By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) on Wednesday reviewed Pakistan’s monsoon preparedness and ongoing response efforts at its sixth meeting in Islamabad, warning that a fresh weather system from July 29 to August 5 could trigger heavy rains, urban flooding and rising river flows across the country, as the nationwide death toll from monsoon related incidents climbed to 109 and injuries reached 362.
The meeting, held at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) at NDMA headquarters, was chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal. It was attended by Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.
The committee was informed that a new monsoon system is expected to affect Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh, bringing widespread rainfall with isolated heavy downpours.
Officials warned that the weather system could cause rapid rises in river flows, medium to high flows in the Chenab River and its associated nullahs, flash floods in hill torrents and seasonal streams, and urban flooding in vulnerable cities.
According to the latest situation report, 109 people lost their lives and 362 were injured nationwide between June 26 and July 28. House, roof and wall collapses remained the leading cause of fatalities, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number of deaths, followed by Punjab.
The committee was also informed that 148 rescue operations had been carried out across the country, resulting in the evacuation of 4,111 people to safer locations through coordinated efforts of the NDMA, provincial disaster management authorities and partner agencies.
Participants stressed the need for close coordination among federal ministries, provincial governments, district administrations and emergency response agencies to ensure timely implementation of preparedness measures.
The meeting emphasized continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas, effective dissemination of early warning alerts and proactive public awareness campaigns to reduce risks from monsoon related hazards.
The ERC directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of emergency resources, rescue equipment, relief supplies and uninterrupted essential services in high risk areas.
Chairing the meeting, Prof Ahsan Iqbal directed that chief secretaries of all provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir attend future ERC meetings to strengthen coordination, accelerate decision making and improve implementation of preparedness and response measures.
The committee reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure through coordinated action and timely response throughout the ongoing monsoon season. NDMA said it would continue monitoring the evolving situation through the NEOC and maintain close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure a unified national response.
