Telcos Told to Stay on High Alert as Flood Risk Grows

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecom operators across the country to activate emergency response plans as the risk of flash floods and monsoon flooding increases.

The ministry instructed all relevant organizations to remain on high alert and take immediate precautionary measures to protect telecommunications infrastructure from potential damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding.

According to the directives, the PTA has been asked to activate its dedicated control room to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response efforts. The regulator has also been instructed to maintain close coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to ensure a unified response during any emergency.

Telecom operators have been directed to work closely with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and district administrations in vulnerable areas. They have also been instructed to continuously monitor weather conditions, assess risks to network infrastructure, and implement preventive measures to minimize service disruptions.

The ministry emphasized that uninterrupted communication services must be maintained during natural disasters. Operators have been asked to closely monitor networks in flood-prone areas, keep restoration teams on standby, and immediately begin repair work if telecom infrastructure is damaged.

The directives come ahead of the monsoon season, during which heavy rainfall and flash floods often disrupt communication networks in several parts of the country. Last year’s monsoon rains damaged telecom infrastructure in multiple regions, prompting authorities to strengthen preparedness measures for the current season.