ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said all relevant institutions must remain ever-ready to deal with any emergency situation arising from the ongoing monsoon.
He stated this while chairing a review meeting on the ongoing monsoon rains in the country and the resulting flood situation.
He directed that constant contact be maintained with the NDMA, PDMA, and provincial governments. The NDMA shall provide timely information on the monsoon situation and expected rains to all federal and provincial institutions. The Federal Minister for Planning shall chair daily meetings of the Flood Committee and, after reviewing the situation, determine a course of action. The early warning system regarding glacial lake outburst floods and glacial floods in the northern areas shall be kept fully operational.
In his remarks, PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan's contribution to the emission of greenhouse gases is negligible, yet the adverse effects of climate change are severely impacting Pakistan. In view of the adverse effects of climate change, the government is working rapidly on long-, medium-, and short-term measures. With the cooperation of all institutions, the NDMA shall ensure that loss of life and property is prevented during the ongoing spell of monsoon rains.
The Chief Secretaries of all four provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, briefed the meeting on the recent monsoon rains, the resulting damages, and rescue and rehabilitation measures.
The meeting was informed that the NDMA is providing all possible assistance and resources to provincial governments and institutions regarding the flood situation arising from the monsoon in the northern areas of the country and the ongoing severe heatwave in Sindh and Balochistan. A major spell of monsoon rains is expected in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and southern Sindh over the next two days. Additionally, a major spell of monsoon rains is also expected across the country starting from the second week of September.
The Flood Committee, established on the directive of the prime minister, is holding regular meetings in which all relevant institutions, while keeping a close watch on the current situation, are preparing a comprehensive plan of action for rescue and relief as well as rehabilitation measures and ensuring its implementation.
The meeting was further informed that the current monsoon spell has so far resulted in 110 deaths, while 360 people have been injured, 796 houses have been damaged, and 376 livestock have perished.
The meeting was informed that due to the ongoing El-Niño phenomenon at the global level, the rate of melting of glaciers in Pakistan's northern areas has increased, which poses a risk of glacial lake outburst floods and glacial floods in the coming month. All possible protective measures are being taken by identifying potentially affected areas.
The meeting was informed that immediate measures have been taken to control the urban flooding situation in central Punjab, including Lahore, while in some areas, agricultural land is underwater due to floodwaters in seasonal nullahs, and drainage work is underway. The flood situation in Dera Ghazi Khan and its adjoining areas is currently under control.
The meeting was also briefed by the NHA on road blockages due to landslides and their restoration. The meeting was informed that road blockages at 106 locations have been restored through timely measures.
The meeting was informed that the National Emergency Telecommunication Center has been activated by the Ministry of IT. In any emergency situation, a call for help from any mobile phone immediately activates Rescue 1122, which reaches the scene for rescue and relief measures.
During the monsoon, 700 locations across the country have been identified for storing rainwater, so that this water can be used for agriculture during the dry season. Briefing The Prime Minister commended the NDMA, PDMAs, provincial governments, and all relevant institutions for their advance information, preparations, and rescue and relief measures during the recent monsoon.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Dr. Musadiq Malik, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Engineer Ameer Muqam, Ataullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Mian Muhammad Moeen Wattoo, Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, and other relevant senior officials.