Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the immediate upgrade and full activation of the Meteorological Department’s early warning system as part of federal efforts to mitigate the impact of severe monsoon weather, Radio Pakistan reported.
Chairing a high-level meeting on the flood situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), the premier said recent rains have led to tragic incidents across the country, particularly in AJK and G-B, resulting in significant human and financial losses.
“The federal government stands with the governments, administrations, and people of AJK and G-B during this difficult time,” he said, announcing that he would soon visit the flood-hit areas of G-B to express solidarity. He added a federal relief package would also be announced to compensate for the damages “as much as possible.”
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The prime minister instructed all relevant federal institutions to coordinate closely with the local administrations in assessing damage and accelerating rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
He stressed that “preventing further human and material loss must remain the top priority.” He also ordered immediate restoration of communication infrastructure, particularly roads, damaged by the floods.
It is pertinent to mention that the G-B government has declared 37 flood-affected areas as calamity-hit zones and imposed an emergency to manage the crisis.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik briefed the meeting on the nationwide impact of the monsoon season and upcoming weather forecasts for the region.
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According to the NDMA chief, 295 people have so far lost their lives and over 700 others have sustained injuries. More than 1,600 homes have been completely destroyed, while 376 livestock deaths have also been reported.
He warned that rivers and streams were experiencing severe pressure due to continuous rainfall. Low-level flooding is anticipated in Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa, and Kalabagh, while medium-level flooding is likely at Marala and Guddu on the Chenab River.
Lt Gen Malik further cautioned that the monsoon season was expected to intensify towards the end of the month. “NDMA is undertaking comprehensive preparations to ensure that effective preventive and relief measures are in place,” he told the meeting.
