ISLAMABAD: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) on Wednesday held its seventh consecutive daily meeting at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Headquarters to review the country’s preparedness and response to the ongoing monsoon spell.
The meeting, convened on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal.
Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari attended the session at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC), while Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique, chief secretaries of the provinces and regions, NDMA Chairman, senior officials of federal ministries, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and other response agencies participated both physically and through video link.
During the briefing, the NDMA Chairman and the NEOC team presented a comprehensive overview of the current monsoon situation, highlighting recent weather-related incidents, human and infrastructure losses, ongoing rescue and relief operations, and rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.
The NEOC also updated the committee on the latest hydrological situation and potential flood-related hazards expected during the ongoing monsoon spell.
The committee reviewed response measures undertaken by federal ministries, provincial governments, district administrations, and emergency response agencies, acknowledging their efforts in protecting vulnerable communities, conducting rescue operations, providing relief assistance, and restoring essential services.
Participants emphasized the need for close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure a timely and effective response to any emerging emergency.
Chairing the meeting, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal directed all concerned departments to maintain the current operational momentum, ensure uninterrupted inter-agency coordination, continue proactive preparedness measures, and accelerate relief and rehabilitation activities wherever required to minimize the impact of the ongoing monsoon season.
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