Sindh govt, federal climate minister-led team review monsoon preparedness; NDMA unveils next-generation early warning system Sindh, NDMA strengthen coordination to tackle floods, heatwaves, cyclones and climate-induced disasters; over 41,600 volunteers placed on alert across the province

KARACHI (July 9): In view of increasing climate-induced risks and the approaching peak monsoon season, a high-level meeting was held at the CM House to review Sindh’s preparedness for floods, urban inundation, heatwaves and other weather-related emergencies, while assessing the effectiveness of early warning systems and inter-agency response mechanisms.
The meeting brought together federal and provincial authorities to evaluate emerging climate trends, disaster forecasts, flood vulnerabilities and response capacities, and to strengthen coordination for protecting lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across the province during the ongoing monsoon season.
The Sindh government team included Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Adviser to the Chief Minister Gianchand Israni, Secretary to CM Asif Jameel, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Secretary Environment Faisal Uqaili, Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero, DG PDMA Salman Shah, Secretary Rehabilitation Mustafa Shaikh and other officials.
The federal government team led by Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik, included Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, Member NDMA (Climate Change), Executive Director NDMA Ms Zara and others.
The participants were informed that Pakistan is facing increasing climate-related threats, including glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), cloudbursts, flash floods, riverine flooding, urban inundation, heatwaves, cyclones, droughts and sea-level impacts. Climate projections indicate above-normal temperatures and persistent hot and humid conditions across much of the country between July 15 and August 30, 2026, alongside an active monsoon season.
NDMA officials presented the National Resilience and Disaster Management Coordination Framework and outlined the transition from conventional early warning systems to predictive disaster intelligence through the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC). The briefing highlighted the integration of the National Common Operating Picture (NCOP) and Global Common Operating Picture (GCOP), enabling real-time monitoring of climate, hydrological and field data to generate impact-based advisories, forecasts and early warnings.
The meeting was informed that Sindh remains particularly vulnerable because it lies at the downstream end of the Indus River system, where flood levels, flood volumes and flood durations are generally at their highest. Officials explained that flooding in Sindh originates from three primary sources: the Indus River, hill torrents emanating from the Kirthar Range, and monsoon rainfall-induced flooding.
Participants reviewed vulnerable districts across the province, including riverine flood-prone areas of Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Shikarpur and Larkana; flash flood and hill torrent zones in Dadu, Jamshoro and Qambar Shahdadkot; and urban flooding hotspots including Karachi, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Badin, Sujawal and Thatta.
The Irrigation Department briefed the meeting on Sindh’s flood protection infrastructure, which comprises approximately 1,325 miles of embankments, including 875 miles of frontline embankments, 331 miles of loop embankments and 119 miles of flood protection embankments, in addition to the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) system. The meeting also reviewed flood routing mechanisms across the Indus Basin and the flood classification system used at barrages in Sindh, ranging from normal temperatures and persistent hot and humid conditions across much of the country between July 15 and August 30, 2026, alongside an active monsoon season.
NDMA officials presented the National Resilience and Disaster Management Coordination Framework and outlined the transition from conventional early warning systems to predictive disaster intelligence through the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC). The briefing highlighted the integration of the National Common Operating Picture (NCOP) and Global Common Operating Picture (GCOP), enabling real-time monitoring of climate, hydrological and field data to generate impact-based advisories, forecasts and early warnings.
The meeting was informed that Sindh remains particularly vulnerable because it lies at the downstream end of the Indus River system, where flood levels, flood volumes and flood durations are generally at their highest. Officials explained that flooding in Sindh originates from three primary sources: the Indus River, hill torrents emanating from the Kirthar Range, and monsoon rainfall-induced flooding.
Participants reviewed vulnerable districts across the province, including riverine flood-prone areas of Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Shikarpur and Larkana; flash flood and hill torrent zones in Dadu, Jamshoro and Qambar Shahdadkot; and urban flooding hotspots including Karachi, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Badin, Sujawal and Thatta.
The Irrigation Department briefed the meeting on Sindh’s flood protection infrastructure, which comprises approximately 1,325 miles of embankments, including 875 miles of frontline embankments, 331 miles of loop embankments and 119 miles of flood protection embankments, in addition to the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) system. The meeting also reviewed flood routing mechanisms across the Indus Basin and the flood classification system used at barrages in Sindh, ranging from normal and low floods to very high and super flood conditions.
Officials informed the meeting that flood protection bunds are being surveyed in coordination with the armed forces, while the National Highway Authority, Pakistan Railways and other critical agencies have been placed on alert. A 24-hour liaison mechanism between federal and provincial emergency operation centres has also been activated to ensure rapid information sharing and coordinated response.
The participants were further informed that projected El Niño conditions during 2026-27 could adversely affect Kharif crops through increased heat and water stress. Rice, cotton, maize and sugarcane are expected to face varying levels of productivity losses, posing additional risks to food security and rural livelihoods.
The meeting was told that over 41,600 trained volunteers, including Civil Defence personnel, Rescue Scouts, Pakistan Red Crescent volunteers, Al-Khidmat teams, Scouts and Guides, Helping Hands volunteers and NDMA volunteers, are available across Sindh to support emergency preparedness and response operations.
The NDMA briefing also highlighted the role of local media, community radio networks, telecom infrastructure and digital focal persons in disseminating multi-hazard warnings and combating misinformation during emergencies through a coordinated rumour-control mechanism.
The meeting reviewed long-term climate adaptation measures, including cool pavements, reflective roads, heat-stroke centres, innovative parks, managed coastal retreat, mangrove afforestation, urban tree corridors, green roofs, water harvesting systems and climate-resilient urban planning initiatives.
Officials from the Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Department presented a number of proposals aimed at strengthening climate resilience in Sindh. These included the establishment of a Sindh Climate Information System (SCIS), development of an integrated digital climate early warning platform, district-level climate risk dashboards, climate vulnerability mapping, digital monitoring and reporting systems, stormwater management projects, rainwater harvesting initiatives, urban flood modelling and ecosystem-based adaptation programmes.
The meeting was informed that Sindh has also proposed scaling up mangrove restoration across the Indus Delta, promoting sponge-city planning principles, expanding heatwave and flood action plans, strengthening groundwater recharge systems and enhancing integration with national forecasting institutions for improved climate forecasting and vulnerability assessments.
Speaking on the occasion, Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro said Sindh had significantly enhanced its preparedness for the monsoon season through improved coordination among departments, strengthened flood protection infrastructure and continuous monitoring of vulnerable areas.
“We are closely monitoring river systems, drainage networks and flood protection structures. All relevant departments have been directed to remain fully prepared to respond to any emergency situation and protect lives and property,” he said.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik said climate change was no longer a future threat but a present reality requiring coordinated national action. “Pakistan remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global emissions. Strengthening early warning systems, local resilience and community awareness is essential for safeguarding our people and economy,” he said.
Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik said the country was entering a new era of disaster management driven by technology, predictive analytics and real-time intelligence. “The transition from early warning to predictive disaster intelligence will significantly enhance our ability to anticipate risks, issue timely advisories and support informed decision-making at all levels,” he said.
Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah assured that the provincial administration had activated its preparedness mechanisms and was maintaining close coordination with federal agencies. “All district administrations, emergency services and line departments have been instructed to remain vigilant. Our focus is on preparedness, rapid response and minimising the impact of any climate-induced emergency,” he said.
The federal government team was informed that, on the directives of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, all departments have been directed to maintain a high level of preparedness throughout the monsoon season, with emphasis on coordinated action, effective communication and timely response to protect vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters.