President Asif Ali Zardari has urged all institutions to remain prepared in view of the expected heavy rainfall in Sindh. He emphasised that arrangements for relocating the public to safe areas must be complete.
The president called on provincial, district and local authorities to stay alert and ready to respond to potential flooding. He directed that advance preparations be ensured, particularly in urban, low-lying and coastal areas. Relief machinery and personnel should remain on standby at both district and tehsil levels. Continuous monitoring of water levels at Hub Dam and other reservoirs was also stressed.
He advised that both the media and local administration should play an active role in public awareness campaigns. Citizens were urged to take precautionary measures and to follow government instructions.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the rain-bearing weather system currently over India’s Gujarat and Rajasthan borders could affect Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab.
The NDMA spokesperson said that the rainfall may continue intermittently until 10 September. There is a likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Koh-e-Sulaiman region and southern Punjab. Urban flooding is feared in parts of Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to intensify and enhance the efficiency of rescue and relief operations in flood-affected areas. He directed that timely and adequate assistance be provided to those displaced.
The prime minister said that an effective strategy, in coordination with provinces, is being developed to counter the adverse impacts of climate change. Comprehensive planning is underway for high-risk areas, along with steps to strengthen and integrate systems for early warnings and resilient infrastructure.
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