“Effectiveness of Rapid Needs Assessments in Enhancing Disaster Response Operation in Pakistan”

Abstract

This importation of RNAs has been especially evident especially when a substantial disaster has occurred like the Kashmir Earthquake of 2005 and the 2022 Monsoon Floods. Despite this, over time, there have been methodological improvements in RNAs that include the integration of digital technologies and that is, the use of mobile-based data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that have improved the timeliness and accuracy of assessments. In spite of these improvements, there are still several systemic barriers that continue to affect the effectiveness of RNAs in Pakistan. These include lack of standardized evaluation systems, lack of technical capacity at the local levels, lack of community mobilization and inadequate inter-agency coordination. These limitations mainly lead to fragmentation of data, repetition of efforts and slow or poorly informed responses. In order to maximize the usefulness of RNAs in their operations, there is an urgent necessity to create and establish standardized procedures that can be used consistently under a range of disasters. The targeted training of local capacity, as well as the allocation of resources will create central solutions to increasing the reliability of the data, strategic planning, and the overall integrity of the disaster response activities in Pakistan.