PM Shehbaz puts civic authorities on high alert ahead of new monsoon spell

The spell is expected to begin on Thursday as the country struggles to stay afloat amid heavy rainfalls

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the federal and provincial civic bodies to closely monitor the safety measures ahead of the new monsoon spell expected to start this Thursday.

The premier asked the concerned authorities to ensure a proper precautionary system for the people across the country, including Sindh, Balochistan and South Punjab.

PM Shehbaz lauded the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for extending support to provincial governments and institutions in controlling the situation amid heavy rains.

Unity, cooperation and selfless service to the people were lauded as the greatest strengths of his government by the premier as he urged the departments concerned to do their best to serve the people with dedication.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the provincial governments and the institutions for their services in protecting the lives and property of the people and commended the departments responsible for municipal and civic measures, including the police for showing a great spirit of public service during the Eid holidays.

Read: NDMA dispatches relief goods for Balochistan rain affectees

In a message to the workers and staffers of civic bodies, he said the spirit of helping mankind was in fact the greatest and most noble service.

It is pertinent to note that a severe monsoon spell this year caused extensive damage up and down the country, killing several dozen people and triggering flash floods because of glacial lake outbursts, with Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan bearing the brunt of merciless rains.

Last week, the death toll in Balochistan’s torrential rains and subsequent flash floods touched the 57 mark while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Tuesday stated that 26 people have been killed in rain-related incidents across Sindh, from June 20 to July 10.

According to Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman, the country received 87% above normal rainfall during the current monsoon season, adding that there were 16 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) events this season due to extreme heatwave.