NDMA Expresses Concern Over Low Incident Reporting Due to Lack of Compensation 

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has highlighted concerns regarding the underreporting of incidents, attributing the issue to a lack of compensation.

In a recent interview with RaajjeTV, NDMA’s Emergency Management Department Director, Faroosha Ali Naseer, emphasised that the current number of reported cases is alarmingly low.

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Faroosha pointed out that many individuals might report incidents primarily in anticipation of compensation.

“There is an overriding sentiment that incidents are worth reporting only if there is an expectation of compensation,” said Faroosha. “The underplaying of incident significance, even in the absence of compensation, remains a pressing issue.”

Additionally, the director expressed concerns over the quality of the information in the reports submitted. She noted that without comprehensive details, it becomes strenuous for the NDMA to consult the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and pinpoint risks associated with the incidents.

Addressing the issue, Mariyam Shizna, the Director of NDMA’s Programme Research Advocacy Department, stated that the authority is actively working to bolster awareness about the significance of reporting incidents. 

“Our concerted efforts involve collaborations with local councils and institutions,” Shizna added. The NDMA is placing particular emphasis on awareness campaigns targeted at the youth and children.

Furthermore, Shizna mentioned that the NDMA is open to partnerships for the said programmes. She shed light on the authority’s ongoing initiatives, which encompass assessing potential incidents, identifying risk factors in rural areas, and formulating as well as revisiting disaster management strategies.