ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Emergency Response Committee (ERC) on Friday reviewed monsoon preparedness across the country, directing provincial governments and district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure coordinated action to protect vulnerable communities from flood-related risks.
The committee, established on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to oversee national preparedness and response during the 2026 monsoon season, held its second meeting at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters in Islamabad through a video link.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and attended by Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, provincial chief secretaries, and representatives of disaster management authorities and district administrations.
Participants presented detailed briefings on contingency planning, deployment of emergency resources, public awareness campaigns and coordination mechanisms put in place to respond to the ongoing monsoon season.
The committee reviewed preparedness in flood-prone river plains, urban centres, hill torrent regions, coastal areas and glacier-fed valleys facing risks of flash floods, urban flooding, landslides, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and other weather-related hazards.
After reviewing the preparedness measures, the committee expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by provincial and district administrations. However, it directed all relevant authorities to maintain a high level of operational readiness throughout the monsoon season.
The ERC stressed the need for timely implementation of local contingency plans, enhanced protection of vulnerable populations, uninterrupted communication among emergency response agencies and the swift mobilisation of resources whenever required.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government approach in managing climate-related disasters, emphasizing close coordination among federal, provincial and district authorities to minimise the impact of extreme weather events.
The NDMA, serving as the secretariat of the Emergency Response Committee, will continue to coordinate information sharing, monitoring and inter-agency collaboration to support an effective nationwide response during the monsoon season.
Pakistan remains vulnerable to monsoon-related disasters, including flash floods, landslides and GLOFs, as climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events across the country. Authorities have repeatedly urged provincial administrations and the public to remain vigilant and follow official weather advisories throughout the ongoing monsoon period.
