On the directions of the Prime Minister, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) continues to convene the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) at the national level to oversee preparedness and coordinated response during the Monsoon 2026 season. The 17th meeting of the Emergency Response Committee (ERC) was held today at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC), Headquarters NDMA, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Planning & Special Initiatives Prof Dr Ahsan Iqbal. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo; Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik; representatives of Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), and senior officials from relevant federal ministries and departments.
The Committee reviewed the prevailing monsoon situation across the country, hydrological conditions, weather outlook, preparedness measures and coordinated emergency response arrangements.
The National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) presented a comprehensive situational briefing, highlighting the latest weather forecasts, river flows, vulnerable locations and anticipated impacts of the ongoing monsoon spell.
According to the briefing, the weather system is expected to affect the Potohar region, adjoining catchment areas of the Rivers Chenab and Jhelum and parts of northeastern Punjab, with the potential for urban flooding, localized flash flooding and water accumulation in low-lying areas. The committee was further informed that the northern regions of the country are likely to remain under the influence of the rain-bearing system until September 4, which may result in intermittent rainfall and localized weather-related emergencies in vulnerable districts.
District Administration Rawalpindi briefed the session about Nullah Lai situation that relevant departments have been placed on high alert and safe evacuations of residents is ensured with support of civil defense, police & Rescue 1122 personnels. Emergency responders were deployed around Nullah Lai, while traffic flow was being maintained on major arteries.
Provincial authorities briefed the Committee on preparedness measures, availability of rescue resources, emergency stocks, evacuation planning and coordination with district administrations. Representatives of relevant federal and provincial departments and response agencies also shared updates on the prevailing flood situation, impacts and response measures being undertaken in their respective areas. The Committee was apprised of ongoing rescue and relief operations, deployment of resources, coordination mechanisms and measures being taken to address emerging risks in vulnerable areas.
Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring uninterrupted communication, timely dissemination of early warnings, pre-positioning of relief resources and maintaining the operational readiness of response agencies in vulnerable districts.
The Chair emphasized the need for all relevant departments and response agencies to maintain close coordination and ensure timely implementation of preparedness and response measures.
The Committee also stressed the importance of proactive measures at the district level to minimize risks and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
