President Asif Ali Zardari has directed federal, provincial, and local authorities to enhance coordination and step up preparedness, rescue, and relief operations as heavy monsoon rains continue to affect different parts of the country.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat, the president warned that the ongoing spell of monsoon rains has significantly increased the threat of flash floods, cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, river flooding, and urban flooding, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Expressing deep grief over the recent loss of lives and the destruction caused to homes, infrastructure, and public property, President Zardari called for urgent and coordinated action to deal with the evolving situation.
He instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and all relevant provincial and local agencies to remain in close coordination and ensure that timely weather alerts and early warnings reach the public.
The president also ordered authorities to closely monitor rainfall, river flows, and water levels in upper catchment areas, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while advising downstream districts to complete advance preparations for any possible flooding.
He further directed officials to deploy rescue teams and relief supplies in advance, safeguard vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, and take all necessary steps to protect tourists and visitors in areas exposed to flash floods, GLOFs, and landslides.
President Zardari stressed that all concerned institutions must stay fully alert and respond immediately whenever lives or property are under threat.
He also urged citizens to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to areas placed under warnings for heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, or other weather-related dangers.
The president appreciated the dedication of rescue workers and emergency responders taking part in relief operations and prayed for the safety and well-being of people across the country.
According to official figures, at least 37 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents during the ongoing monsoon season. Flash floods and landslides have also damaged homes, crops, livestock, roads, and other infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the current weather system may continue to trigger flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods in the country’s northern regions.
