Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to use all available resources to provide relief and assistance to people affected by floods across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), he issued the directives during a meeting with NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik.
The prime minister instructed the NDMA to ensure that “all available resources should be utilised to provide every possible assistance and relief to the people in flood-affected areas”.
He also directed the authority to maintain close coordination with relevant provincial departments and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) to ensure an effective response.
Mr Shehbaz appreciated the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology at the National Emergencies Operation Centre for monitoring and managing emergencies.
During the meeting, the NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the country’s weather conditions, with particular focus on the flood situation following monsoon rains.
He also updated the premier on ongoing relief operations in affected areas and measures being taken for the rehabilitation of flood victims.
The chairman said, with federal government support, NDMA relief operations would continue in flood-hit areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to NDMA data, 155 people have died and 460 others have been injured in rain-related incidents between June 26 and Aug 14.
Monsoon rains typically occur across the region from June to September and play an important role in replenishing water resources, but heavy rainfall can also trigger floods, landslides and displacement, particularly in vulnerable and densely populated areas.
The Flood Forecasting Division of the Pakistan Meteorological Department warned on Friday of possible high flooding in storm-water nullahs linked to the Chenab and Ravi rivers between Aug 15 and 21 as water flows continue to rise.
