New SMS Alerts Will Warn You If Floods Are Coming

More than 23 million people living in Pakistan’s most vulnerable regions are now receiving emergency alerts through Jazz.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has rolled out a nationwide, real-time disaster communication system using geo-fencing and mobile technology to keep citizens informed and safe.

According to state media, this new location-based SMS alert initiative was launched to warn residents in flood-prone zones about looming weather dangers, as Pakistan continues to battle deadly monsoon rains.

Developed as part of the Disaster Early Warning System (DEW-3 – Monsoon), the project is a joint effort between NDMA and Jazz. By harnessing geo-fencing, the system pinpoints high-risk areas and sends instant alerts to millions of Jazz users, giving them time to evacuate or take necessary precautions.

The launch comes at a critical time, with relentless monsoon downpours causing widespread devastation and claiming over 80 lives since June.

NDMA has identified more than 23 million Jazz customers living in areas susceptible to flooding and other climate hazards.

Aamir Ibrahim, Jazz’s CEO, highlighted the importance of this public-private partnership, noting that Jazz’s extensive network and location-based services make it an ideal partner for NDMA’s mission to reduce disaster risks. “As the monsoon season continues, our ongoing collaboration aims to reach and protect even more people in danger,” he said, as quoted by APP.

The system uses advanced geo-fencing to send targeted SMS alerts directly to those in affected zones, providing clear instructions to help people respond effectively during emergencies.

NDMA praised the collaboration with Jazz, emphasizing that geo-fenced alerts have allowed them to quickly reach at-risk communities and ensure that no one is left uninformed during crises.

This partnership, formalized in March 2025, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s disaster readiness through digital innovation. The alert system is designed to adapt as weather patterns change or new emergency areas are identified.

NDMA officials say these alerts are just one part of a larger push to modernize disaster response, which also includes the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile app, social media updates, and mainstream news broadcasts.

Pakistan has seen a surge in climate-related disasters in recent years, from the catastrophic floods of 2022 to recurring heatwaves and droughts. Ranked among the world’s ten most climate-vulnerable countries by the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan’s need for robust early warning and resilience systems has never been more urgent.