ISLAMABAD, Aug 2: The Emergency Response Committee (ERC), constituted by the prime minister, on Sunday held its 10th daily review of the country’s monsoon response, directing authorities to maintain maximum preparedness and accelerate relief and rehabilitation efforts as fresh rain is forecast for northern and central Pakistan, with isolated showers also expected in southeastern Sindh.

The committee’s 10th session, chaired by Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal through video link at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), was attended by representatives of federal ministries, provincial governments, chief secretaries, provincial disaster management authorities and other response agencies.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) briefed participants on the latest weather outlook, casualties, infrastructure losses and ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.

It said deputy commissioners in all vulnerable districts had already been alerted to ensure timely preparedness and emergency response.

The committee was informed that recent rains had triggered flooding in several areas and that coordinated response operations were continuing through federal, provincial and district authorities. Officials warned that rainfall is expected to continue over northern and central parts of the country in the coming days, while isolated rain is also likely in parts of southeastern Sindh.

The NDMA also updated the meeting on relief activities being carried out with the support of national and international humanitarian organisations.

The committee was told that most fatalities during the current monsoon season resulted from the collapse of unsafe structures and poorly constructed buildings, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of building safety standards and greater public awareness.

The ERC appreciated the efforts of federal ministries, provincial governments, district administrations, the armed forces, rescue services and other responding agencies.

It directed all stakeholders to strengthen coordination, sustain a high level of preparedness, expedite relief and rehabilitation work, and implement preventive measures to reduce the impact of future weather events.