance preparedness and reduce disaster response time.

Health sector strengthening also forms a major component of the NDRMF’s interventions. The Fund has invested Rs903 million to support health system strengthening in 15 hospitals across Balochistan. These investments were aimed at improving emergency response capacity during health emergencies and climate-related disasters.

The briefing notes that NDRMF-supported programmes have focused on districts severely affected by climate-induced disasters, including Killa Saifullah, Loralai, Chagai, Quetta, Pishin, Naseerabad, Killa Abdullah, Kech, Khuzdar, Panjgur, Gwadar, Awaran, Washuk, Kachhi, Nushki, Kharan and Kalat.

In addition to its own investments, the document highlights that national-level interventions in Balochistan, including BISP cash grants for flood-affected households, the provision of medical equipment through the National Institute of Health and participation in the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign, bring the total value of NDRMF-linked support in the province to about Rs7.2 billion.

The briefing references Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) reports of major flood events, including those of 2010 and 2022, which confirmed extensive damage in Balochistan. The 2022 PDNA estimated national flood damages exceeding $14.9 billion, with significant impacts on housing, infrastructure and livelihoods in Balochistan.

The document also outlines the role of the NatCat risk modelling platform developed under NDRMF with support from SUPARCO. The model currently covers flood hazards in the Nari River Basin based on observed 2022 flood dynamics and hydrometeorological data. The expansion of the model to cover additional river basins and districts in Balochistan has been identified as a priority for future development.

According to the briefing, historical flood damage and compensation records for districts such as Panjgur and Kech are maintained by the NDMA and PDMA, and these official data sources are recommended for district-specific reporting and future planning.

The document concludes that the NDRMF’s investments are aimed at strengthening resilience, reducing disaster risks and supporting long-term recovery in Balochistan through infrastructure development, health system support and improved disaster preparedness.

Credit: INP-WealthPk