• Sets aside Rs7.5bn for disaster response
• CM orders depts, hospitals to stay alert
• Officials warn temperatures may hit 53°C this year
QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Monday adopted a comprehensive emergency plan and allocated Rs7.5 billion in emergency funds to bolster disaster response ahead of the 2026 monsoon season amid warnings of severe weather risks.
The decision was made during a meeting of the Provincial Disaster Management Commission presided over by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The commission reviewed the province’s preparedness for potential natural disasters, including monsoon rains, flooding, heat waves and other unusual climatic changes.
Officials briefed the meeting that due to the impact of global climate change, temperatures in Balochistan could rise as high as 53 degrees Celsius this year.
They also warned that unusual hazards, such as sudden heat bursts after cloudbursts, could pose serious threats to human lives and infrastructure.
“Climate change has increased the risk of unusual weather events, and the government is utilising all available resources to protect the lives and property of the people,” CM Bugti said.
The approved funds will be used to activate immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations. The meeting directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and ensure the completion of all preventive measures.
As part of the plan, Provincial Disaster Management Authority offices at divisional and district levels will remain fully operational, with arrangements to ensure the availability of rescue machinery, tents, medicines, food and other essential supplies.
The government also decided to activate 1122 rescue centres in all districts, with plans to establish centres at the tehsil level in a later phase.
In response to the threat of extreme heat, hospitals were directed to enforce heatstroke emergencies and keep medical staff and ambulance services on full alert.
The government will also launch an immediate public awareness campaign through educational institutions, mosques, and media to inform citizens about precautionary measures.
CM Bugti directed that drainage systems, rescue machinery and relief supplies remain functional in sensitive districts to ensure a rapid response. He assured that the government would not leave the public alone during an emergency and would ensure timely action.
Minister Ziaullah Langove, Leader of Opposition Mir Younas Aziz Zehri, and senior officials also attended the meeting.
Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2026
