ISLAMABAD: The government on Saturday asked relevant departments to secure critical infrastructure such as roads and communication networks against potential threats during the monsoon rains.

The direction was issued at the second meeting of the National Disaster Response Committee (DRC) held at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters.

A statement said the meeting aimed to review progress on directions given during the first DRC meeting and preparations by provinces and departments for monsoon 2024.

Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada chaired the meeting which was attended among others by PM’s coordinator on climate change Romina Khursheed. The minister was informed about the ongoing efforts to address potential emergencies, rectify shortcomings and resource deployment plan for vulnerable areas and regions.

Departments told to secure critical infrastructure such as roads, communication networks against potential threats

NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik directed the stakeholders to identify deficiencies and leverage necessary resources available within local formations, departments and domestic/international humanitarian agencies operating in respective areas to address potential crises.

The PDMAs Punjab and Sindh were instructed to continue surveillance of river water levels, eradicate encroachments on waterways and riverbanks and ensure a state of readiness for potential flood emergencies.

The PM’s coordinator directed PDMAs/SDMAs to develop standardised response plans for effective disaster management which would subsequently be presented to the prime minister.

The minister highlighted the necessity of well-coordinated approach to manage climatical hazards. He stressed on the crucial role of provincial and state authorities in close coordination with NDMA to ensure a prompt and effective response to monsoon-related emergencies.

He said the formation of DRC was a critical step to strengthen Pakistan’s disaster management framework and coordination between the federal and provincial governments with a focus on national disaster response. The DRC would meet regularly to monitor progress and address emerging challenges.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2024