Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed on Thursday that immediate steps be taken to prepare for potential monsoon and cloudburst conditions in the coming years.
During a briefing at the National Emergencies Operation Centre in Islamabad, the prime minister said he was pleased to observe the use of modern technology and capable personnel at the NDMA. Referring to recent cloudburst incidents in Chakwal, Lahore, Rawalpindi and other cities, he expressed relief that rainfall intensity in southern Punjab and neighbouring regions remained low.
He stated that the federal government would provide all possible assistance, while the NDMA should work closely with provincial governments to establish a coordinated disaster response strategy.
He commended the NDMA and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) for their effective coordination, praising Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other provincial leaders for their proactive efforts, which, he said, had helped reduce losses.
The prime minister expressed sorrow over lives lost during recent rains and extended his prayers for the injured. He stressed the urgency of acquiring necessary equipment and enhancing human resource capacity, noting that both the Ministry of Climate Change and the Ministry of Planning must work closely with the NDMA and provincial authorities to formulate a comprehensive, long-term strategy.
Earlier in the briefing, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik informed the prime minister that this year’s monsoon rainfall was 60 to 70 per cent more intense than in 2024. He said that, while typically there are nine monsoon spells annually, two to three additional spells are expected this year.
Despite this, the NDMA Chairman ruled out the risk of large-scale flooding, stating that all rivers are currently flowing at normal levels. He reported that 178 individuals had lost their lives in rain-related incidents so far this season, with approximately 500 others injured.
