Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the immediate update and complete activation of the weather alert system as part of federal efforts to mitigate the impact of the monzonic severe climate, Radio Pakistan reported.
By chairing a high level meeting on the situation of flooding in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltist (GB), the prime minister said that recent rains have led tragic incidents throughout the country, particularly in AJK and GB, resulting in significant human and financial losses.
“The federal government meets governments, administrations and people of AJK and GB during this difficult time,” he said, announcing that he would soon visit the GB areas affected by floods to express solidarity. He added that a federal aid package would also be announced to compensate for damage “as much as possible.”
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The Prime Minister instructed all relevant federal institutions to coordinate closely with local administrations to assess damage and accelerate rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
He stressed that “preventing greater human and material loss must continue to be the main priority.” He also ordered the immediate restoration of the communication infrastructure, particularly roads, damaged by floods.
It is pertinent to mention that the GB government has declared 37 areas affected by floods as areas affected by calamity and imposed an emergency to handle the crisis.
Meanwhile, the President of the National Authority for Disaster Management (NDMA), the GEN gene, Inam Haider, Malik reported the meeting on the national impact of the monsoon season and the next time forecasts for the region.
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According to the Chief of the NDMA, 295 people have lost their lives and others more than 700 have suffered injuries. More than 1,600 homes have been completely destroyed, while 376 deaths of cattle have also been reported.
He warned that rivers and streams were experiencing severe pressure due to continuous rain. Low level floods are anticipated in Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa and Kalabagh, while medium level floods are probably in Marala and Guddu in the Chenab River.
Lieutenant General Malik noticed even more than the monsoon season was expected to intensify towards the end of the month. “NDMA is making comprehensive preparations to ensure that there are effective preventive and help measures,” he told the meeting.
