ERC reviews monsoon response at 5th meeting as death toll reaches 97

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2026) The Emergency Response Committee (ERC) constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to oversee national preparedness and coordinated response during Monsoon 2026 reviewed the flood situation, response measures and preparedness across the country.

This fifth meeting of ERC was held at the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Officials were informed that 97 people had died and 297 were injured in rain-related incidents since June 26 while authorities continued monitoring weather systems and vulnerable areas to mitigate risks.

The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal through video link.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for National food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain and Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja also attended the meeting virtually.

Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, senior NDMA officials, representatives of federal and provincial departments and other stakeholders attended the meeting at NDMA headquarters.

The committee reviewed the implementation of preparedness measures undertaken by provincial disaster management authorities and other departments.

Provincial representatives briefed participants on relief supplies, emergency communication systems, evacuation plans, response readiness and inter-agency coordination during the ongoing monsoon season.

Participants were informed that the overall river flood situation remained normal, with flows in major rivers within safe limits.

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However, authorities were maintaining continuous monitoring of weather systems, river flows and vulnerable areas to ensure timely early warnings and response.

Dr Musadik Malik stressed the importance of district and local administrations in disaster preparedness and response, directing that all available resources be utilised for the timely dissemination of early warnings.

Prof Ahsan Iqbal praised the preparedness efforts of federal and provincial authorities and emphasised close coordination among institutions to ensure swift decision-making and rapid mobilisation of resources.

He also directed that an audit of flood mitigation projects executed after previous floods be conducted and presented at the committee's next meeting.

NDMA's Member Operations informed the meeting that from June 26 to July 25, a total of 97 deaths and 297 injuries had been reported nationwide, with house, roof and wall collapses accounting for most fatalities.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number of casualties, followed by Punjab.

The meeting was also told that 130 rescue operations had been carried out, 3,841 people evacuated to safer locations and 219 tonnes of relief goods coordinated and delivered through NDMA, provincial authorities and partner organisations.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national coordination and ensuring an effective response to safeguard lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure during the monsoon season.