Disaster Risk Management

Training Manual Developed for the District level Government and Non-Government Stakeholders in Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Executive Summary

This training manual serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing effective Disaster Risk Management (DRM) practices. It is structured into five modules, each designed to build a foundational understanding and practical skills for managing disasters at various levels. The manual provides critical insights into concepts, frameworks, and actionable strategies, with a particular focus on the provincial and district levels in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, Pakistan.

Module One: Introduction to Disaster Management The first module introduces participants to the fundamental concepts and terminologies of Disaster Risk Management. It explores the disaster risk profile of KP Province and provides an overview of international frameworks such as the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). Additionally, it highlights Pakistan’s approach to DRM, with a focus on district-level operations in KP, and elaborates on the process, phases, and cycle of DRM.

Module Two: Disaster Risk Assessment This module emphasizes the importance of understanding risks through Hazard Assessment and Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment. It introduces Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM), emphasizing its potential for grassroots resilience and its future prospects in Pakistan.

Module Three: Disaster Risk Management Planning Participants are guided through the DRM planning process, underscoring its significance at the district level. The module also delves into the importance of contingency planning as a critical tool for disaster preparedness and response.

Module Four: Emergency Response Management This module equips participants with knowledge and skills for effective emergency response. Key topics include camp management, evacuation strategies (with special attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly), damages and needs assessment, and warehouse management.

Module Five: Disaster Risk Management for Selected Hazards The final module focuses on hazard-specific DRM strategies, including structural and non-structural measures. It emphasizes the integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into development projects and highlights the cluster approach for coordination during disasters. Special attention is given to mainstreaming gender and disabilities into DRR practices and ensuring effective disaster reporting.

This manual provides a well-rounded foundation for building capacity in disaster management, fostering a culture of preparedness, and enhancing resilience across all levels of society.