ISLAMABAD: The government will seek prior information from India on releases of dam water to prepare itself for staving off the sudden gush which plays havoc in Pakistan.

Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Major Gen Muhammad Saeed Aleem told reporters at the conclusion of a two-day national conference held to review monsoon preparedness: “We have asked Pakistan Commission for Indus Water to take up the matter with India”.

He said that in the past the country had suffered huge loss because of the release of dam water by India without any warning. However, the upper state (India) is bound under the Indus Water Treaty to provide information before making such a move.

Some 50 districts across the country have been identified as prone to monsoon rains and flash floods. The NDMA chief said it was difficult to predict which places would face most.

The Meteorological Department has forecast somewhat below-normal monsoon rainfall in July-September which will gradually increase in northern parts during August. Pre­cipitation will remain normal in August and Sep­tember but northern parts may receive slightly above normal and southern parts below normal rainfall.

Also read: Peshawar villagers fear floods in monsoon

Met office will keep issuing monthly and weekly updates because forecast at this stage cannot be 100 per cent accurate due to technological weaknesses involving radar coverage and modern gadgetry, he said.

In reply to a question, the NDMA chief said that unusual weather phenomenon was not something surprising because a situation can develop suddenly.

Though drought in Balochistan could not be ruled out but its chances were slim because of sufficient rainfall the province had already received. However, some areas of Sindh may face drought.

Gen Aleem said all five rivers experienced high flooding last year but the loss was less than in 2012 because of an effective coordination mechanism and timely evacuation of vulnerable communities.

Repair work on most of the flood protection structures have completed and the job is nearing completion.

The national flood protection plan – a key component of the national disaster management plan – will be ready this year which would further reduce flood losses, he added.

Tree plantation, he said, helped in controlling soil erosion but measures to curb deforestation were not being taken, resulting in a decrease in the number of trees. He said the ministry concerned and provincial forest departments needed to address the issue.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2014