Islamabad: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) has directed concerned departments to remain on high alert in view of a fresh spell of rains expected from today until the 5th of next month. The directives were issued during a committee meeting in Islamabad, chaired via video link by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting reviewed the monsoon situation, preparedness measures, and ongoing relief operations in detail. The meeting was informed that the incoming weather system is likely to bring widespread rainfall, including isolated heavy falls, across regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh. There is a risk of riverine flooding, flash floods, and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.
The Committee emphasized the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders, continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas, and the timely dissemination of weather advisories and public safety information. It directed the authorities to ensure the availability of emergency resources, rescue equipment, and relief supplies.
The meeting also decided that the Chief Secretaries of all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will attend future ERC meetings to strengthen coordination and response efforts further. The Committee was briefed that from the 26th of last month to the 28th of this month, monsoon-related incidents claimed 109 lives and left 362 people injured across the country. During this period, 148 rescue operations were carried out, and 4,111 people were evacuated to safer locations.
