U.S. Delegation, PDMA Sindh Discuss Flood Preparedness and Relief Measures

By Nazir Siyal

KARACHI: A high-level U.S. delegation led by Ms. Ivana Vuco, Regional Disaster Advisor with the U.S. Department of State, visited the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh Head Office on Monday to review flood preparedness and relief operations.

The delegation included Tyrell Walker, Economic Officer at the U.S. Consulate General, and Jennifer Jalovec, Regional Humanitarian Advisor with the Global Food Security Bureau. They were briefed by Syed Salman Shah, Director General (DG) PDMA Sindh, who highlighted the authority’s enhanced capacity following the devastating 2022 floods.

Shah noted that although the current flood situation is under control, lessons from the 2022 disaster prompted the use of advanced technologies, including real-time mapping of relief camps, health facilities, and high-risk villages. “We are better prepared now, but we must continue to evolve our systems to meet future challenges,” he said.

He added that PDMA is issuing 12-hourly situation reports covering evacuation numbers, relief camp statistics, livestock vaccination, patient data, and water flow at barrages. Updates are shared through newspapers, FM radio, text alerts, and local officials. PDMA also works with 72 partners, including 68 NGOs and 4 UN agencies, to deliver relief effectively.

On behalf of the U.S. delegation, Ms. Vuco commended Sindh authorities for their sustained disaster preparedness efforts, especially in technology-driven response systems. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration.

DG Shah expressed gratitude and reaffirmed PDMA’s interest in expanding cooperation with the U.S. Government, particularly in advancing search and rescue technologies.