Emergency Preparations Intensify Amid Flood Risk, Ahsan Iqbal Chairs ERC

Emergency preparations have intensified across the country amid a heightened risk of rains and river floods in the next 48 hours. An important meeting of the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) was held at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) via video link, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal.

Pakistan is currently experiencing its fourth powerful monsoon spell, prompting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue a warning. Separately, the Chairman of the NDMA briefed Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces, on the operational capabilities, monitoring systems, and emergency response mechanisms of the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) during his visit.

In a recent meeting of the Emergency Response Committee (ERC), officials reported that recent rains have triggered flooding in several areas, with coordinated response operations continuing across federal, provincial, and district authorities. Officials warned that rainfall is expected to continue over northern and central parts of the country in the coming days, while isolated rain is also likely in parts of southeastern Sindh. The committee was informed that most fatalities during the current monsoon season resulted from the collapse of unsafe structures and poorly constructed buildings, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of building safety standards and greater public awareness.