Govt steps up monsoon preparedness

KARACHI:

With climate risks intensifying and the monsoon nearing its peak, a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister House on Friday reviewed Sindh's preparedness for floods, urban flooding, heatwaves and other weather-related emergencies.

The meeting assessed early warning systems, inter-agency coordination and response capacity to safeguard lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure during the ongoing monsoon season.

Federal and provincial officials examined climate trends, potential disaster scenarios and vulnerable districts across the province. Particular concern was expressed over riverine flooding in Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Shikarpur and Larkana; flash floods in Dadu, Jamshoro and Qambar Shahdadkot; and urban flooding risks in Karachi, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Badin, Sujawal and Thatta.

Officials warned that Pakistan faces rising threats from climate change, including glacial lake outburst floods, cloudbursts, cyclones, droughts and sea-level rise. Forecasts indicate above-normal temperatures and an active monsoon spell from July 15 to August 30.

Briefing the participants, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) highlighted a shift towards forecast-based disaster intelligence, enabling real-time monitoring and impact-based advisories through integrated national and global data systems.