President Asif Ali Zardari has directed federal, provincial and local authorities to intensify preparedness, rescue and relief efforts as heavy monsoon rains continue to batter Pakistan, increasing the risk of floods and other weather-related disasters.
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According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat on Thursday, the president instructed all relevant institutions to strengthen coordination as the country enters a critical phase of the monsoon season. He warned that persistent rainfall could trigger flash floods, cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, river flooding and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.
President Zardari also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage to homes, infrastructure and property caused by recent rain-related incidents across the country.
He directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and local administrations to maintain close coordination and ensure the timely dissemination of weather alerts and early warnings to the public.
The president further ordered continuous monitoring of rainfall, river flows and water levels, particularly in the upper catchment areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while instructing downstream regions to prepare in advance for possible flooding.
Authorities were also directed to pre-position rescue teams, relief supplies and emergency resources, protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, and ensure the safety of tourists visiting areas at risk of flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods.
Emphasising the need for vigilance, President Zardari urged all institutions to respond swiftly wherever lives or property are threatened. He also advised citizens to follow official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to regions affected by heavy rainfall or flood warnings.
The president commended rescue workers and emergency personnel for their ongoing relief efforts and prayed for the safety of people across the country.
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According to official figures, at least 37 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents during the current monsoon spell, while widespread flooding and landslides have damaged homes, roads, crops and livestock in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.