Islamabad, September 1, 2026: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) convened the 17th meeting of the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) on Tuesday to review the prevailing monsoon situation, hydrological conditions and national preparedness for potential weather-related emergencies.
Held at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) at NDMA Headquarters in Islamabad, the meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Prof. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal on the directions of the Prime Minister.
Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, representatives of Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), federal ministries and other relevant departments attended the meeting.
The committee received a comprehensive situational briefing from the NEOC on the latest weather forecasts, river flows, vulnerable locations and potential impacts of the ongoing monsoon spell.
According to the briefing, the current weather system is expected to affect the Potohar region, adjoining catchment areas of the Rivers Chenab and Jhelum and parts of northeastern Punjab. The system carries the risk of urban flooding, localized flash floods and water accumulation in low-lying areas.
The committee was informed that northern parts of the country are likely to remain under the influence of the rain-bearing system until September 4, with intermittent rainfall potentially triggering localized weather-related emergencies in vulnerable districts.
Rawalpindi’s Nullah Lai Situation Reviewed
The District Administration Rawalpindi briefed the committee on the situation along Nullah Lai, where relevant departments have been placed on high alert amid the prevailing weather conditions.
Officials said arrangements have been made for the safe evacuation of residents, where required, with the support of Civil Defence, police and Rescue 1122 personnel. Emergency responders have also been deployed at vulnerable points around Nullah Lai, while traffic flow is being maintained on major roads.
Provincial authorities briefed the ERC on preparedness measures, rescue resources, emergency stocks, evacuation plans and coordination with district administrations.
Representatives of federal and provincial departments and response agencies also provided updates on the flood situation, impacts and response measures being implemented in their respective areas.
The meeting was informed about ongoing rescue and relief operations, deployment of emergency resources and coordination mechanisms aimed at addressing emerging risks in vulnerable locations.
The committee placed particular emphasis on uninterrupted communication, timely dissemination of early warnings, pre-positioning of relief supplies and maintaining the operational readiness of emergency response agencies.
Chairing the meeting, Prof. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal directed all relevant departments and response agencies to maintain close coordination and ensure timely implementation of preparedness and response measures.
The committee further stressed the need for proactive action at the district level to minimize the impact of flooding and other monsoon-related hazards and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
The ERC is continuing to monitor the evolving monsoon situation as authorities remain on alert in areas facing potential urban flooding, flash floods and other weather-related risks.
