ISLAMABAD, Aug 25 (APP):Emergency Response Committee (ERC) on Tuesday directed federal and provincial authorities to step up monsoon preparedness, strengthen early warning systems and keep rescue and relief resources ready in vulnerable districts as it reviewed the prevailing weather and hydrological situation across the country at its 16th meeting held at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad. The meeting was held on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz …
16th ERC meeting steps up flood readiness as monsoon risks mount
ISLAMABAD, Aug 25 (APP):Emergency Response Committee (ERC) on Tuesday directed federal and provincial authorities to step up monsoon preparedness, strengthen early warning systems and keep rescue and relief resources ready in vulnerable districts as it reviewed the prevailing weather and hydrological situation across the country at its 16th meeting held at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad.
The meeting was held on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik. Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, representatives of Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and senior federal officials attended the meeting.
The committee reviewed the latest monsoon situation, river flows, hydrological conditions, weather outlook, vulnerable locations and anticipated impacts of the ongoing spell.
A comprehensive situational briefing by the NEOC covered the latest weather forecasts, river conditions, vulnerable areas and emerging risks, while provincial authorities updated the committee on preparedness, rescue resources, emergency stocks, evacuation plans and coordination with district administrations.
Federal and provincial departments and response agencies also briefed the committee on the prevailing flood situation, impacts in affected areas and ongoing rescue and relief operations.
The ERC called for uninterrupted communication, timely dissemination of early warnings and pre-positioning of relief supplies and other emergency resources in vulnerable districts.
It stressed that response agencies must remain fully operational and maintain close coordination to ensure rapid action in case of emerging threats.
The committee also called for proactive measures at the district level to minimise risks and protect vulnerable communities, directing all relevant departments to ensure timely implementation of preparedness and emergency response measures.
The meeting followed the 15th ERC session chaired by the prime minister, who had called for enhanced national preparedness, closer coordination among relevant departments and proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable communities during the monsoon season.
