NDMA and Jazz Launch Location-Based Flood Alert System Amid Monsoon Emergency in Pakistan

As Pakistan battles another intense monsoon season, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has taken a major step toward enhancing public safety. In partnership with Jazz, Pakistan’s largest telecom operator, NDMA has launched a real-time, location-based flood alert system to warn citizens living in high-risk flood zones. This initiative, especially focused on Punjab, aims to save lives by ensuring that people in danger receive timely, accurate, and actionable information directly on their mobile phones.

A Game-Changing Initiative Amid Climate Crisis

Since the beginning of June 2025, over 80 people have lost their lives due to heavy monsoon rains, flash floods, and landslides. The situation is particularly dire in Punjab, where rivers are swelling and urban flooding is threatening densely populated areas. In this climate of fear and urgency, the introduction of a Disaster Early Warning System (DEW-3 – Monsoon) represents a transformational step in Pakistan’s disaster preparedness strategy.

This innovative solution uses geo-fencing technology to deliver instant SMS alerts to people located in or near vulnerable areas. So far, more than 23 million Jazz subscribers have been included in this emergency communication system, receiving alerts in real time.

Why This Matters Now: Climate Change and Pakistan’s Vulnerability

Pakistan is among the top ten most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, as highlighted by the Global Climate Risk Index. The country has faced repeated climate disasters, from glacial lake outbursts in Gilgit-Baltistan to deadly heatwaves and super floods. The 2022 floods, which displaced millions and caused economic damages in the billions, remain a painful memory for many.

Given this vulnerability, early warning systems are not just helpful — they are essential. With weather patterns becoming more erratic and extreme, rapid communication can mean the difference between life and death for many communities, especially those living near rivers, canals, and flood-prone urban zones.

How the Flood Alert System Works

The NDMA-Jazz alert system leverages geo-fencing, a digital technology that creates virtual boundaries around real-world geographic areas. Here’s how the system operates:

1. Weather Monitoring: NDMA constantly monitors meteorological data and flood models in collaboration with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

2. High-Risk Zone Identification: When a flood threat is detected, the system defines the impacted geographical area.

3. User Detection: Using geo-fencing, Jazz identifies all active mobile users currently located within or moving toward the high-risk zone.

4. SMS Alerts Sent: An instant alert is pushed to these users via text message, containing location-specific information such as:

   • The nature of the risk (e.g., urban flooding, river overflow)

   • Safety measures to follow

   • Evacuation instructions

   • Nearest shelters or safe zones

This process occurs within seconds, providing people with precious time to react and evacuate.

Real-Time Alerts Save Lives

“This is a vital effort to ensure that no one is left uninformed during a crisis,” said an NDMA spokesperson. “We’re using technology to reach people directly, when and where they need help the most.”

The beauty of the system lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Unlike mobile apps that require downloading or registration, these alerts reach all Jazz users automatically, ensuring maximum coverage — especially important in rural areas where smartphones and mobile internet access may be limited.

Jazz’s Role in the Public-Private Partnership

This innovative alert system is the result of a strategic public-private partnership between NDMA and Jazz, one of Pakistan’s largest telecom operators with over 75 million subscribers nationwide.

“We’re proud to support NDMA in reaching millions quickly,” said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz. “As monsoon challenges continue, this partnership will help save lives. Our wide network and advanced mobile technology make it possible to respond to disasters in real time.”

This partnership was formalized in March 2025 as part of Pakistan’s Digital Disaster Resilience Framework, aimed at equipping the country with cutting-edge tools to respond to increasingly severe climate threats.

Complementary Tools: The Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App

In addition to SMS alerts, NDMA has also promoted its Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App, which provides real-time weather warnings, flood risk maps, emergency contacts, and safety tips. While the app offers greater interactivity and detailed information, the SMS alerts ensure that even non-smartphone users receive critical warnings.

The alert system is also supported by national news channels, social media platforms, and local radio stations, creating a multi-channel communication strategy to reach people through every possible medium.

Bridging the Urban-Rural Gap in Disaster Preparedness

A major challenge in disaster communication in Pakistan is the urban-rural divide. Urban centers often benefit from quicker access to news, technology, and emergency services. Rural populations, on the other hand, may lack even basic internet or smartphone access.

This alert system addresses that gap by sending basic, low-data SMS messages that can be received even on the most affordable feature phones. In rural Punjab, where many of the monsoon risks are concentrated, this could prove critical.

Rising Monsoon Risks in Punjab

Punjab, with its extensive river systems and densely populated towns, has been a key focus of the alert system. This monsoon season, rivers like the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej are flowing dangerously close to flood levels. Urban areas such as Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot are also facing risks of urban flooding due to clogged drainage systems and overflowing canals.

With millions at risk, early warning and timely evacuation become essential to minimizing loss of life and property. This is precisely where real-time alerts play a life-saving role.

Strengthening Pakistan’s Climate Resilience

The collaboration between NDMA and Jazz is not a one-off. It represents a long-term shift toward using technology to strengthen climate resilience. The government is actively exploring other partnerships with telecom companies, fintech startups, and AI-based weather prediction firms.

According to officials, this alert system is part of a larger framework that includes:

• Expansion of weather radar coverage

• Deployment of AI-powered flood modeling

• Development of community emergency response teams (CERTs)

• Investments in early evacuation infrastructure, such as shelters and transport

Public Reception and Community Feedback

So far, feedback from users in affected areas has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have shared stories on social media of receiving alerts and taking action in time — such as moving livestock to higher ground, protecting household valuables, or evacuating with family members before water levels rose.

Civil society organizations and local NGOs have also lauded the effort, stating that such tech-enabled disaster management systems can help empower communities to act for their own safety.

Challenges Ahead

While the system marks a major step forward, challenges remain:

• Ensuring message comprehension across different literacy levels

• Expanding coverage to users of other telecom providers

• Integrating real-time video, maps, or AI for future upgrades

• Encouraging public trust and responsiveness to alerts

To address these, NDMA is working on translating alerts into multiple regional languages, testing voice alerts for the hearing-impaired or illiterate populations, and planning awareness campaigns through schools, mosques, and local councils.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Future Emergencies

While this alert system has been designed for monsoon floods, the underlying technology can be repurposed for other disasters — including earthquakes, landslides, forest fires, and industrial accidents.

Experts believe that this model could serve as a template for regional disaster response frameworks, particularly in South Asia, where climate risks are rising rapidly and many countries face similar challenges.

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Conclusion: A Vital Step Toward Safety and Sustainability

The launch of the NDMA-Jazz location-based flood alert system is a significant moment in Pakistan’s battle against climate change and natural disasters. As monsoon rains continue to threaten lives across the country, this tech-enabled, real-time solution ensures that millions are no longer left in the dark when danger strikes.

By combining digital innovation, public-private cooperation, and a community-centered approach, this initiative sets a powerful precedent for how modern technology can be used to build a safer, more resilient Pakistan.

With more such systems expected in the future, the hope is clear: that no warning goes unheard, and no life is lost due to lack of information.

NDMA and Jazz Launch Location-Based Flood Alert System Amid Monsoon Emergency in Pakistan

As Pakistan battles another intense monsoon season, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has taken a major step toward enhancing public safety. In partnership with Jazz, Pakistan’s largest telecom operator, NDMA has launched a real-time, location-based flood alert system to warn citizens living in high-risk flood zones. This initiative, especially focused on Punjab, aims to save lives by ensuring that people in danger receive timely, accurate, and actionable information directly on their mobile phones.

A Game-Changing Initiative Amid Climate Crisis

Since the beginning of June 2025, over 80 people have lost their lives due to heavy monsoon rains, flash floods, and landslides. The situation is particularly dire in Punjab, where rivers are swelling and urban flooding is threatening densely populated areas. In this climate of fear and urgency, the introduction of a Disaster Early Warning System (DEW-3 – Monsoon) represents a transformational step in Pakistan’s disaster preparedness strategy.

This innovative solution uses geo-fencing technology to deliver instant SMS alerts to people located in or near vulnerable areas. So far, more than 23 million Jazz subscribers have been included in this emergency communication system, receiving alerts in real time.

Why This Matters Now: Climate Change and Pakistan’s Vulnerability

Pakistan is among the top ten most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, as highlighted by the Global Climate Risk Index. The country has faced repeated climate disasters, from glacial lake outbursts in Gilgit-Baltistan to deadly heatwaves and super floods. The 2022 floods, which displaced millions and caused economic damages in the billions, remain a painful memory for many.

Given this vulnerability, early warning systems are not just helpful — they are essential. With weather patterns becoming more erratic and extreme, rapid communication can mean the difference between life and death for many communities, especially those living near rivers, canals, and flood-prone urban zones.

How the Flood Alert System Works

The NDMA-Jazz alert system leverages geo-fencing, a digital technology that creates virtual boundaries around real-world geographic areas. Here’s how the system operates:

1. Weather Monitoring: NDMA constantly monitors meteorological data and flood models in collaboration with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

2. High-Risk Zone Identification: When a flood threat is detected, the system defines the impacted geographical area.

3. User Detection: Using geo-fencing, Jazz identifies all active mobile users currently located within or moving toward the high-risk zone.

4. SMS Alerts Sent: An instant alert is pushed to these users via text message, containing location-specific information such as:

   • The nature of the risk (e.g., urban flooding, river overflow)

   • Safety measures to follow

   • Evacuation instructions

   • Nearest shelters or safe zones

This process occurs within seconds, providing people with precious time to react and evacuate.

Real-Time Alerts Save Lives

“This is a vital effort to ensure that no one is left uninformed during a crisis,” said an NDMA spokesperson. “We’re using technology to reach people directly, when and where they need help the most.”

The beauty of the system lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Unlike mobile apps that require downloading or registration, these alerts reach all Jazz users automatically, ensuring maximum coverage — especially important in rural areas where smartphones and mobile internet access may be limited.

Jazz’s Role in the Public-Private Partnership

This innovative alert system is the result of a strategic public-private partnership between NDMA and Jazz, one of Pakistan’s largest telecom operators with over 75 million subscribers nationwide.

“We’re proud to support NDMA in reaching millions quickly,” said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz. “As monsoon challenges continue, this partnership will help save lives. Our wide network and advanced mobile technology make it possible to respond to disasters in real time.”

This partnership was formalized in March 2025 as part of Pakistan’s Digital Disaster Resilience Framework, aimed at equipping the country with cutting-edge tools to respond to increasingly severe climate threats.

Complementary Tools: The Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App

In addition to SMS alerts, NDMA has also promoted its Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App, which provides real-time weather warnings, flood risk maps, emergency contacts, and safety tips. While the app offers greater interactivity and detailed information, the SMS alerts ensure that even non-smartphone users receive critical warnings.

The alert system is also supported by national news channels, social media platforms, and local radio stations, creating a multi-channel communication strategy to reach people through every possible medium.

Bridging the Urban-Rural Gap in Disaster Preparedness

A major challenge in disaster communication in Pakistan is the urban-rural divide. Urban centers often benefit from quicker access to news, technology, and emergency services. Rural populations, on the other hand, may lack even basic internet or smartphone access.

This alert system addresses that gap by sending basic, low-data SMS messages that can be received even on the most affordable feature phones. In rural Punjab, where many of the monsoon risks are concentrated, this could prove critical.

Rising Monsoon Risks in Punjab

Punjab, with its extensive river systems and densely populated towns, has been a key focus of the alert system. This monsoon season, rivers like the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej are flowing dangerously close to flood levels. Urban areas such as Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot are also facing risks of urban flooding due to clogged drainage systems and overflowing canals.

With millions at risk, early warning and timely evacuation become essential to minimizing loss of life and property. This is precisely where real-time alerts play a life-saving role.

Strengthening Pakistan’s Climate Resilience

The collaboration between NDMA and Jazz is not a one-off. It represents a long-term shift toward using technology to strengthen climate resilience. The government is actively exploring other partnerships with telecom companies, fintech startups, and AI-based weather prediction firms.

According to officials, this alert system is part of a larger framework that includes:

• Expansion of weather radar coverage

• Deployment of AI-powered flood modeling

• Development of community emergency response teams (CERTs)

• Investments in early evacuation infrastructure, such as shelters and transport

Public Reception and Community Feedback

So far, feedback from users in affected areas has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have shared stories on social media of receiving alerts and taking action in time — such as moving livestock to higher ground, protecting household valuables, or evacuating with family members before water levels rose.

Civil society organizations and local NGOs have also lauded the effort, stating that such tech-enabled disaster management systems can help empower communities to act for their own safety.

Challenges Ahead

While the system marks a major step forward, challenges remain:

• Ensuring message comprehension across different literacy levels

• Expanding coverage to users of other telecom providers

• Integrating real-time video, maps, or AI for future upgrades

• Encouraging public trust and responsiveness to alerts

To address these, NDMA is working on translating alerts into multiple regional languages, testing voice alerts for the hearing-impaired or illiterate populations, and planning awareness campaigns through schools, mosques, and local councils.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Future Emergencies

While this alert system has been designed for monsoon floods, the underlying technology can be repurposed for other disasters — including earthquakes, landslides, forest fires, and industrial accidents.

Experts believe that this model could serve as a template for regional disaster response frameworks, particularly in South Asia, where climate risks are rising rapidly and many countries face similar challenges.

Conclusion: A Vital Step Toward Safety and Sustainability

The launch of the NDMA-Jazz location-based flood alert system is a significant moment in Pakistan’s battle against climate change and natural disasters. As monsoon rains continue to threaten lives across the country, this tech-enabled, real-time solution ensures that millions are no longer left in the dark when danger strikes.

By combining digital innovation, public-private cooperation, and a community-centered approach, this initiative sets a powerful precedent for how modern technology can be used to build a safer, more resilient Pakistan.

With more such systems expected in the future, the hope is clear: that no warning goes unheard, and no life is lost due to lack of information.