Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Inam Haider, on Sunday warned that two to three additional monsoon spells are likely in the coming weeks, with rainfall intensity projected to surge 50% to 60% above previous years.

Addressing a media briefing on rain-related damages and flood response, the NDMA chief said this year’s monsoon spread has expanded significantly due to unusually high summer temperatures, which triggered atmospheric instability and heavier rainfall across multiple regions.

He attributed the heightened severity to climate change, which continues to intensify weather disruptions in vulnerable regions. Pakistan is witnessing severe repercussions, with widespread destruction reported in Buner, Bajaur and Battagram areas increasingly exposed to climate-driven hazards.

“The monsoon season is expected to persist until September 10,” he said.

Lieutenant General Haider said land connectivity has been severed with several settlements in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to flash floods and landslides. Search operations for missing persons are ongoing, while relief goods and food supplies are being dispatched to affected districts.

Restoration work is underway in areas where link roads have been damaged. NDMA remains in constant coordination with provincial governments to ensure timely assistance and effective response. More relief packages will be delivered on Monday to districts that have suffered the highest loss of life during recent monsoon-related disasters.

The NDMA chairman emphasised that all available resources will be mobilised to minimise potential flood-related losses. Vulnerable areas will be evacuated in advance to safeguard lives, while communication networks in cut-off regions will be restored on a priority basis through technical teams.

Following the monsoon season, NDMA will work closely with the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Housing to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure.

Lt Gen Inam Haider attributed the recent devastation in northern districts to climate change, warning that northern Punjab and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are likely to experience more intense rainfall in the coming days.

The restoration drive will prioritise reconnecting isolated regions and is expected to be completed before the onset of the next monsoon cycle.

Armed forces are assisting in ongoing relief and rescue operations. A detailed survey, in coordination with provincial governments, will be conducted to assess exact losses. Relief camps will be established if necessary to provide shelter and support to displaced communities.

The NDMA highlighted that three major weather systems are currently converging over Pakistan, which is expected to significantly amplify rainfall across the country.