Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other relevant agencies to maintain a high state of alert due to potential flooding risks along the Chenab River. The Prime Minister’s caution comes amid forecasts of an intense monsoon season that could affect various regions adjacent to the river.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif is closely monitoring the situation through a real-time dashboard that tracks the monsoon’s severity. He emphasized the readiness of the NDMA, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), civil defence, and district administrations to safeguard populations in the catchment areas of the Chenab River and other flood-prone urban locales.
The announcement also follows recent reports from the NDMA confirming the safety of foreign tourists in the flood-stricken Astore region. The authority detailed proactive measures undertaken to relocate two Italian and an Argentinian tourist to safer locations, ensuring they were distanced from the immediate dangers of the flooding.