ISLAMABAD: Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Romina Khurshid Alam on Sunday claimed that comprehensive measures were being taken to prepare for potential floods ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

In a statement, she said these proactive efforts were aimed at minimising the impact of floods on vulnerable communities.

She said the ministry was serving as a collaborative platform for all relevant departments to assess flood vulnerability in the country’s flood-prone areas and develop a unified strategy to mitigate the effects of potential floods on lives and livelihoods, agricultural crops and public infrastructure.

The PM’s coordinator said this coordinated approach, when implemented, helped in a robust response from the government departments to flood risks.

“This proactive approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to preparedness and resilience in the face of potential floods,” Ms Alam said.

She said the ministry had convened three weekly task force meetings focused on global warming and heat waves, bringing together representatives from key agencies in June.

The PM’s climate aide said these institutions like Ministry of Climate Change, National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting were working together to support each other to achieve the same goal.

She said these meetings had facilitated the sharing of expertise and inputs on effective flood impact reduction measures.

The coordinator emphasised that following the safety of affected individuals, the primary concern was ensuring the provision of essential amenities at relief camps, including shelter, food, portable drinking water, medical supplies and animal care.

These relief camps would be strategically established in easily accessible locations and widely publicised through various communication channels, including regular, conventional and digital media.

Ms Alam also highlighted the critical importance of monitoring and addressing illegal tree cuttings, as forest ecosystems played a vital role in comprehensive flood risk management strategies.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2024