WEBDESK: A joint press conference was held on Tuesday by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, DG ISPR Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik to brief the public on the impact of recent heavy rains and cloudbursts across Pakistan.
Pakistan’s civil and military leadership has reported large-scale damage and loss of life caused by the recent spell of monsoon rains and cloudbursts.
According to official figures, 670 people have died and nearly 1,000 have been injured, while floods and landslides have destroyed homes, roads, bridges, and crops. Around 25,000 people have been rescued so far.
Relief operations of Pakistan Army are ongoing in flood affected areas: DG ISPR
DG ISPR Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that road infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been badly damaged. Two engineer battalions have been deployed in KP and two in Gilgit, while three medical units are also working in the affected areas. Over 6,000 injured people have received treatment at medical camps.
He said that, on the instructions of Field Marshal Asim Munir, additional army units have been activated in Buner and Shangla. The army has also allocated one day’s ration for flood victims, which is being delivered by road and by helicopter.
He added that several bridges have been rebuilt and roads reopened. At present, two battalions are stationed in Buner, and teams from CMH Rawalpindi are also assisting. In total, 90 roads in KP have been destroyed, and restoration work is under way.
670 people have lost their lives and 1,000 have been injured due to floods: NDMA Chairman
NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik confirmed that heavy rains have caused widespread destruction, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern KP, Balochistan, and South Punjab. Search operations are ongoing for people swept away by floods.
He warned that two more intense monsoon spells are expected before the end of August, but said that the NDMA and provincial authorities are fully prepared. Data is being updated in real time on the NDMA website and mobile application.
He also stated that the National Highway Authority is working to restore damaged roads, with full recovery expected by 22–23 August. Supplies of food and medicines are being ensured, while the Prime Minister has also announced relief packages for the victims.
Flood situation is being closely monitored at NDMA: Ata Tarar
Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said that the government is using all resources to deal with the crisis. He explained that a state-of-the-art disaster management system had already been put in place, providing real-time information to provinces and local authorities.
He added that despite the loss of lives and property, the government is determined to provide relief and rehabilitation. “The Prime Minister has directed that all institutions work together to ensure rescue and relief for the people,” he said.
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