ERC reviews preparedness amid ongoing monsoon rains

Islamabad (Web Desk): The federal government’s Emergency Response Committee (ERC) convened its ninth consecutive daily review meeting on Saturday at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad to evaluate the country’s disaster preparedness and the progress of rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities amid the ongoing monsoon emergency.

During the session, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal instructed all concerned institutions to remain on high alert and ensure that assistance reaches affected communities without delay.

The meeting was chaired virtually by Prof Ahsan Iqbal under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It was addended byFederal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Masood Malik, Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, Punjab Health and Emergency Services Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, chief secretaries, the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), senior officials from the federal and provincial governments, and representatives of disaster management organisations.

During the briefing, the NDMA presented the latest assessment of the monsoon situation, detailing the number of casualties, destruction to public infrastructure, ongoing rescue missions, relief distribution, and rehabilitation measures being carried out in the affected regions.

Committee members were also updated on the flooding caused by Friday’s intense rainfall in several parts of the country. Officials outlined the coordinated efforts of federal, provincial and district administrations to safeguard vulnerable populations and deliver emergency support in a timely manner.

Authorities further shared the latest hydrological forecast, indicating that additional rainfall is expected over northern and central Pakistan in the coming days. They also warned that isolated to widespread showers are likely in southeastern Sindh, increasing the possibility of fresh flooding in susceptible areas.

The NDMA also informed the committee that humanitarian assistance is being coordinated with both local and international partners to strengthen relief efforts in flood-hit communities and ensure aid reaches those in need.

The committee reviewed the performance of federal ministries, provincial governments and district administrations, commended the ongoing rescue and restoration operations, and underscored the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders to effectively respond to any developing emergency.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof Ahsan Iqbal directed all relevant departments to maintain the pace of emergency operations, further improve coordination, stay fully prepared for any evolving situation, and accelerate relief as well as rehabilitation work wherever it is required.