Govt, Army, and NDMA Unveil Monsoon Disaster Plan for the Nation

Govt, Army, and NDMA Unveil Monsoon Disaster Plan for the Nation

Released on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 3:07 PM

The central administration, military forces, and National Disaster Management Authority conducted a combined media update in Islamabad regarding the current monsoon emergency. Representatives stated that torrential rainfall has resulted in 670 fatalities throughout Pakistan. Numerous additional individuals remain wounded or unaccounted for. Teams from the NDMA are continuing efforts to locate those carried off by floodwaters. Immediate relief activities are ongoing in every impacted area.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif from DG ISPR stated that the flooding has caused damage to roads and bridges, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In order to act swiftly, the military sent two engineering battalions to KP and another two to Gilgit-Baltistan. These teams are working on unblocking roadways and repairing damaged structures. Military engineers are additionally assisting with restoring communication networks. The availability of relief supplies is gradually increasing in isolated regions.

At the same time, military medical personnel are providing assistance to those wounded in flooded areas. To date, more than 6,000 individuals have been provided with healthcare services. Nine mobile field hospitals are functioning within impacted regions. Two established medical facilities have been stationed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit. Additionally, two battalions are offering medical aid in Buner and Shangla. Numerous survivors are being treated for severe wounds.

The military is operating based on specific directives issued by the Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Extra battalions have been deployed for recovery and assistance efforts. In order to assist those impacted, the army has contributed a day’s worth of provisions from its stockpiles. Aid materials are handed out every day. Supplies such as food, drinking water, and medical items are transported to isolated regions using aircraft and vehicles.

To sum up, Pakistan’s civilian and military organizations are collaborating effectively to handle the crisis. The administration called on citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to safety instructions. Aid operations will persist until everyone impacted is secure. The NDMA mentioned that restoration and rebuilding could require an extended period. Nevertheless, complete nationwide backing has been pledged for each affected area.

Flood Rescue Saves 25,000 as Bodies Recovered in International Edition

Flood Rescue Saves 25,000 as Bodies Recovered in International Edition

Released on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 3:49 PM

The Federal Information Minister, Atta Tarar, stated that Pakistan has initiated a synchronized nationwide approach involving all provinces, pertinent organizations, and the military to address the extreme floods resulting from monsoon rainfall. The administration has implemented an integrated plan to handle the crisis effectively and safeguard people.

At a media conference held in Islamabad, NDMA Chief Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik and DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that search and rescue crews have successfully rescued approximately 25,000 individuals up to now. Updates are being continuously provided to all relevant parties to ensure efficient coordination of aid efforts.

The head of the NDMA mentioned that their official website regularly updates information regarding rainfalls, flood damages, and losses. To date, monsoon-related storms, sudden downpours, landfills, and flooding in northern regions have resulted in almost 670 deaths, with approximately 1,000 people wounded nationwide.

General Inam Haider mentioned that some of the people who were once unaccounted for have now been located, although regrettably, many did not make it. Ongoing rescue efforts involve the military and emergency personnel collaborating to conduct thorough searches and recoveries in the impacted regions.

Assistance initiatives involve supplying food, medical aid, and necessary items to those who have been forced to leave their homes. More than half of the destroyed infrastructure has been fixed, with key roads and expressways currently under repair and scheduled to be completely open again next week.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that the military has sent eight groups to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan as part of relief efforts. To date, more than 6,300 individuals have been treated at nine health centers, while food supplies and assistance are being provided in isolated areas with help from the PTA and army construction teams.

Authorities stated that assessments to determine the total extent of damage will start shortly, with findings made available to the public. They advised residents to adhere to safety protocols as search and recovery efforts proceed in regions affected by flooding.

Earthquake Shakes Thailand and Myanmar: 5 Critical Updates on Travel Disruptions

Earthquake Shakes Thailand and Myanmar: 5 Critical Updates on Travel Disruptions

A strong 7.7-magnitude quake hit central Myanmar on Friday, leading to considerable disturbances in local transport. This disruption impacted air travel as well as railway services not only within Myanmar but also extending into Thailand.

The number of fatalities resulting from the large earthquake in Myanmar has exceeded 1,000, as reported by the governing military regime on Saturday. Additionally, over 2,000 people have been recorded as injured.
AFP.

Here are five points travelers should keep in mind:


Thailand airports are operational

Thailand’s major airports are operating normally, with most arriving and departing flights facing only slight disruptions, as reported.
The Independent.

In Bangkok, women were seen using their phones as thousands of individuals emerged from structures following the quakes. The image was captured by Reuters.

On Friday, Airports of Thailand, which manages the nation’s airports, stated that they have finished inspecting six of these facilities.

This ensured that the constructional robustness of their structures and air transport facilities complies with safety regulations.

By 2:30 p.m., all airports had resumed normal operations.

The inspection covered Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport, as well as Hat Yai Airport.

According to FlightRadar’s flight monitoring information, most arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which serves as Bangkok’s main gateway, occur on time. Delays are infrequent, and cancellations or diversions happen quite rarely too.

Concerning departures, the majority of flights have already taken off; however, a few have experienced delays lasting more than a couple of hours.

Suvarnabhumai Airport informed travelers about the recent earthquake and recommended checking for traffic updates prior to departure. They also suggested allowing extra travel time to avoid missing their flights.

The airport recommends getting there at least three hours ahead of international flights and two hours in advance for domestic ones.


Railway connections in Bangkok have been halted.

All metropolitan railway services were halted, and traffic jammed the streets in Thailand’s main city of Bangkok, as reported.
Reuters
.

Worapa Angkhisirisap, who leads the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in London, stated: “The MRT Blue Line and Purple Line services are currently halted.”

The BTS Skytrain has also been halted temporarily as per the emergency procedures.

Moreover, the railway service heading towards Rangsit located in the north of Bangkok might face some delays because of continuous inspections being carried out on the raised sections of track.


Mandalay Airport in Myanmar has been closed down.

Mandalay International Airport, located near the earthquake’s epicenter, has been closed after suffering structural damage.

It is reported that the airport’s air traffic control tower has fallen down, resulting in at least five fatalities.

Videos from social media showed travelers at Mandalay Airport crouching and looking for cover on the runway as an earthquake struck.

Following a powerful earthquake, people congregate on the street in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025. The image was captured by Reuters.


Aftershock warnings

Following the earthquake, the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Thailand.

“There may be aftershocks. If you are in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities or your tour operator and monitor local media,” its advice states.

Regarding Myanmar, the FCDO mentioned that the earthquake’s epicenter is located in the Sagaing region close to Mandalay City; however, effects could reach other areas as well.

The Mandalay airport is said to be closed, with several significant aftershocks possible. Should you be in the region or considering travel there, adhere to guidance from local authorities and stay updated through local news sources.


Refunds not guaranteed

As the Foreign Office hasn’t issued guidance against unnecessary travel because of the demonstrations, there aren’t specific arrangements allowing you to get a complete refund if you decide to cancel your trip.

The cancellation terms will depend on the policy of each respective holiday supplier.

Simon Calder,
The Independent’s
The travel correspondent clarified: “When the Foreign Office issues a warning against traveling to certain areas, it mandates tour operators such as Tui, Jet2, and easyJet Holidays to promptly repatriate vacationers. This is why an outright ‘do-not-travel’ recommendation is extremely uncommon.”

There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings even if customers cancel, and customers will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes.

PM Orders Accelerated Post-Flood Recovery as Raya Approaches in Malaysia

PM Orders Accelerated Post-Flood Recovery as Raya Approaches in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed all pertinent departments to spare no effort in aiding those affected by recent floods as the Eid al-Fitr celebrations draw near.

At today’s media briefing held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah stated that Anwar has requested all stakeholders to promptly allocate resources towards post-flood restoration activities to alleviate the hardships faced by those affected by the floods.

This involves helping with the cleanup of houses, particularly as Hari Raya approaches.

He stated, “Since conditions in Johor and Sabah are progressively getting better, everyone—including NGOs and the private sector—should come together to assist flood-affected individuals in their recovery process. This disaster has led to considerable destruction of properties, financial losses, and interruptions in Eid al-Fitr celebrations.”

It was reported yesterday that the flooding conditions in Johor and Sarawak have continued to show improvement; however, the number of displaced individuals in Sabah has seen a slight increase.

Earlier this week, Anwar encouraged all state administrations to focus first on addressing civic problems like poverty, flooding, and public housing, while also advocating for progress in infrastructure development.

Western Japan Battles Unrelenting Wildfires: Evacuations and Damage Surge

Western Japan Battles Unrelenting Wildfires: Evacuations and Damage Surge

At least two regions in western Japan have been impacted by wildfires, resulting in damages to numerous houses and compelling many inhabitants to leave their homes.

Wildfires in Okayama and Ehime prefectures have scorched an area of 370 hectares, with fire crews continuing to battle the flames as of Monday.

In Iwahari City, towering trees on a slope caught fire, with helicopters observed releasing water onto the blaze. Simultaneously, in Okayama, a fire initiated on Sunday afternoon has resulted in damage to five residences, leading to mandatory evacuations for hundreds of inhabitants within the impacted area, as reported by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.