Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) convened the third session of the National Disaster Response Committee (DRC) today, aimed at bolstering Pakistan’s readiness for the upcoming monsoon season. The meeting, held at NDMA headquarters in Islamabad, was presided over by Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsen Iqbal, with notable contributions from various federal and provincial stakeholders.

According to Press Information Department, “The session focused on reviewing the progress of actions taken since the first DRC meeting and assessing the preparedness of different provinces and departments for Monsoon 2024.” Discussions included updates on the deployment of resources to vulnerable areas, the ongoing efforts to manage potential emergencies, and strategies to strengthen the structural resilience against monsoon impacts.

Prof. Iqbal emphasized the critical importance of a coordinated approach involving federal and provincial authorities to manage climatic hazards effectively. He highlighted NDMA’s central role in facilitating this collaborative effort and directed Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) to ensure the availability of essential supplies, including vaccinations for snake bites, in anticipation of the monsoon rains.

The meeting also addressed the need for reinforced building codes and infrastructure resilience to withstand the seasonal challenges. Prof. Iqbal reiterated that all relevant entities must engage diligently to fulfill the committee’s objectives and safeguard the nation against adverse weather events. The DRC plans to meet regularly to monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed to face emerging challenges effectively.