The need for local involvement: Decentralization of disaster management institutions in Baluchistan, Pakistan

After the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir, the Pakistani government set up the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to handle future disasters and then created Provincial Disaster Management Authorities in all the provinces. This paper analyzes the decentralization of the disaster management institutions in the community of Baluchistan, using interviews of key actors in government and non-governmental organizations involved in disaster risk reduction and management activities. The data revealed that disasters in Baluchistan are still handled at the provincial level and that disaster institutions are not yet fully implemented at the district and community levels. This has exacerbated the people's vulnerability to disasters. The paper recommends efficient preparedness and coordination of provincial and national level agencies to enhance community awareness and preparedness. In addition, the paper concludes that disaster management authorities should implement programs and activities to empower communities for disaster risk reduction.