Disaster Management is a very challenging career in Pakistan due to its geographical position of Pakistan. Pakistan has every type of climate and landmark in its geography; therefore, the risk of disasters is very high. The students of Geography, Meteorology/Climatology, Earth Sciences, and Geophysics must think about starting a Disaster Management Career in Pakistan. Here you can get all information regarding the Disaster Management Career in Pakistan, such as type of disaster, courses, eligibility, employment sectors, skills, and Job opportunities.
The management and organization of all aspects of emergency management, including preparedness, response, and recovery, can be described as Disaster Management. A disaster is a dangerous situation or event that can occur anytime. The French word “desastre” is the origin of the word disaster. It is a combination of ‘des’ (bad) and ‘aster (star), which means that disaster can be translated to bad star. Natural disasters, man-made catastrophes, and hybrid disasters pose a serious threat to the normal development process, life, property, and environment.
Natural disasters are caused by natural forces such as earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, and volcanic eruptions. The second is Man-made disasters such as blasts, which are caused by human interaction with artificial environments. Hybrid disasters, e.g., Hybrid disasters (e.g., epidemics), are disasters that combine natural and man-made disasters. Both natural and man-made disasters can be blamed on increasing populations, deforestation, and industrial growth.
Disaster Management in Pakistan
All types of disasters can be managed through Disaster Management, also known as Emergency Management. Its main objective is to minimize the devastating effects of disasters on affected communities and help them to return to their normal lives within a very short time. The multi-disciplinary field of disaster management covers a broad range of topics, including monitoring, evaluations, rescue, relief, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. This profession is responsible for planning and executing actions during, after, and following disasters. It involves a variety of mechanisms, including timely warning, alerts, fast response, efficient coordination, and effective coordination. It is possible to withstand the aftermath of natural disasters even though they cannot be avoided.
The state and local governments in Pakistan have fiasco administration obligations. The legislature has also included disaster administration as an option. Many foundations offer Disaster administration courses that can help one get into crisis supervision. Many non-governmental organizations and administrations require crisis management experts to help them advance society. This is a legitimately paid profession, and, despite the hazards, fiasco management is one of those jobs that give mental fulfillment to people required to serve the public.
Disaster Management Career in Pakistan Scope and Jobs
Disaster Management Scope in Pakistan
It is a rewarding but difficult career. Responding to disasters, disaster management workers help protect victims and reduce the damage caused by them. They are also responsible for planning and preparing to respond to future emergencies. This highly specialized field requires a lot of practical experience and qualifications. It is a rewarding career. It is an excellent line of work because you can help people in need and get a high-skilled job that pays well. You can also grow and develop in the sector. Additionally, you have the opportunity to work and travel abroad. Disaster management is an excellent career.
Types of Disasters
There are many types of disasters. The duration of a disaster can vary from an hourly interruption to weeks or days of continuous destruction. Here is a list listing the different types of disasters that can affect a community, whether natural or man-made.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can be large-scale meteorological or geological events that cause property or life loss. These disasters include:
- Tornadoes, Severe Storms
- Hurricanes and tropical storms
- Floods
- Wildfires
- Earthquakes
- Drought
- Cyclones
- Tsunamis
- Fires
- Volcanic Eruptions
Man-made Disasters
Humans can also cause disasters. Groundwater contamination and chemical spillages are two examples of hazardous materials emergencies. Fires at work are becoming more common and can result in significant property damage or even death. Extremist groups that use violence against people and property can also threaten communities. The highest-risk targets are military and civilian government facilities, large cities, high-profile landmarks, and international airports. These are some examples of man-made disasters:
- Terrorist Attacks
- Road and other accidents
- Fire at home or work
- Hazardous materials
- Power service disruption & blackout
- Nuclear power plant and nuclear blast
- Radiological emergencies
- Chemical weapons and biological weapons
- Cyber attacks
- Explosion
- Civil unrest
The National Governor’s Association created a phase model for disaster management to assist emergency managers in preparing for and responding to disasters. This is also known as the “life cycle” of comprehensive emergency management. These are the four phases of disaster management.
- Mitigation;
- Preparedness;
- Response;
- Recovery.
The skillful use of skilled methods to manage disasters is called disaster management. The economic status of a country determines the methods or techniques used. Therefore, it can vary from one country to another. The developed countries are better equipped to manage disasters than those in the developing world. Due to its geographic position, climate, and geological setting, Pakistan is second in disaster deaths among developing countries. Social workers will benefit from the course.
Eligibility to Courses
Short-term certificates, diplomas, and postgraduate degrees are available in disaster management. Basic educational qualification, i.e., Higher Secondary Certificate Examination (10+2) required to pursue a career as a disaster manager. For master’s or MBA programs, students must be graduates in all fields (even engineering or medicine) and have at least 50 percent marks from any university or institute.
Disaster Management Career in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country that is prone to natural disasters in its varied landscapes. This means that there are more disaster management professionals needed. There are many job opportunities in this field. These include the disaster management department of government agencies like fire departments, drought management, law enforcement authorities, relief agents, insurance companies, and industries in high-risk sectors such as chemicals, mining, or petroleum. Each cell has its disaster management cells. You can be a social worker or an environment expert, rehabilitation worker, etc.
Engineers who specialize in disaster management can design buildings that are resilient to disasters. Students in disaster management may also be able to start their consulting firms. It is important to manage and protect the masses from various hazards. This should be done with extreme care. Disaster management is more of an administrative field. Therefore, one should be prepared to enter the field knowing all the pros and cons.
The Disaster Management staff should be prepared for any emergency and respond quickly and efficiently to the needs of those affected. They must be prepared for any eventuality and have a plan. Planning can help reduce the severity and impact of disasters.
Paramilitary personnel, firefighters, and civil servants who are in training will receive workshops and training on disaster management.
Careers Sectors for Disaster Management
Government Sectors
- National Disaster Management Authority
- National Disaster Risk Management Fund
- Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (All Provinces)
- State Disaster Management Authority (AJK).
- Federal Flood Commission
- Planning and Development Board (s)
- Rescue 1122
Non-Government Sectors
- INGOs (Islamic Relief and Save the Children, Oxfam International, etc.
- NGOs (Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Al-Khidmat Foundation Pakistan, etc.)
- UN Agencies (UNDP, UNDRR, UNESCO, etc.)
- International Donor Agencies (ADB/World Bank, USAID, DFID, etc.
Job Opportunities
- Anti-terrorism Emergency Manager
- Business Continuity Planner
- Manager of Business Risk
- Campus Emergency Manager
- Crisis Communication Specialist
- Disaster Recovery Coordinator
- Disaster Risk Specialist
- Emergency Management Policy Advisor
- Emergency Public Health Manager
- Emergency Social Services Manager
- Manager for Emergency Telecommunications
- Environmental Emergencies Specialist
- Event Safety and Emergency Management
- Hospital Emergency Manager
- Humanitarian Assistance Professional
- Industrial Emergency Manager
- International Aid Director
- International Development
- Worker
- NGO Disaster Relief Coordinator
- Oil and Gas Emergency Manager
- Professor
- Project Manager
- Public Policy Analyst
- Public Relations Representative
- Public Safety Consultant
- Researcher
- Safety Analyst
- Director of Social Programs
- Trauma Centre Supervisor
- Training
- Safety Officer
- Consult
- Professor
- Teacher
- Authority Expert
- Writer
- Rescue 1122 Worker
- Civil Defence Worker
- Worker for the Regulating Authority
You can also find job opportunities at National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Required Skills
Professionals in disaster management must be physically and mentally fit to manage all kinds of situations. This profession requires prompt action. Anyone who wants to become a disaster manager should be aware of the current situation and be able to implement appropriate plans for it. Not only are they responsible for the well-being of others, but they also have to take care of their health and safety. They must be able to handle large responsibilities. This career requires a high level of communication skills. They must communicate clearly and effectively. To excel in this field, one must have the good organizational ability and a strong team spirit.