Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday made the immediate upgrade and full activation of the meteorological department’s early warning system as part of the federal effort to reduce the effect of serious monsoon weather, Radio Pakistan reported.
Chairman of a high-level meeting on the flooding situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltista (GB), the prime minister said the recent rain has led to tragic incidents across the country, especially in AJK and GB, resulting in significant human and economic losses.
“The federal government stands with governments, administrations and people in AJK and GB during this difficult time,” he said, announcing that he would soon visit the flood areas of GB to express solidarity. He added that a federal relief package would also be advertised to compensate for the damage “as much as possible.”
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The Prime Minister instructed all relevant federal institutions to coordinate closely with the local administrations in the assessment of damage and accelerate rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
He emphasized that “the prevention of additional human and material loss must remain the highest priority.” He also ordered immediate restoration of communication infrastructure, especially roads, damaged by the floods.
It is relevant to mention that the GB government has declared 37 flooded areas such as unhappy affected zones and imposed an emergency to control the crisis.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) informed LT Gen Inam Haider Malik’s meeting on the nationwide effect of the Monsun season and upcoming weather forecasts for the region.
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According to the NDMA chief, 295 people have lost their lives so far and over 700 others have inflicted injuries. More than 1,600 homes have been completely destroyed, while 376 livestock deaths have been reported.
He warned that rivers and streams experienced serious pressure due to continuous rainfall. Low-level floods are expected in Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa and Kalabagh, while mid-level floods are probably at Marala and Guddu on the Chenab River.
LT Gen Malik also warned that the Monsun season was expected to intensify towards the end of the month. “NDMA makes extensive preparations to ensure that there are effective preventative and relief measures,” he told the meeting.
