NDMA Chairman Predicts Three More Monsoon Spells in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, has forecasted three more monsoon spells expected to hit Pakistan before September 10. Speaking to Dunya News, he stated that the intensity of the current monsoon season is 50% higher than usual.
He emphasized that damage assessments are currently underway in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and relief packages will be dispatched to the most affected districts starting tomorrow. He urged national unity in tackling the growing challenges of climate change.
Technical expert Dr. Tayyab Shah stated that the current spell of heavy rainfall is expected to continue until August 22, with increased intensity in the coming days. Following this, another monsoon system is anticipated to develop. According to him, three additional weather systems are approaching Pakistan, with one originating from the Bay of Bengal and another moving in from Nangarhar and Kandahar regions of Afghanistan.
Brigadier Kamran revealed the tragic toll of the disaster, stating that 337 people have died and 178 others have been injured in the last two days. The federal government is sending a second relief consignment to Buner tomorrow.
According to DG PDMA Asfandyar Khattak, Buner is the hardest-hit area, with 208 reported deaths. He expressed concern that around 150 people may still be trapped under rubble. This morning, 54 relief trucks were dispatched to affected regions, and the provincial government has released Rs 1.5 billion, which has been distributed among district commissioners for immediate assistance.
DG Rescue Tayyab Abdullah reported that 176 rescue stations are operational across KP, with 60 additional points established along riverbanks. The number of rescue divers has reached 246, and around 1,800 personnel are actively involved in operations. Out of 313 confirmed fatalities, 300 bodies have been recovered, and over 5,210 people have been rescued across the province.