Earthquake Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Authority (Erra) will launch a disaster risk management programme in the affected areas on 19th to minimise disaster risk in its reconstruction projects.

Disaster-resistant construction training was imparted in early 2006 and a large number of masons, carpenters, overseers, managers and engineers, in one way or the other, eventually played a vital role in the massive reconstruction effort. Besides housing, the Erra has also ensured disaster risk reduction across all reconstruction sectors to save life and property in case of any calamity by following internationally accepted guidelines.

The Erra seeks to enhance awareness about this vital issue through a participatory process, which includes awareness through training workshops and discussions with all stakeholders.A comprehensive disaster risk management programme has been initiated for Mansehra and Muzaffarabad to ensure a seismically safe reconstruction. After its evaluation, the programme will be extended to other affected districts and rest of the country.