PM directs coordinated disaster management plan as monsoon toll hits 178

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with the federal ministers for climate change and planning, to closely coordinate with provincial governments in formulating a comprehensive disaster management plan, as the death toll from this year’s torrential rains and cloudbursts reached 178 on Thursday.

He issued the directive during his visit to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) at the NDMA headquarters, where he was briefed on the current monsoon situation, ongoing disaster response efforts, and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

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During the briefing, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik reported that so far 178 people have lost their lives and around 500 others have been injured in rain-related incidents across the country.

He further informed that this year’s monsoon intensity is between 60 to 70 per cent higher than last year, and overall 65 per cent above average across the region. He noted that while the monsoon season typically includes eight to nine weather spells, the current cycle has already experienced two to three additional spells.

He added that last year’s forecasts had indicated increased impact in northern Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad, and upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), whereas this year the brunt has shifted toward lower and upper Punjab, AJK, and Islamabad — a trend expected to continue for another three to four weeks.

NDMA chairman also warned that four to five more monsoon spells are expected, with the third spell — which began on June 26 — now nearing its conclusion.

Commending the NDMA’s efforts, the premier lauded the authority’s skilled personnel and modern infrastructure, describing the organisation as providing an “encouraging environment” for disaster management through a highly capable team.

He acknowledged the recent incidents of cloudbursts and heavy downpours in Chakwal, Lahore, Islamabad, and other hilly regions, noting the severity of the weather conditions.

While southern parts of the country have been less affected, he observed that the central and northern regions remain significantly at risk.

He also praised the response of provincial governments. He said coordination between NDMA and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) had helped minimise losses.

Emphasising the importance of preparedness, PM Shehbaz said, “As projections show increased cloudburst activity, we must prepare accordingly. The federal government and NDMA must maintain close coordination with provinces.”

Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, he reiterated that although the country contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it ranks among the top ten most climate-vulnerable nations.

“This is both a challenge and an opportunity to build a climate-resilient Pakistan, particularly in the fields of agriculture and infrastructure,” the PM added.