ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday directed federal, provincial and local authorities to strengthen coordination and intensify preparedness, rescue and relief efforts as heavy monsoon rains continue across the country.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, the president warned that the ongoing monsoon spell had increased the risk of flash floods, cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, river flooding and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage to homes, infrastructure and property caused by recent rains and related incidents.
President Zardari directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other provincial and local bodies to maintain close coordination and ensure timely dissemination of early warnings.
He also called for continuous monitoring of rainfall, river flows and water levels in upper catchment areas, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while urging downstream regions to make advance preparations for possible flooding.
The president further directed authorities to pre-position rescue and relief resources, protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, and take necessary measures to safeguard tourists and visitors in areas at risk of flash floods, GLOFs and landslides.
He stressed that all relevant institutions must remain vigilant and respond immediately wherever lives or property are at risk.
President Zardari also urged the public to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to areas under warnings for heavy rain, flash floods, landslides or other weather-related hazards.
He appreciated the efforts of rescue workers and emergency personnel involved in relief operations and prayed for the safety of people across the country.
At least 37 people have died in rain-related incidents during the ongoing monsoon spell, which has triggered flash floods and landslides and caused damage to homes, crops, livestock and roads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that the current weather spell could cause flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in northern parts of the country.
