The military leadership has assured full cooperation to the civil administration as the armed forces have announced assistance in relief operations in collaboration with the NDMA to deal with calamities across the country. Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), HJ visited the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) established at the National Disaster Management Authority headquarters in Islamabad. On this occasion, he made a detailed review of the preparations to deal with the emergency situation.

During the visit, military and civil officials reviewed the monsoon situation, early warning systems and logistics framework. The civil administration relies on military engineering and aviation assets in view of the dangers of unpredictable rains and floods in various parts of the country, particularly Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Making civil-military disaster coordination more effective

During a briefing at the NDMA headquarters, Field Marshal Asim Munir inspected the digital mapping, satellite tracking and real-time forecasting systems at the centre. He stressed that the armed forces are on high alert to provide heavy machinery, rescue boats, medical camps and supplies to deal with any emergency.

  • Logistics Support: Immediate provision of transport planes, helicopters and heavy trucks for stranded people.
  • Medical Camp: Establishment of mobile field hospitals equipped with emergency medicine and medical personnel.
  • Engineering Assets: Rehabilitation of embankments and strengthening of river banks.

This collaboration between the military headquarters and the district administration becomes critical when torrential rains destroy communication systems. NDMA relies on this joint action plan to deliver timely rations, clean drinking water and tents to families stranded in remote areas.

What you should do in an emergency

If you live in a flood-prone urban area or a riverside settlement, you should be aware of the warnings issued by the NDMA or Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs). Keep an emergency bag with you which contains identity card, essential medicines, dry ration and water bottles.

  • Keep track of updates through NDMA's mobile app or official social media handles.
  • Determine safe locations and routes in your area before the rains begin.
  • Store emergency helpline numbers, including NDMA and local rescue numbers, on your phone.

What to watch next

Keep a close eye on reports from the Meteorological Department regarding the intensity of the monsoon and the risk of lakes formed by melting glaciers in the northern valleys. Look at the actions taken by the provincial administration in the context of water flow at major barrages like Tarbala, Mangala and Guddu. Also focus on federal grants for permanent flood protection infrastructure in the coming fiscal year.