History of the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority

The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority was established in response to the widespread natural disasters that occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, which resulted in the loss of millions of lives and financial damages amounting to billions of dollars. Following a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, and subsequently pursuant to a decree of the Government of Afghanistan on 2 Saur 1351 (22 April 1972), the Authority was established within the Office of the Prime Minister to respond to natural disasters and provide assistance to affected people. In 1383 (2004), the Authority expanded its operations nationwide through the establishment of field offices in seven zones. Subsequently, in 1388 (2009), pursuant to a decision of the Government at the time, the Authority's provincial offices were formally established and began operating in all 34 provinces of the country. Since its establishment, the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority has played a vital role in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response. It is considered one of the country's key institutions in responding to emergencies and disasters. The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority also has the National Disaster Management Information System (NDMIS) as part of its institutional structure including establishment of National and Provincial Emergency Operation Centers (NEOC/PEOCs) . The Authority's relevant departments in all 34 provinces record comprehensive information on disasters occurring in their respective provinces on a daily basis through this system. The information includes the type of disaster, location, casualties, damages, and details of assistance provided to affected individuals and families. This information is systematically recorded, organized, stored, and archived. The purpose of the system is to collect disaster-related information and manage it through a unified and structured platform, enabling information to be recorded and analyzed rapidly and accurately and to be accessed whenever required. Information recorded in NDMIS is used to compile statistics and reports, assess disasters and their impacts, strengthen preparedness for potential future disasters, and develop relevant plans. It also serves as an important source for preserving and maintaining the country's disaster history and related information.