ERC holds ninth review of monsoon preparedness

ISLAMABAD, Aug 01 (APP):The federal government’s Emergency Response Committee (ERC) on Saturday held its ninth daily review meeting at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad to assess the country’s preparedness, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts, with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal directing all agencies to maintain a high state of readiness and speed up assistance to affected communities.

The meeting, chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was attended by Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Punjab Health and Emergency Services Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, chief secretaries, NDMA chairman, senior federal and provincial officials, and disaster management authorities.

The NDMA briefed the committee on the latest monsoon situation, including casualties, damage to infrastructure, ongoing rescue and relief operations, and rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.

The committee was also informed about the flood situation triggered by Friday’s heavy rains in different parts of the country and the response by federal, provincial and district authorities to protect vulnerable communities and ensure timely emergency assistance.

Officials presented the latest hydrological outlook, warning that further rainfall is expected in northern and central Pakistan, while isolated to scattered showers are also likely in southeastern Sindh, raising the risk of additional flooding.

The NDMA also updated participants on humanitarian assistance being coordinated with national and international partners to support relief operations in flood hit areas.

The committee reviewed the response of federal ministries, provincial governments and district administrations, appreciated rescue and restoration efforts, and stressed the need for continued coordination among all stakeholders to deal with any emerging emergency.

Concluding the meeting, Prof Ahsan Iqbal directed all concerned departments to sustain operational momentum, strengthen coordination, maintain proactive preparedness, and accelerate relief and rehabilitation work wherever needed.