The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that monsoon rains are expected to continue for the next two to three days, with rising water levels at Head Panjnad and Guddu Barrage.

However, the situation in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers remains under control, according to NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik.

Addressing a joint press briefing with Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik, the NDMA chief said rescue and relief operations are in full swing across the country. “Over 2.4 million people in Punjab and nearly 150,000 in Sindh have been safely relocated to secure areas. We are grateful to welfare organizations and volunteers working round the clock,” he noted.

Lieutenant General Malik highlighted that standing crops have suffered heavy damage due to the flooding, while embankments in some areas were deliberately breached to reduce water pressure. To support affected families, the Punjab government has been provided with more than 9,000 tents and food rations exceeding 9,000 tons.

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Looking ahead, the NDMA chief cautioned that fresh spells of rain are expected between September 16 and 18 in central Punjab and Azad Kashmir. He also stressed the urgent need for collective measures to address climate challenges, pointing out that melting glaciers due to rising temperatures are worsening the situation.

Federal Minister Musadik Malik echoed these concerns, saying Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared a climate emergency to deal with these challenges. The world is changing fast, and we must prepare now for the next monsoon season,” he emphasized.

The minister added that Sialkot and Narowal districts faced massive destruction from recent rains, while precautionary steps have been taken in Sindh to manage flood risks. He confirmed that at least 900 lives have been lost due to floods and heavy rains across the country.

Despite the devastation, he praised local charities and private organizations for their active role in supporting displaced families. “Our commitment is clear: Pakistan flood relief efforts will continue until every family is rehabilitated. All provinces, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, will receive the government’s full support,” he assured.