Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) held the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Disaster Response Committee (DRC) today at its headquarters in Islamabad, aimed at bolstering national coordination and preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.

According to National Disaster Management Authority, the committee, initiated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, focuses on enhancing intergovernmental collaboration and streamlining strategies to mitigate the impact of monsoon-related emergencies. The session covered various critical topics, including the current preparedness levels, resource distribution, early warning systems, and the engagement of communities at risk.

Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, outlined the projections for the monsoon season and emphasized the committee’s crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s disaster management framework. He highlighted the importance of ensuring ample resources are in place before potential emergencies arise.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ehsan Iqbal Chaudhry, who stressed the necessity of a unified approach to disaster management. He underscored the significance of cooperation among federal and provincial entities to guarantee a prompt and efficient response during emergencies.

The session also reviewed previous disaster responses to pinpoint improvement areas and reinforce best practices. Recommendations included the establishment of livestock shelters by provincial governments, addressing urban flooding through strict measures against encroachments, and protecting vital infrastructure. Standardized response plans were also emphasized for consistent disaster management across regions.

The Disaster Response Committee plans to meet regularly to oversee the implementation of these strategies and to tackle any new challenges, with NDMA coordinating these efforts in line with the national disaster management policy.