PM Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to begin preventive measures for next year to safeguard all areas and cities from flood losses, signaling a shift from rescue to mitigation as the monsoon persists.

Musadik Malik, the climate minister, told reporters after a review meeting in Islamabad that the focus must be on prevention rather than rescue next year. He noted drainage improvements are essential and that constructing infrastructure such as gabion walls should commence next month.

Attaullah Tarar said the federal government is vigilantly monitoring the situation and that the prime minister remains fully apprised of developments. NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik highlighted rising water levels in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej, with medium to high flooding anticipated. He said all flood-prone areas along these rivers have been alerted and are undergoing evacuations.

About 190,000 residents along the Sutlej have been relocated to safer locations with support from PDMA Punjab and Rescue 1122, the chairman added. The official noted substantial damage to crops, properties and infrastructure in the affected zones, and pledged a detailed infrastructural audit once the flood subsides, in line with the prime minister’s directives.

Officials urged communities to heed weather alerts and rely on early warning systems to minimize losses as the situation evolves.