UHS students visit PDMA

LAHORE:A delegation of students from the University of Health Sciences (UHS) visited the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab on Friday to gain insights into its disaster management system.

During the visit, the students were briefed on the PDMA Punjab’s operational framework for addressing natural disasters.They toured the PDMA Control Room, where Director General (DG) Irfan Ali Kathia highlighted the authority’s round the clock communication system with all districts in Punjab.

PDMA DG explained that PDMA remains on high alert to tackle challenges such as floods, dengue, drought, smog, and heat waves.He emphasised the importance of advance warnings and alerts issued to the administration regarding potential disasters like heat waves, heavy rains, and floods.

Addressing the delegation, the DG underlined the severity of climate change in Pakistan and stressed that combating smog and other climate-related challenges are top priorities of the Punjab government.

The students were also introduced to PDMA’s flood simulation model and received insights into the authority’s response mechanisms and rehabilitation efforts for disaster-affected families.The students actively participated in the session, posing questions about PDMA’s operations and victim rehabilitation programmes.

DG Kathia assured that financial assistance for disaster-affected families is provided under the Punjab government’s policies.At the conclusion of the visit, the students appreciated the Punjab government’s proactive measures in rehabilitating flood victims.DG presented a commemorative shield to the delegation.