Balochistan approves emergency plan ahead of monsoon season

QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Monday approved a province-wide emergency preparedness plan and earmarked Rs7.5 billion for response measures ahead of the 2026 monsoon season, as officials warned of severe weather threats linked to climate change.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Provincial Disaster Management Commission chaired by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The commission reviewed the province’s readiness to deal with possible natural disasters, including monsoon rains, floods, heatwaves and other unusual weather patterns.

Funds allocated for rescue and relief

According to the decisions taken in the meeting, the allocated funds will be used for immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities in the event of an emergency. All relevant departments were instructed to remain on alert and complete preventive arrangements in advance.

Under the plan, offices of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority at divisional and district levels will stay fully functional. Arrangements are also being made to ensure the availability of rescue equipment, tents, medicines, food and other essential items.

The government also decided to activate Rescue 1122 centres in all districts, with a later phase aimed at setting up such centres at the tehsil level as well.

Heatwave and climate risks highlighted

Officials told the meeting that, because of the effects of global climate change, temperatures in Balochistan could climb to as high as 53 degrees Celsius this year. They also cautioned that unusual events, including sudden bursts of heat after cloudbursts, could create serious risks for people and infrastructure.

Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Bugti said climate change had raised the likelihood of abnormal weather events and said the provincial government was deploying all available means to safeguard lives and property.

“Climate change has increased the risk of unusual weather events, and the government is utilising all available resources to protect the lives and property of the people,” CM Bugti said.

In view of the threat from extreme heat, hospitals were directed to enforce heatstroke emergency measures and keep medical personnel and ambulance services on full alert.

Public awareness campaign to be launched

The provincial government also decided to begin an immediate awareness drive through educational institutions, mosques and the media to inform the public about precautionary steps.

The chief minister directed authorities to keep drainage systems, rescue machinery and relief supplies operational in sensitive districts so that response efforts could be carried out without delay. He also assured that the government would stand by the public during any emergency and ensure timely action.

The meeting was also attended by Minister Ziaullah Langove, Leader of the Opposition Mir Younas Aziz Zehri and senior officials.