UN earthquake response exercise begins

LAHORE:The United Nations INSARAG Asia-Pacific Earthquake Response Exercise-2024 (APERE) started here on Wednesday, after successful commencement of International Rescue Challenge 2024.

A total 274 international delegates from 23 countries and humanitarian partner organisations are here in Lahore to share international best practices and strengthen coordination and cooperation amongst the rescue teams.

On behalf of the Punjab government, Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique formally welcomed the distinguished delegates. He said that Pakistan Rescue Team is certified by the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and that is why, Pakistan holds the chair for the Asia-Pacific region this year and due to this exercise is being hosted here in Pakistan.

He emphasised the significance of global collaboration, stating, ‘By working together, we will enhance our capabilities and improve international cooperation. It is an honour for Pakistan to host this global event, and I am confident we will learn from each other's expertise to serve humanity better.’ He congratulated Dr Rizwan Naseer and team for their outstanding efforts in organising this significant event.

Secretary of Emergency Services Dr Rizwan Naseer welcomed the international delegates and said that the Asia Pacific Earthquake Exercise will improve coordination and strengthen human partnerships. He emphasised that this initiative will enhance collective disaster response capabilities and through collaboration, emergency services can response effectively on international disaster. Dr Rizwan acknowledged the role of UN-INSARAG in capacity building of PES and shared the journey of Punjab Emergency Services from its inception to achieving the UN-INSARAG certification and recent international response of PRT in Turkiye Earthquake. He said emergency service was started from scratch and now due to integrated emergency management system, PES rescued over 15.9 million victims and saved an estimated Rs687billion loss through improved emergency response and professional firefighting, responding to 245,691 fire incidents. United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Muhammad Yahya speaking via video link welcomed the participants of the Asia Pacific Earthquake Response Exercise 2024. He congratulated the government for organising this event and emphasised the importance of national and international collaboration in improving and enhancing disaster response capabilities.

UN-INSARAG Global Lead Winston Chang from OCHA Geneva expressed his admiration for the progress made by the Pakistan Rescue Team. ‘I am deeply impressed with the significant strides taken by the Pakistan Rescue Team under the capable leadership of Dr Rizwan Naseer. Hosting an event of this magnitude is no small feat and it is clear that the team’s meticulous planning and hard work have paid off,’ said Chang. The event will continue till October26.