President Zardari Orders Nationwide Boost to Monsoon Readiness Amid Ongoing Downpours

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday instructed federal, provincial and local authorities to intensify coordinated preparedness, rescue and relief efforts as the country faces a critical phase of the monsoon season.

According to a press release from the President’s Secretariat, he urged authorities to “intensify coordinated preparedness, rescue and relief measures as increasing rains raise the risk of flash floods, cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, river flooding and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.”

He also “expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and damage to homes, infrastructure and property caused by the recent rains and related incidents.”

The president directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and provincial and local officials to “maintain close coordination and ensure timely dissemination of early warnings.”

He also called for “continuous monitoring of rainfall, river flows and water levels in upper catchment regions, particularly in Gilgit‑Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” and instructed downstream areas to make advance preparations for possible flooding.

According to the statement, the president directed authorities “to pre‑position rescue and relief resources, protect vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure, and take necessary measures to safeguard tourists and visitors in areas at risk from flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods and landslides.”

The statement added that the president emphasised “that all concerned institutions must remain vigilant and ensure an immediate response wherever lives or property are at risk.”

He urged the public “to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to areas facing warnings of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides or other weather‑related hazards.”

The statement noted that President Zardari also appreciated the efforts of rescue workers and emergency personnel engaged in relief operations and prayed for the safety of people across the country.

At least 37 people have died in rain‑related incidents as the ongoing monsoon spell triggered flash floods and landslides, damaging houses, crops, livestock and roads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit‑Balted flash floods and landslides, damaging houses, crops, livestock and roads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit‑Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the current spell could trigger flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in northern areas.

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