ISLAMABAD, Sept 22: National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Dr Zafar Qadir said on Thursday that the NDMA lacked a proper disaster management framework because it had been run on an ad hoc basis since its inception.

But, he said, the first national disaster risk reduction policy was being prepared.

Addressing a joint press conference with Tennis star Aisam-ul-Haq, the NDMA chief said no proper policy planning was done till June this year for minimising the impact of future natural catastrophes. A hazard vulnerability study of all districts across the country was being carried out, he added.

Answering a question, Dr Qadir said the authority had only 22 officers and 12 of them had been deployed in Sindh to monitor distribution of flood relief goods.

When asked how it is possible for a dozen officers to monitor relief goods distribution in 23 districts, he said: "There is no need for monitoring in less affected districts."

The NDMA chief said since rains had stopped and water started to recede, there would be no stagnant water in three to four districts in upper Sindh after a week, while the situation in other areas was expected to improve in two weeks and after that a comprehensive damage assessment survey would be undertaken.

He said water in the worst-hit districts of Badin and Thatta would recede in about two months.

Answering another question, Dr Qadir said he had briefed the federal cabinet on the reasons for enlarged magnitude of floods, including fault in Left Bank Outfall Drain, flaws in irrigation system and unchecked construction on traditional escape route for water.

He said besides the United Nations, Iran, Turkey, Korea and some other countries had been approached for the supply of tents, while China had assured to provide an unspecified number of tents.

He said blankets would be procured in sufficient quantity before winter.

Aisam-ul-Haq, who has joined hands with the NDMA for fund-raising, told newsmen that he always tried to help people in distress. "I cannot change the life of everybody but will try to generate funds to help maximum number of flood-hit people."

He said he had collected rackets, shoes and kits of top world tennis stars and planned to auction them Dubai or London to raise funds. He said he would ensure that the money was spent on the projects it was meant for.