Narowal: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for collaborative efforts to address the persistent threat of natural disasters, particularly floods, in the coming years. In a meeting held in Narowal, the Prime Minister was briefed in detail about the extensive damage caused by recent floods across the country.

The Prime Minister stressed the urgent need to enhance water storage capacity to reduce the impact of flash floods. He emphasized generating resources to achieve this goal and expressed confidence that both federal and provincial governments have the capability to find solutions to this issue.

Highlighting the significance of constructing major water reservoirs like the Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams, the Prime Minister pointed out potential sites in Chiniot for building water storage capacities. He also suggested the construction of small dams in the northern regions.

In addition to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), he urged other related departments to be prepared for natural disasters. He extended his condolences over the loss of life and property caused by the floods and praised the armed forces for their coordination with civil authorities in rescue and relief operations.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, present at the meeting, assured that efforts would be maximized to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure and compensate those who suffered losses. She highlighted the timely rescue and evacuation of people and livestock from flood-affected areas. Addressing the inundation of a Gurdwara, she ordered immediate water drainage to assist the Sikh community.

The Chief Minister also noted the activation of field hospitals to tackle waterborne diseases and the deployment of approximately one thousand mobile clinics to the affected regions.

Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal called for identifying infrastructure gaps to mitigate flood impacts. The Chairman of NDMA briefed the meeting on the unprecedented losses caused by the floods, noting that this year’s monsoon had been more intense and prolonged than in previous years. He highlighted the presence of high floodwaters in the Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers.

The Prime Minister, along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, conducted an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas to assess the situation firsthand.