ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORTER
Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, has issued a grave warning regarding the intensifying monsoon season, attributing the severe weather conditions to the escalating impacts of climate change. Speaking at a media briefing held at NDMA Headquarters, he stated that communication infrastructure, roads, and bridges remain among the top priorities for rehabilitation.
Highlighting the current crisis, he noted that this year’s monsoon is 50–60% more intense than in 2024, due to prolonged heatwaves, resulting in flash floods and infrastructure damage particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and northern Punjab.
The Chairman stated that Pakistan has been significantly affected by environmental changes, emphasizing a unified national response. Relief efforts are underway with the collaboration of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and various federal and provincial institutions. Immediate relief packages including food, tents, and medicines are being dispatched to the worst-hit districts.
He also projected that 2–3 more monsoon spells are expected in the coming weeks, extending into early September. Northern Punjab, AJK, KP, and the southeastern regions including Sindh and southern Punjab have been identified as vulnerable areas.
Dr. Tayyab Shah, NDMA’s technical expert, detailed the upcoming weather systems, revealing that three major rain-bearing systems are approaching from the Bay of Bengal, Gujarat (India), and western Afghanistan. These could lead to further flash flooding and urban inundation in regions such as Lahore, Faisalabad, D.G. Khan, and parts of Balochistan.
NDMA also reported that the water level in major rivers including the Indus, Kabul, and Chenab is rising, with a potential for medium to high-level floods in coming days. Tarbela Dam has already reached 98% capacity, with expected water inflows increasing due to further rain.
Sara Hassan from NDMA further warned of potential urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other major cities. Meanwhile, glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks remain high in areas near the Shishper Glacier.
NDMA’s operations head, Brigadier Kamran, emphasized that the monsoon preparedness plan had been initiated as early as February 2025, and nationwide coordination with PDMA and other agencies is ongoing. He confirmed that emergency relief efforts were mobilized immediately in the wake of flash floods in Buner and Bajaur.
So far, 300 fatalities and 156 injuries have been reported. Relief operations continue with support from federal institutions, armed forces, and NGOs. The Prime Minister has directed swift action, with multiple relief consignments already dispatched and more scheduled.
NDMA assured that all efforts are being made to reduce the impact of the current and upcoming weather events, with a strong focus on early warning systems, community engagement, and rebuilding of critical infrastructure.
