ISLAMABAD: Extreme weather events are expected during the upcoming monsoon season that could cause flooding in rivers and their adjoining tributaries.

This information was shared at the ‘National Monsoon Preparedness Conference-2019’ on Tuesday.

The conference was organised by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) which reviewed preparations for anticipated monsoon rains and flooding and shared the National Monsoon Contingency Response Guidelines 2019 with all stakeholders.

Briefing the conference, Director General Pakistan Met Department (PMD) Mohammad Riaz highlighted the salient feature of the ‘Weather Outlook for Monsoon Season-2019’ and said rainfall during monsoon from July to September is likely to remain near normal.

However normal to above normal rainfall is expected in upper half of the country.

While slight to moderate, below normal rainfall is expected in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, he added.

NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Afzal said climate change phenomenon had to be taken into consideration as it had already started casting its adverse impacts upon the region in the form of extreme weather events.

He added that the conference would set the stage to consolidate the gains of complete preparedness process and enable disaster management authorities to cope with impending hazards in a more professional manner.

Representative of all provincial and regional disaster management authorities presented the nature of vulnerabilities faced in their respective areas and state of their preparedness and prevention measures put in place to manage the vulnerabilities.

They also shared details of available rescue equipment and rehabilitation and relief stocks in their warehouses for the emergencies.

The participants of the conference evaluated the limitations and inadequacies in the system and urged for a better response this monsoon by all stakeholders. The participants were informed that the NDMA had enhanced its storage capacity and adequate relief stocks were available at warehouses.

Presentations were given by Federal Flood Commission, National Highways Authority and UN agencies.

Speaking at the closing session of the conference, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Naeemul Haq said Pakistan was at a better level of preparedness against disasters than it was in 2010. He assured the NDMA and citizens all out support of the government.

Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul Wazir, parliamentarians and senior representatives of various federal and provincial government departments also participated in the conference.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2019