Islamabad (GNP): On the Prime Minister’s directions, 17th ERC Meeting Reviews Monsoon Response Efforts, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) continues to hold regular sessions of the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) to oversee national-level preparedness and coordination during the 2026 monsoon season. The 17th such meeting took place at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC), NDMA Headquarters, Islamabad, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning & Special Initiatives Prof. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal.
Also in attendance were Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, representatives from Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and senior officials from relevant federal ministries and departments.
The committee reviewed the current monsoon situation nationwide, along with hydrological conditions, the weather outlook, preparedness efforts and coordinated emergency response arrangements. The NEOC delivered a detailed situational briefing covering the latest forecasts, river flow data, at-risk locations and expected impacts of the ongoing monsoon spell.
According to the briefing, the current weather system is expected to affect the Potohar region, catchment areas surrounding the Chenab and Jhelum rivers, and parts of northeastern Punjab, raising the risk of urban flooding, localized flash floods and water accumulation in low-lying areas. The committee was told that northern parts of the country would likely remain under the influence of this rain system until September 4, potentially causing intermittent rainfall and weather-related emergencies in vulnerable districts.
The Rawalpindi district administration briefed the meeting on the situation along Nullah Lai, confirming that relevant departments had been placed on high alert and that safe evacuation of residents was being ensured with support from civil defense, police and Rescue 1122 personnel. Emergency responders had been deployed around the Nullah Lai area, while traffic on major routes continued to be managed.
Provincial authorities updated the committee on preparedness measures, the availability of rescue resources and emergency supplies, evacuation planning, and coordination with district administrations. Representatives from various federal and provincial departments and response agencies also shared updates on flood conditions, impacts and response efforts in their respective regions.
The committee was briefed on ongoing rescue and relief operations, resource deployment, coordination mechanisms, and steps being taken to manage emerging risks in vulnerable areas, with particular focus on maintaining uninterrupted communication, timely early-warning dissemination, pre-positioning of relief supplies, and keeping response agencies operationally ready in at-risk districts.
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The chair stressed the need for close coordination among all relevant departments and response agencies to ensure preparedness and response measures are implemented without delay, while the committee as a whole underlined the importance of proactive district-level action to reduce risk and protect vulnerable communities.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
