Islamabad: The Government of Japan has decided to extend grant assistance of approx. US$ 3.48 million for the project for strengthening flood warning and management capacity of Pakistan.
The official notes for this project were signed and exchanged on 12th July, 2011 at the Islamabad Serena Hotel between Mr. Hiroshi Oe, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan and Dr. Kozue Kay Nagata, Representative of the UNESCO in Pakistan.
In this project, flood forecasting system using satellite-based rainfall data will be installed in Pakistan’s government agencies such as Pakistan Metrological Department, Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission and Federal Flood Commission. The system called “Integrated Flood Analysis System (IFAS)” has been developed by a Japanese research institute called the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM), for more effective and efficient flood forecasting in the developing countries where enough ground-based rainfall data cannot be ensured. Additionally, ICHARM will conduct training for the staff members of the agencies concerned to utilize IFAS and convey flood warning to the residents of the Indus river basin.
Through this project, the Government of Pakistan will strengthen the capacity of flood forecasting and hazard map making in the Indus River basin so that loss of lives and properties from floods in the future will be reduced significantly and the residents of the flood hazard areas can live in peace even in the monsoon season.
At the signing ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador expressed his hope that Japan and Pakistan, each affected by unprecedented disasters, would be able to realize reconstruction as soon as possible through mutual support and encouragement. He further hoped that the knowledge of disaster management would be shared by the two countries, enabling them to work together to build disaster-resistant nations that can better protect the well- being of the respective countries.
For more information, contact:
Embassy of Japan
53-70, Ramna 5/4, Diplomatic Enclave 1
Islamabad 44000
Pakistan (P.O. Box 1119, Islamabad, Pakistan)
Tel: +92-51-9072500
Fax: +92-51-9072352
Email: culture@ib.mofa.go.jp
http://www.pk.emb-japan.go.jp