The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), as a lead federal agency, initiated the development of the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) to implement a tech-driven approach for early warning and alert systems, improved risk awareness and communication, and adherence to global standards for disaster management.

Declaring climate change and its link to natural disasters presents unprecedented challenges for anticipatory actions globally. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned in its 2023 sixth assessment report cycle (AR6) Report that global warming is a leading factor behind the increasing severity and frequency of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods and storms, posing a threat to lives, health, and ecosystems. Combined with other crises like pandemics and conflicts, water scarcity and food security, these hazards become even harder to manage. Major disasters in 2023, including wildfires in North America, tornadoes in the United States (U.S.), Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar, earthquakes in Turkiye, Syria and Morocco, and flooding in China and Libya, have wreaked havoc in countries across the globe. The urgency for effective global disaster management through preparedness is evident, with the U.S. alone experiencing losses of USD 23 billion in 2023, as The New York Times reported. 
In Pakistan, 2022-floods are a sheer example of climate-induced disasters, which affected over 33 million people, with 1739 deaths and damages and losses totaling more than USD 30 billion. Pakistan has also experienced other climate change impacts, such as extreme heatwaves, glacial melt, rising sea levels and droughts, which have negatively affected its economy and vulnerable communities. 

Major disasters in 2023, including wildfires in North America, tornadoes in the United States (U.S.), Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar, earthquakes in Turkiye, Syria and Morocco, and flooding in China and Libya, have wreaked havoc in countries across the globe. The urgency for effective global disaster management through preparedness is evident, with the U.S. alone experiencing losses of USD 23 billion in 2023, as The New York Times reported. 

Pakistan needs a robust disaster management governance to enhance disaster preparedness to prevent and mitigate climate and non-climatic disasters and shift from a reactive to a proactive disaster management approach. But how could the country overcome the challenges and turn a disaster into an opportunity? Recognizing the need for a proactive disaster management approach, being a lead federal agency, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conceptualized the development of the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) under the leadership of the incumbent Chairman NDMA to establish a tech-driven approach for early warning and alert systems, enhanced risk awareness and communication and alignment with global standards for disaster management. NEOC’s concept was supervised by the Prime Minister's Office and received full support from General Headquarters (GHQ). 

While the Armed Forces played a crucial role in search and rescue operations and initial relief efforts, the provincial and district-level authorities responsible for disaster management faced challenges in building specific capacities as first and second-tier responders. 

To develop the concept of NEOC, NDMA conducted a comprehensive disaster management audit involving key ministries, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), academia, the international community, and humanitarian partners in light of the devastating floods in 2022. The audit meticulously assessed and evaluated the preparedness and responsiveness of Pakistan's existing disaster management systems and policies. Through this audit, it was revealed that the country lacked a national system for proactive disaster management. While the Armed Forces played a crucial role in search and rescue operations and initial relief efforts, the provincial and district-level authorities responsible for disaster management faced challenges in building specific capacities as first and second-tier responders. Additionally, a lack of coordination among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) led to resource duplication and inefficiency. The absence of a platform for pre-planning with international support centers further added to the country's challenges.
NDMA developed a National Vision for Proactive Disaster Management by the end of 2022 to bridge the gaps in Pakistan's disaster management system. It aimed to mitigate recurring losses caused by a lack of proactive preparedness. The vision recognized the need to address the risks associated with global disasters and emphasized the importance of early warning systems, pre-planning and coordination with international support centers. 

NDMA developed a National Vision for Proactive Disaster Management by the end of 2022 to bridge the gaps in Pakistan's disaster management system. It aimed to mitigate recurring losses caused by a lack of proactive preparedness. 

The NEOC has been established as part of this vision at NDMA Headquarters (HQ). NEOC serves as a technology-driven platform for continuously monitoring potential climate and non-climate hazards and emergencies to develop a National Common Operating Picture (NCOP) that integrates multiple data layers and geographical information to provide a comprehensive overview of the disaster situation and response to potential disasters. NEOC will be instrumental in determining the potential impact of disasters, identifying vulnerable areas and coordinating pre-arranged support from global organizations, diplomatic channels and United Nations (UN) organizations to develop effective response plans. During the Tropical Cyclone BIPARJOY, NEOC proved its effectiveness by providing timely and accurate information using international models and contributed to the timely dissemination of emergency alerts, warnings and evacuations, ultimately reducing losses and casualties. 
Moreover, predictive modelling and detailed and time-specific information will allow NEOC/NDMA to assess different scenarios, identify risks and create effective strategies to protect people and resources. It also aids in resource allocation, decision-making, policy formulation, and resilience at the community level. Likewise, interconnected operations and a multidimensional approach will ensure a coordinated response to mitigate the impact of multiple disasters. 

During the Tropical Cyclone BIPARJOY, NEOC proved its effectiveness by providing timely and accurate information using international models and contributed to the timely dissemination of emergency alerts, warnings and evacuations, ultimately reducing losses and casualties. 

Furthermore, NEOC will be a key support for NDMA to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the private sector, NGOs, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) and UN agencies, to chalk out protracted plans for disaster management. Integrating these stakeholders into the planning process can achieve a robust and coordinated response, resulting in a more resilient and prepared society.

NEOC serves as a technology-driven platform for continuously monitoring potential climate and non-climate hazards and emergencies to develop a National Common Operating Picture (NCOP) that integrates multiple data layers and geographical information to provide a comprehensive overview of the disaster situation and response to potential disasters. 

As part of the National Vision for Proactive Disaster Management, NDMA has established a Think Tank, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), to collaborate with academia and global institutions to develop tailored solutions for local needs. This approach acknowledges the significance of involving and empowering communities in disaster management planning and implementation.
NDMA Pakistan is leading a remarkable example of resilience and adaptation in disasters. As evident during the Turkiye and Syria Earthquakes, NDMA established the Relief Bridge to reach out and provide support to nations in distress while dealing with its disaster-related challenges. 
Through a proactive approach to disaster management, NDMA is striving to strengthen disaster risk reduction, establish effective response systems and foster community resilience by harnessing the technical expertise, resources, and coordination of stakeholders in the field for a safer and more resilient future, where the adverse impacts of disasters can be minimized, and communities at risk can be safeguarded.

The writer is a Civil Servant and designated as a Public Relations Officer at NDMA.
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