Ulusal Acil Durum Komitesi Muson Hazırlıklarını Değerlendirdi

Emergency Response Committee reviews preparedness for monsoon

ISLAMABAD: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) reviewed national monsoon preparedness during its latest session at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (Neoc), NDMA Headquarters. A statement issued here said the 9th session of the ERC was convened to review national preparedness and response during the current spell of monsoon rains. The meeting was chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal. Chairman NDMA and the Neoc team briefed the committee on the overall monsoon situation across the country. The committee was presented with a comprehensive overview of recent monsoon-related incidents, including human and infrastructure losses, the status of ongoing rescue and relief operations, and progress on rehabilitation efforts in affected areas. The committee was also specifically briefed on the flood situation that emerged following rainfall across various parts of the country, along with response measures undertaken by relevant federal, provincial and district authorities to manage the situation, protect vulnerable communities and ensure timely emergency response. The Neoc also shared the latest hydrological outlook and forecast of associated hazards, highlighting that rainfall was expected over northern and central parts of the country, while isolated to scattered showers were also likely over southeastern Sindh. In addition, the NDMA team briefed the committee on humanitarian response being coordinated with national and international humanitarian partners, including ongoing relief operations in affected areas. The committee reviewed response measures undertaken by federal ministries, provincial governments and district administrations and acknowledged their efforts in safeguarding communities, conducting rescue operations, providing relief assistance and restoring essential services in affected areas. The participants reiterated the importance of maintaining close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure a timely and effective response to any emerging situation. The convener directed all concerned departments to sustain the current operational momentum, ensure uninterrupted coordination, continue proactive preparedness measures, and expedite relief and rehabilitation activities wherever required. Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique, chief secretaries of provinces and regions, Chairman NDMA, senior officials of relevant federal ministries, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other response agencies participated through physical and virtual attendance. Meanwhile, the District Administration on Saturday directed civic bodies to improve preparedness during the monsoon season to avoid flood-like situations in the coming days. A review meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Tayyab Samee Khan to assess preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season and review arrangements for dealing with emergencies arising from heavy rainfall. The meeting was attended by all assistant commissioners of the district, officials from Wasa, Rescue 1122, police, municipal departments and other relevant line departments. The meeting reviewed the performance of various departments during the previous day’s monsoon rains, including drainage operations, emergency response measures and the overall situation at vulnerable locations across the district. The additional deputy commissioner (revenue) directed that the 19 identified points must remain under constant surveillance, with machinery, field staff and officers readily available to ensure an immediate response in case of heavy rainfall. Tayyab Samee Khan emphasised that any negligence or delay in responding at these locations would be unacceptable. He directed all departments to maintain close coordination and remain present in the field to ensure timely action and minimise inconvenience to the public. He further stated that the police department had a vital role in maintaining smooth traffic flow, ensuring public safety and responding effectively during heavy rains. He stressed the need for an enhanced and more proactive police response to facilitate citizens and prevent any untoward incidents. Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026