ISLAMABAD: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has launched a contingency plan for the coming monsoon in which extreme weather events are expected that might cause floods in low-lying areas.
NDMA during National Monsoon Preparedness Conference-2019 informed the participants that the country is likely to receive “near normal” rainfall during the monsoon season starting from next month.
Pakistan receives most of the rains during the July to September period called monsoon season.
Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal, Chairman NDMA, in his opening remarks said extreme weather events are also expected during the period which may cause flooding in the rivers and its adjoining tributaries.
However, Pakistan Metrological Department has forecasted slight to moderate, below normal rainfall in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan this year.
The moot reviewed preparations for anticipated monsoon rains and flooding. NDMA shared contingency response guidelines with all the stakeholders.
Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal, NDMA highlighted that besides preparedness and response measures, climate change phenomena should be taken into consideration. Climate change has been adversely impacting the South Asian region in the form of extreme weather events.
Representatives of Disaster Management Authorities (DMA) from all provinces shared the nature of challenges faced by their respective regions. The DMAs also shared details of the measures and equipment available to them to tackle emergency situations.
The Federal Flood Commission (FFC) presented policy for dams’ management and province wise vulnerable points that needed special attention. The National Highway Authority (NHA) shared progress on preparatory efforts undertaken for various national highways with special focus on the Karakoram Highway, Gilgit-Skardu Road, Dir-Chitral Road, Rawalpindi-Murree-Muzaffarabad Road, and Manshera-Naran Road. Moreover, UNOCHA shared resource capacities of UN agencies across Pakistan and its coordination mechanism.
Member Operations NDMA, Brigadier Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted the aims and objectives of the National Pre-Monsoon Preparedness Conferences-2019. Based on PMD’s weather forecast, he shared details of the contingency plan.
In his critical evaluation, he identified inadequacies witnessed in the past and urged stakeholders to ensure a better response to this monsoon.
He claimed NDMA has enhanced its storage capacity. It has adequate relief stocks available at warehouses throughout the country.
