PM Shehbaz Forms High-Level Committee to Tackle Monsoon Emergencies
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a high-level committee to address potential emergencies during the upcoming monsoon season. This decision was made during a meeting on national monsoon preparedness held in Islamabad.
Objectives and Directives
Committee’s Role:
- High Alert: All institutions are to remain vigilant throughout the monsoon season.
- Coordination: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will collaborate with provincial governments and other relevant institutions.
Key Directives:
- Advisories: Issuing timely advisories to people in affected areas.
- Advance Information: Daily updates for farmers and residents near rivers and canals via media.
Monsoon Forecast and Preparedness
Expected Weather Patterns:
- Provincial Outlook:
- Potohar Region & Eastern Punjab: Rains expected in the first week of July.
- Karachi, Mirpur Khas, Nawabshah, Sukkur, Hyderabad: Heavy rains in the second and fourth weeks of July.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Monsoon activity to continue until mid-August.
- Balochistan: Heavy rains in coastal and border areas throughout July.
- Gilgit-Baltistan: Moderate rains in July, increasing in early August.
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Significant rains and landslides expected in the first three weeks of July.
Preparedness Measures:
- National Monsoon Contingency Plan: A comprehensive plan has been prepared and distributed to relevant bodies to handle emergencies.
- High-Alert Status: NDMA, PDMA, and Pakistan Army troops are on standby in affected areas.
- NDMA Mobile App: A new app providing monsoon alerts and weather updates is available to the public.
Committee Composition and Responsibilities
Committee Members:
- Senior officials from NDMA, provincial disaster management authorities (PDMAs), and other key national and provincial agencies.
Responsibilities:
- Coordination: Ensuring seamless collaboration between national and provincial bodies.
- Resource Allocation: Mobilizing resources and personnel efficiently during emergencies.
- Communication: Disseminating timely and accurate information to the public.
Public Advisory
For Residents in Affected Areas:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from the NDMA and local authorities.
- Prepare: Follow safety guidelines and prepare for potential evacuations.
- Report: Use the NDMA mobile app to report issues or seek help during emergencies.
Additional Resources
Prime Minister Shehbaz’s proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the monsoon season through comprehensive planning and coordination, ensuring public safety and efficient emergency response.