President Asif Ali Zardari issued an urgent directive on Thursday, calling for heightened coordination and intensified rescue efforts as relentless monsoon rains batter the nation. The president stressed the need for a unified front among federal, provincial, and local authorities to mitigate the escalating disaster risks.
According to a statement from the President’s Secretariat, the ongoing severe weather has significantly increased the threat of flash floods, cloudbursts, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The president specifically warned of potential landslides, river flooding, and urban inundation in vulnerable regions.
Strengthening Early Warning Systems
President Zardari expressed profound grief over the loss of life and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. He mandated that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) establish a seamless communication loop to ensure timely early warnings reach at-risk populations.
The head of state ordered continuous monitoring of rainfall intensity, river flows, and water levels in upper catchment areas, with a sharp focus on Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Downstream regions were instructed to make advance preparations for potential flooding.
Pre-Positioning Resources and Protecting Tourists
To ensure a rapid response, authorities have been directed to pre-position rescue equipment and relief supplies. The president emphasized the need to safeguard vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, with special instructions to protect tourists currently in areas susceptible to flash floods, GLOFs, and landslides.
- All institutions must remain vigilant and respond immediately to threats.
- Vulnerable populations must be prioritized for evacuation and aid.
- Tourist safety in northern areas requires immediate logistical planning.
Public Advisory and Rescue Efforts
President Zardari urged the public to strictly follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary to regions under weather warnings. He commended the dedication of rescue workers and emergency personnel engaged in relief operations, offering prayers for the safety of the entire nation.
The monsoon spell has already proven deadly, with at least 37 fatalities reported. The devastating rains have triggered flash floods and landslides, causing extensive damage to homes, crops, livestock, and roads across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has reiterated its warning that the current weather system could continue to trigger dangerous flash floods and glacial lake outbursts in the northern parts of the country.
