Pakistan has shut down its nerve centre for flood relief activities—National Flood Response Coordination Centre—after completing its mission. However, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal warned that the challenge was not over yet.
“The challenge is in front of us [and] that [relief work] will be continued in a new format and institutional setting,” he said while addressing a media briefing on Monday. “The government will continue monitoring of flood affected areas in coordination with the authorities concerned and provinces.
The NFRCC was created with a mission for a special purpose after floods triggered by rains pummelled Pakistan in July. More than 33 million people were displaced from north to south in the country. The floods inflicted an estimated loss of more than $30 billion, around 10% of the GDP, on the country, caused over 1,700 deaths, and displaced eight million people.
“Every ministry did their part in this effort and I once again want to laud everyone’s contribution. I want to thank the nation for tackling the worst damage,” he said, “Damage is still there. I think Sindh and Balochistan, the two most affected areas… I want to specially appeal the non-affected areas to take care of affected areas.”
Iqbal was of the view that such a huge financial impact was enough to tatter the economy, however, the government with its hard work and resources tackled the crisis and lessen the financial losses.
The planning minister the NFRCC team, the government, and the armed forces for carrying out the
Iqbal said that the government was focusing on it to build a resilient and adaptable infrastructure in the country. “We are a vulnerable country and for this, we are getting the help of the international community.” He spoke about the loss and damage fund set up at the United Nations climate summit.
Last month, countries agreed at the COP27 climate summit to set up a fund to help poor countries being battered by climate disasters, but delayed approving a wider deal outlining global resolve to fight climate change. Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman, who spoke on behalf of the G77 and China at the event, said that the announcement offered hope to vulnerable communities all over the world who are fighting for their survival from climate stress.
The planning minister said that Pakistani people should continue to help them as winter has arrived and flood-hit people need warm clothes and shelter.
Praising all the bodies for the relief efforts, the planning minister said that every worked with a sense of mission and the crisis “showed the best part of Pakistan”.
He stressed the need for the same spirit to resolve the issues of Pakistan. “If we work and build future with the same spirit and resolve issues as a nation then there is no issue that can be resolved.”
