PESHAWAR, April 10: The NWFP government has yet to approve a draft disaster management strategy prepared after the October 8 earthquake to cope with natural calamities and man-made disasters, sources said.

An official said the draft of the strategy designed about two months ago was awaiting government approval.

In the aftermath of the devastating quake which killed nearly 30,000 people and wounded another 40,000 apart from causing widespread damage in five districts of the NWFP, the government constituted a committee to prepare a strategy for the province.

The objective of the strategy, officials said, is to evolve a strategic road-map to bring about changes to lessen vulnerability to natural disasters.

The draft proposal suggests creation of a disaster management committee at the provincial level to be headed by the home secretary.

The committee will adopt an integrated institutional approach to evolve pre- and post-disaster plans and associated organizational mechanisms.

Elaborating main functions of the committee, officials said it would assist district governments in preparing their plans, determining and assessing requirements and devising plans for all kinds of hazards and disasters.

The committee, in collaboration with provincial and federal departments and agencies, will ensure adequate preparedness at all levels.

The NWFP government will be assisted in coordinating post-disaster relief and rehabilitation plans and will develop standard operating procedures in coordination with provincial departments for handling specific disasters.

According to the draft, the committee will develop training procedures and district-wise database of rescue and search teams.

Formation of a council of ministers, headed by the chief minister, has also been proposed which will deal and take lead during emergency situations.

The proposed council will oversee and approve strategies and policies aimed at preventing, mitigating, preparing and responding to emergency situations.

An independent relief commissioner will be appointed in the province who will be assisted by four regional relief commissioners to be placed in Hazara, Malakand, Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan. Similarly, relief commissioners will be appointed in all 24 districts of the province.

Officials said establishment of a disaster management emergency fund had been proposed in the draft strategy to support preparedness, response and recovery measures in the province.

The government will generate funds through levying additional tax or allocating sizable amount from grant-in-aid provided by donor agencies.