Islamabad, The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) held its National Monsoon Coordination Conference today, bringing together federal and provincial departments, as well as various ministries, to enhance readiness for the upcoming monsoon season. This high-level event focused on pre-monsoon planning and risk assessments aimed at mitigating the impacts of potential seasonal floods and associated disasters.
According to Press Information Department, the conference featured critical updates and discussions, including a detailed monsoon forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), which predicted 40 to 60 percent above-normal rainfall across the country, heightening the risk of riverine flooding in low-lying areas. The forecast identified North Punjab, South Sindh, and Balochistan as the regions most likely to be affected by excessive precipitation. Additionally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan were noted for potential threats due to glacier melts and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF).
Technical teams from NDMA and PMD discussed the identification of areas vulnerable to these floods, including the development of hazard maps that outline flood pathways and impact zones. These tools are essential for estimating affected areas, populations needing relocation, and infrastructure at risk.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (MoNHSR and C) presented a comprehensive strategy to monitor and control the anticipated rise in vector and waterborne diseases during the monsoon season. Meanwhile, the Federal Flood Commission (FFC) updated participants on the advancements in the telemetry stations network and early warning systems along the Kirthar and Suleman Ranges, which are crucial for timely flood alerts.
Significant contributions were also made by the Pakistan Commission for Indus Waters (PCIW), which discussed data-sharing protocols essential for monitoring the Eastern Rivers and enhancing flood management cooperation among agencies. The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) outlined its flood management strategies for major reservoirs like the Tarbela and Mangla dams, focusing on reservoir management and controlled water release protocols to prevent overflow.
Additionally, representatives from the National Highway Authority (NHA), provincial irrigation departments, and various humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations and numerous NGOs, shared their preparedness measures and resource mapping strategies to support efficient disaster response efforts.
NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik underscored the significance of inter-agency cooperation for effective monsoon preparedness. “By working together and sharing critical information, we can better protect our communities and reduce the impact of natural disasters,” stated Malik. He emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences, timely training of responders, and reviewing stock positions for summer contingencies, including addressing heatwaves, droughts, GLOFs, and cyclones.
The conference highlighted NDMA’s commitment to proactive disaster management and resilience building, with ongoing monitoring and collaboration to ensure a timely and effective response to any emergencies that may arise during the monsoon season.