Emergency Response Committee reviews flood preparedness as authorities conduct 130 rescue operations and evacuate nearly 3,900 people
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday reported that 97 people have lost their lives and 297 others have been injured in monsoon-related incidents across Pakistan since June 26, as the government stepped up efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response.
The figures were presented during the fifth meeting of the Emergency Response Committee (ERC), constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to oversee national preparedness and coordinate response efforts during the 2026 monsoon season.
The meeting was held at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the NDMA and chaired via video link by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja also participated virtually.
At the NDMA headquarters, Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, senior NDMA officials, representatives of federal and provincial governments, and other stakeholders attended the meeting in person.
Flood situation remains under control
The committee reviewed the country’s flood situation, ongoing response measures and preparedness initiatives undertaken by provincial disaster management authorities and other relevant departments.
Provincial representatives briefed the meeting on relief supplies, emergency communication systems, evacuation plans, operational readiness and inter-agency coordination during the ongoing monsoon season.
Officials informed the committee that the overall river flood situation remains under control, with water flows in Pakistan’s major rivers currently within safe limits. However, authorities are maintaining continuous monitoring of weather systems, river flows and vulnerable areas to issue timely early warnings and respond swiftly to emerging risks.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa records highest casualties
According to the NDMA’s Member Operations, rain-related incidents between June 26 and July 25 claimed 97 lives and injured 297 people across the country.
Most fatalities were caused by the collapse of houses, roofs and walls during heavy rainfall.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest number of casualties, followed by Punjab, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing monsoon rains in the two provinces.
Rescue and relief operations continue
The committee was informed that emergency response agencies had carried out 130 rescue operations in affected areas during the current monsoon season.
Authorities also evacuated 3,841 people to safer locations and coordinated the distribution of 219 tonnes of relief goods through the NDMA, provincial disaster management authorities and partner organisations.
The relief efforts have focused on assisting affected communities, ensuring timely evacuations and providing essential supplies to vulnerable populations.
Government calls for stronger preparedness
Addressing the meeting, Dr Musadik Malik stressed the critical role of district and local administrations in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
He directed all relevant authorities to utilise available resources to ensure the timely dissemination of weather warnings and early alerts to communities at risk.
Prof Ahsan Iqbal commended the preparedness efforts of federal and provincial institutions and emphasised the need for close coordination to facilitate swift decision-making and rapid mobilisation of resources during emergencies.
He also directed that an audit of flood mitigation projects implemented after previous floods be completed and presented at the next meeting of the Emergency Response Committee.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national coordination, enhancing disaster preparedness and ensuring an effective response to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure throughout the ongoing monsoon season.