Ahsan Iqbal commends authorities for effective monsoon response

National Disaster Management Authority convened 4th meeting of National Disaster Response Committee in Islamabad today. The meeting was chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and co-chaired by NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik. The meeting was updated about response undertaken by the provincial departments during rain emergencies. The plans to address potential emergencies that are likely to happen in the next monsoon spell specifically in South Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan were discussed. Representatives of Pakistan Railway and National Highway Authority apprised the forum of damages of infrastructure and communication lines during rain emergencies. Officials of NDMA provided an overview of the anticipated impacts, situation of water reservoirs and risk calculations prepared by NEOC for the current monsoon along with NDMA's preparedness and plans. Chairman NDMA informed the house about the arrangement and plan for humanitarian relief operations for flood-stricke n areas of Bangladesh as and when it is required. He lauded the efforts of humanitarian partners and responders for effective management of localised rain emergencies. On the occasion, the Planning Minister appreciated the role of NDMA, Federal and Provincial Authorities in ensuring prompt and effective response to monsoon-related emergencies. He directed PDMA Punjab to plan and deploy resources in areas as projected by NEOC. Source: Radio Pakistan