ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top disaster management authority has set up a National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) in preparation for heavy torrential rains and moderate to heavy rainfall expected from tomorrow, Tuesday, as the country enters the monsoon season.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, NEOC will use the latest tools and technology, including real-time satellite imagery, to forecast disasters up to three months in advance and will be run by a multidisciplinary team of experts who will harness the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, climatology, meteorology, seismology, hydrology and data science to monitor and analyze global and regional hazards.
“NEOC has reported significant activity over eastern India and indicates that severe cloud bursts may hit Pakistan areas,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on Monday.
“Repeated early warnings have been given to all states and rains are likely to begin in the upper reaches of all major rivers, especially Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab, from July 2, 2024,” it said.
Disaster management authorities also issued a warning saying lightning events were expected in various cities of Punjab and the federal capital Islamabad between July 5 and 7, which could lead to sudden rise in water levels, flash floods and urban flooding in major metropolitan areas, the statement said.
“The India Meteorological Department has warned that there is a significant risk of low to moderate flooding in the Sutlej river due to the expected rainfall and water levels are expected to reach low flood level (about 50,000 cubic feet per second) by July 5 and high flood level (about 120,000 cubic feet per second) by July 10,” the Prime Minister’s Office added.
The statement said disaster management authorities are working closely with federal and state governments to ensure preparedness and response to any emergency and advised residents to remain vigilant, follow instructions from local authorities and download ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ for timely warning, weather forecast and flood updates.
“Protect yourself from floodwaters and avoid contact with flood waters which may be contaminated or contain debris or electrical lines,” the ministry added. “Make an evacuation plan with your family, identify a safe location and prepare an emergency kit with essential items.”
Disaster management authorities also advised tourists to avoid non-essential travel if there is a risk of heavy rains or flooding.
Pakistan is consistently ranked as one of the countries most affected by climate change. In June 2022, unprecedented rainfall and melting glaciers caused massive floods across the country, killing nearly 1,700 people and causing $3 billion in damages. Scientists and experts attributed the floods to the adverse effects of climate change.
Pakistan also experienced extreme heat in May and June, with temperatures reaching over 50 degrees Celsius in some areas.
