Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday issued directives for immediate and robust preparations to address potential monsoon and cloudburst events in the upcoming years. This directive came during a briefing at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister lauded the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for its effective utilization of modern technology and skilled personnel. While acknowledging recent cloudburst incidents in cities like Chakwal, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, he expressed satisfaction that the intensity of rainfall remained low in southern Punjab and surrounding areas.
He affirmed the federal government’s commitment to providing all necessary assistance and urged the NDMA to collaborate closely with provincial governments to formulate a cohesive disaster response strategy. He commended the NDMA and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) for their seamless coordination, specifically praising Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other provincial leaders for their proactive measures, which he noted significantly minimized losses.
The Prime Minister conveyed his profound grief over the lives lost due to recent rains and offered prayers for those injured. He emphasized the critical need for acquiring essential equipment and bolstering human resource capacity. He further stressed that the Ministry of Climate Change and the Ministry of Planning must work in tandem with the NDMA and provincial authorities to develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy.
Earlier in the briefing, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik informed the Prime Minister that this year’s monsoon rainfall is projected to be 60 to 70 percent more intense than in 2024. He added that while there are typically nine monsoon spells annually, an additional two to three spells are anticipated this year. Despite this, the NDMA Chairman assured that the risk of large-scale flooding is low, as all rivers are currently flowing at normal levels. He reported that 178 individuals have tragically lost their lives in rain-related incidents so far this season, with approximately 500 others sustaining injuries.
