ISLAMABAD: Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Malik held a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review the country’s preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season in the context of rising temperatures and potential flood risks.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt General Imam Haider Malik briefed the minister on the current temperature outlook and flooding projections, highlighting the likelihood of higher-than-usual temperatures this year. Particular attention was given to the potential impacts of elevated temperatures in Pakistan’s northern regions, which may accelerate glacial melt and result in increased flooding in the Indus River basin.

A meeting issued said that the meeting included an in-depth discussion on the multi-tier early warning system utilised by NDMA, which operated through three phases: seasonal, advisory, and confirmatory outlooks.

Technical briefings were also presented on the meteorological and environmental triggers that influence the monsoon season in South Asia, such as the land-sea temperature differential, sea surface temperatures, and snow cover in the northern hemisphere. Both sides emphasised the importance of data-driven forecasting and inter-agency coordination in managing climate-induced disasters.

Minister says climate adaptation is ‘inherently disaster mitigation’; NDMA chief highlights ‘likelihood of higher-than-usual temperatures’ this year

In a joint side meeting, localised disaster mitigation strategies were discussed in detail. “Climate adaptation is inherently disaster mitigation,” the minister said, underlining the urgent need for jointly financed initiatives and interlinked project implementation between climate and disaster management agencies.

The two sides also discussed the status of ongoing and incomplete mitigation projects, agreeing to initiate a formal assessment to identify bottlenecks and propose a viable framework for their timely completion.

It was mutually decided that a follow-up coordination meeting will be held, bringing together the National Disaster Management Authority, District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and relevant project stakeholders. The purpose will be to ensure swift execution of pending initiatives and strategise future joint ventures to strengthen Pakistan’s climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

National simulation exercise

Separately, the National Disaster Management Authority commenced a two-day national-level simulation exercise at its headquarters. The activity aimed to enhance preparedness and strengthen coordination among federal and provincial institutions to respond to climate-induced disasters, including the glacier lake outburst floods (GLOF).

Climate Minister Musadik Malik, who attended the opening day, appreciated NDMA’s approach in conducting such simulations to prepare for seasonal and glacial hazards. He stressed the importance of integrated climate resilience planning and timely response mechanisms at all levels of governance.

On the first day, the exercise simulated large-scale floods and GLOF, testing early warning dissemination, evacuation protocols, relief coordination, and emergency response in both lowland and high-altitude areas.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2025