ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has identified 51 districts as being at high risk of natural disasters this year, with health authorities warning of a heightened likelihood of heatwaves, drought, heavy rainfall and flooding across different parts of the country.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Federal Ministry of Health Disaster Coordinator Dr Rabia Javed said a large part of the country could experience drought and extreme heat, while the northern regions were expected to face heavy rains, flash floods and inundation during the monsoon season.
She said children remained among the most vulnerable groups during natural disasters, urging parents to exercise extra caution during periods of heavy rainfall.
“Children should never be allowed to go near floodwaters or rain-swollen streams, as they are unable to judge the strength of the current or protect themselves in such situations,” she said.
Dr Javed said health authorities had placed particular emphasis on protecting children during the peak monsoon months of July, August and September.
She added that continuous coordination was underway between the federal government and provincial authorities to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.
According to Dr Javed, all provinces have been instructed to ensure adequate stocks of essential medicines at government hospitals and primary healthcare centres to respond swiftly to emergencies arising from extreme weather events.
It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change despite contributing only a fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Rising temperatures, increasingly erratic weather patterns and more frequent extreme events have heightened the risk of droughts, heatwaves and floods, placing additional pressure on the country’s health system and disaster management infrastructure.
The warning comes as authorities prepare for another challenging monsoon season, with officials stressing the need for public vigilance and timely preparedness measures to minimise the loss of lives and property.
