Field marshal briefed on monsoon disaster preparedness during NDMA visit

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters on Tuesday to review the disaster preparedness and response arrangements for the ongoing monsoon season, the military’s media wing said.

Asim Munir, who also serves as Chief of Defence Forces, visited the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), where he was briefed on Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and coordination mechanisms for responding to monsoon-related emergencies, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.

NDMA Chairman Lt-Gen Inam Haider Malik briefed the army chief on the operational capabilities of the emergency centre, including its technology-driven response systems and “Disaster Lens 2026”, a platform used to monitor the prevailing monsoon situation and multiple natural hazards across the country.

The briefing also covered the authority’s coordination mechanisms for disaster response and the use of technology to enhance situational awareness and emergency planning.

The CDF praised the NDMA’s efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s disaster management capacity and stressed the importance of maintaining a high level of preparedness, effective coordination among government agencies and a swift response to emergencies.

He said protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure remained a priority during the monsoon season, according to the ISPR statement.

The army chief also reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to supporting the civil administration and the NDMA in relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations whenever required.

Pakistan experiences heavy monsoon rains between July and September each year, with flooding, landslides and flash floods frequently causing casualties and damaging homes, roads and public infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable mountainous and low-lying areas.

The NDMA has been issuing regular weather advisories and coordinating with provincial disaster management authorities as seasonal rains continue across parts of the country.