PM Shehbaz Orders Urgent Action as Punjab Faces Rising Flood Threat 🌊””NDMA & PDMA Told to Boost Coordination, Relief Efforts in Lahore, Sialkot, Gujrat”

PM Shehbaz Calls for Urgent Coordination to Mitigate Flood Impact in Punjab

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday stressed the need for stronger coordination among disaster management agencies to counter the worsening flood situation in Punjab.

Chairing an emergency meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister expressed serious concern over the rising water levels in the catchment areas of the Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers, warning that the situation could intensify if timely measures are not taken.

The premier directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to act swiftly against urban flood risks, particularly in Lahore, Sialkot, and Gujrat, and ensure timely early warnings to residents in vulnerable areas. He also called on the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to strengthen inter-agency coordination and improve the effectiveness of flood and rainfall alerts.

“Protecting lives and property must remain the top priority,” PM Shehbaz emphasized, urging disaster agencies to accelerate relief and evacuation efforts.

During the briefing, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik informed the prime minister about the ongoing response operations, including preemptive evacuations, relocation of vulnerable populations, and distribution of relief supplies. He confirmed that tents have already been delivered to affected areas, with additional essential items currently being dispatched.

The prime minister assured full government support to both federal and provincial authorities, emphasizing that no effort will be spared in providing relief to the flood-hit population.

The directives come as Punjab braces for heavy rainfall and potential overflow in major rivers, raising fears of large-scale displacement and damage in low-lying districts.