PM committee to finalise initial flood damage estimates in 10 days

A committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to assess the damages caused by recent flash floods in Punjab, the country’s agricultural heartland, will finalise the initial estimates within 10 days, according to news reports. 

The estimates will be based on “accurate and transparent field reports” collected by the relevant authorities.

While chairing a high-level meeting, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal focused on coordinating efforts between federal and provincial bodies for a comprehensive flood damage assessment. While the representatives from the provinces highlighted the challenges of producing a final and accurate assessment until floodwaters recede, Minister Iqbal assured that initial estimates would be shared soon.

“We will finalize the initial estimates within the next ten days. The verified data will be shared publicly once it is ready,” Iqbal said, adding that, similar to the 2022 floods, a full post-disaster needs assessment would be carried out with the assistance of international organizations.

In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need for a coordinated effort between federal and provincial institutions in the damage assessment process. The prime minister emphasized that the assessment should not only cover losses of lives and properties but also include damages to crops and livestock.

PM Shehbaz also suggested seeking assistance from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) for satellite-based assessments. Additionally, he stressed that immediate measures should be taken to protect crops from diseases following the floods.

“We must take special steps for the cultivation of suitable crops in flood-affected areas,” he said, noting that a detailed damage assessment of sugarcane, cotton, and rice crops would be completed in two weeks once the floodwaters have receded.