Peshawar: University of Peshawar is synergizing key departments like Geography, environmental sciences, Disaster and geology to combat disaster and climate change challenges. The statement was shared by vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asif Khan at the inaugural session of the one day MOBILISE expo entitled as “Technology mediated disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and Sustainable Development”. Around thirty governmental and non-governmental organizations presented their products, equipment’s and software at expo on Disaster reduction risk reduction at the Expo.

Speaking as a chief guest Prof. Dr.Asif Khan welcomed research projects on Disaster reduction in big number since 2005 but stressed those key government organizations will have to adapt latest technologies in combating climate change and disasters like situations. He showed his concern that large infrastructure projects without environmental feasibility and building codes will open door for catastrophe.

Director Centre for disaster preparedness and Management Prof. Dr.Noor Jahan said disaster mitigation and preparedness need more attention of the disaster management authorizes. She further stresses on effective mechanism with latest technology for emergency response. She called upon line departments to conduct awareness programs and adapt latest technologies.

Dean faculty of life and Environmental Sciences, Prof.Dr.Bashir Ahmad said that bringing in development sector, governmental institution and academia under one roof is a big shot in arm for the centre .He called upon participants of the expo to sustain the research and collaboration spree. He was of the view that technology and research relating to disaster risk reduction and climate change has progressed significantly on all fronts and across all sectors. Scientists and researchers have brought a deeper understanding of hazards, vulnerabilities, disaster risks and their linkages to the developmental processes. However, there are ongoing challenges and gaps in translating this scientific information into policy so that disaster risk reduction policies are based on science and evidence. Given the different levels at which disasters can affect our society, it is essential that we consider how the physical and social sciences can be fully deployed in an integrated way with technology to reduce both disaster risks and their impacts.

PDMA Director Mian Abdul Qadir Shah told participants that 35 telemeters are being installed to have real time data for responding to floods in the province. He was of the view that he has practically seen the 2005 earthquake situation in field and it is high time to invest in DRR rather than investing in post disaster recovery. He said, PDMA is trying their level best to tap all resources and is working very hard for disaster resilience in the province.
The MOBILISE investigator Mushtaq Jan said that MOBILISE platform of the CDPM aim to strengthen Collaboration between institutions and organizations working in area of Disaster risk Reduction. The Project team has developed Mobile Apps for Disaster reporting and sharing of information. The team is working on developing Software’s for economic cost modeling, vulnerable group’s dependency modeling, system dynamics, disaster casecade effect modeling and software for visualization of Disaster impacts. The MOBILISE Expo was in the second event of MOBILISE Platform in the past few months. The platform intends to hold one national and one international conference on Disaster Resilience in 2019.