National Monsoon Preparedness Conference-2019 was held in Islamabad under the auspices of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for reviewing preparations for anticipated monsoon rains and flooding and sharing National Monsoon Contingency Response Guidelines 2019 with all Stakeholders.
Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in his opening remarks said that the Conference would set the stage to consolidate the gains of complete preparedness process. “This will enable Disaster Management Authorities of the Country to cope up with impending hazards in a more professional manner”, he continued. He further highlighted that besides the preparedness and response measures, climate change phenomenon also to be taken into consideration as it has already started casting its adverse impacts upon the region in the form of extreme weather events.
Director General Pakistan Met Department (PMD) highlighted the salient feature of Weather Outlook for Monsoon Season-2019. The forecast stated that rainfall over the country as a whole, this year (July-Sep) is likely to remain Near Normal, however normal to above normal rainfall is expected in upper half of the Country. Similarly extreme weather events are also expected during the period which may cause flooding in the rivers and its adjoining tributaries. While slight to moderate, below normal rainfall is expected in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.
Representative of all provincial/regional Disaster Management Authorities presented the nature of vulnerabilities faced in their respective provinces/regions and state of their preparedness and prevention measures put in place to manage the vulnerabilities. They also shared the details of available rescue equipment and rehabilitation and relief stocks in their warehouses for the emergencies.
The FFC presented policy for dams’ management and province wise vulnerable points that needed special attention. The NHA shared progress on preparatory efforts undertaken for various National Highways with special focus on KKH, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Dir-Chitral Road, Rawalpindi-Murree-Muzaffarabad Road and Manshera-Naran Road. Moreover, UNOCHA shared resource capacities of UN agencies across Pakistan and its coordination mechanism.
Member Operations NDMA, Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted the aims and objectives of the National Pre-Monsoon Preparedness Conferences-2019. Based on PMD’s weather forecast he shared detailed Contingency Plan with the participant and reviewed the state of preparedness. From past experiences, he critically evaluated and identified the limitations and inadequacies and urged for a better response during this Monsoon by all stakeholders. He informed the participants that NDMA had enhanced its storage capacity and adequate relief stocks were available at warehouses throughout the Country.
While speaking at the closing session of the Conference, Special Assistant to PM on Political Affairs Mr. Naeem-ul-Haq said that saving the human lives and properties against all odds was top most priority of the Present Government and noted that Pakistan stands better level of preparedness against the disasters than it was in 2010. He assured the NDMA and the people of Pakistan all out support of the present Government.
Minister of State for Climate Change Ms. Zartaj Gul Wazir also participated in a session. In her remarks she appreciated and efforts of NDMA and said that National Monsoon Conference was an appropriate measure undertaken by NDMA before the onset of Monsoon.
Renowned parliamentarians and senior representatives of various federal and provincial government departments including Ministry of Communication, Ministry of Water Resources, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Armed Forces, CDA, SUPARCO, NESPAK, Provincial Irrigation Departments, Provincial/Regional Disaster Management Authorities, Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC), UN agencies, Pakistan Boys Scouts Association and Pakistan Girls Guide Association participated in the conference.