Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the National Disaster Management Authority to expedite rescue operations in the flood-hit districts of Punjab.
The prime minister instructed the NDMA chairman to take immediate steps for the evacuation of people stranded in flood-affected areas.
He asked the authority to take protective measures and intensify monitoring, considering the flood situation at Ganda Singh Wala in the River Sutlej.
The prime minister also directed to ensure the provision of food, medicines, and tents to the affected population, besides instructing the NDMA chairman to maintain close coordination with Punjab’s disaster management authority.
Next year will be more challenging
Meanwhile, the NDMA chairman has said that due to climate change, the weather pattern in Pakistan is undergoing rapid changes.
During a briefing to the Public Accounts Committee on recent floods and torrential rains, the NDMA chief said the coming year would be even more challenging, with a projected 22% increase in rain intensity.
He stressed that residential settlements along water channels should be evacuated to prevent loss of life and property.
The NDMA chairman stated that the current monsoon spell would continue until September 10.
Responding to a question, he said that water reservoirs were being closely monitored, adding that around 150,000 people have already been shifted to safer areas.
Around 2,100 tons of relief supplies have been dispatched to flood-affected areas, he added.
The NDMA chairman stated that areas in Gilgit-Baltistan suffered widespread devastation in floods and rains.