PM Steps Up Monsoon Prep with Emergency Response Panel

July 2, Pakistan – On Wednesday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif instructed federal and provincial officials to step up efforts for the coming monsoon period, directing the creation of a nationwide crisis management system and emphasizing that unified measures are crucial to address increasing threats from climate change.

Leading a top-tier gathering to assess readiness for the monsoon season and strengthen climate resilience, the prime minister stated that Pakistan continues to be one of the nations most susceptible to the negative effects of climate change. He emphasized that successful and broad-based collaboration between the federal government and provincial authorities is essential in tackling climate-induced calamities.

The head of the 'Emergency Response Committee,' responsible for handling urgent situations, was approved by the prime minister, with oversight provided by the Minister of Planning and Development.

A committee made up of the NDMA along with officials from various federal departments will collaborate closely with regional governments and meet every week during the rainy season to track readiness and reaction measures, stated the Prime Minister's Office Media Wing in a news statement.

He further requested the Minister of Finance to make preliminary preparations for an emergency fund that could be accessed in case of major flood-related calamities.

In line with readiness efforts, the prime minister instructed the federal minister responsible for Climate Change along with the head of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to conduct urgent trips to every province, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan this week to evaluate and wrap up preparations for the monsoon season.

He additionally highlighted that initiatives supported by global development partners must also concentrate on enhancing the organizational and technological capabilities of domestic and regional agencies and authorities.

Emphasizing the government's dedication to ensuring water safety, the prime minister announced an extra allocation of Rs330 billion in this financial year’s national budget aimed at speeding up key water-related construction initiatives. Drawing upon insights gained from past flooding incidents, the prime minister instructed all pertinent organizations to adopt a thorough plan for reducing flood risks.

He also instructed regional authorities to eliminate unauthorized settlements and address additional barriers within river corridors and flood routes, especially in areas classified as extremely susceptible to floods.

He further directed all federal and provincial organizations to utilize their complete administrative and technological capabilities to assist the general population during the monsoon period.

At the gathering, NDMA Chief Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik updated attendees regarding the nation's readiness strategies, anticipated meteorological conditions, potential flooding dangers, and changing environmental shifts.

As per the report, severe heatwaves and abnormal weather patterns are anticipated in numerous areas globally this year. Pakistan is also predicted to face extended periods of intense heat along with higher-than-average precipitation in July, raising the likelihood of floods in susceptible zones.

Meanwhile, Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday instructed the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) to accelerate support programs and enhance services for Pakistani citizens living abroad, referring to them as an important national resource and recognizing their significant role in the nation's economic growth.

The Prime Minister provided instructions at a meeting with Syed Qamar Raza, chairman of the OPF Board of Governors, and Afzal Bhatti, managing director, according to an announcement from the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, talks centered around the foundation's continuous initiatives aimed at tackling challenges encountered by Pakistanis residing overseas and improving their well-being and support systems.

The head of government stated that Pakistani citizens living abroad are an invaluable resource for the country and contribute greatly to enhancing Pakistan's foreign currency reserves through the transfer of their earned earnings back home.

He directed the OPF to speed up the execution of current welfare programs and efforts aimed at foreign nationals from Pakistan and enhance effectiveness in providing services.

Showing approval of the foundation's work, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the OPF management to develop and submit an extensive strategy aimed at enhancing its services and social initiatives for Pakistani citizens abroad.

The gathering also featured an overview of a detailed plan designed to implement further actions for the well-being and ease of living for Pakistani citizens abroad.

The head of the OPF and the chief executive honored the Prime Minister for his contributions toward advancing international harmony.

Cambridge Organist Dies After Falling into River Cam

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A celebrated young Cambridge University an organist who has performed at the renowned Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols ceremony, which is aired globally each year Christmas Eve passed away following what seems to be a drowning incident in the city.

Harrison Cole, aged 25, is thought to have slipped into the River Cam near King’s College Chapel — where the Christmas concert takes place — on Saturday.

Emergency responders rushed to the location the next day following a call about a corpse found in the water near a place called the Backs, where multiple colleges border the river.

He was removed from the shallow river, typically crowded with punt boats throughout the day, yet he was pronounced deceased on-site.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police stated: “We received a call at 9:20 am on Sunday regarding a body found in the River Cam, Cambridge.”

The man's death is not considered unusual, and the case has been referred to the coroner.

Harrison, an member of the Royal College of Organists, earned a Master's degree in Music from Trinity College, University of Cambridge, and received his diploma in 2023.

Before appearing at the 2025 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, he stated it was "a great joy and honor" to take part in this globally recognized event.

He had earlier enrolled at the tuition-charging Ipswich School as a sixth-form music student.

Former students of the old institution, known as Old Ipswichians, have included Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and H. Rider Haggard, the writer of "King Solomon's Mines."

Harrison additionally dedicated three years to the Royal Academy of Music's Junior Department, where he learned organ under Anne Marsden Thomas, who has served as Director of Music at St Giles Cripplegate Church in London since 1982, home to three pipe organs.

After taking a gap year with an organ scholarship at Wells Cathedral in Somerset, where he performed alongside the Cathedral Choir during daily Evensong, special ceremonies, and world premieres of new compositions, he began his studies at Trinity College Cambridge as an organ scholar in 2019.

After completing his studies, he worked for a year as an assistant organist at Gonville and Caius College prior to starting his role at King’s in September 2024.

While working there, he supported the choir during recordings, radio appearances, and performances, including two Festivals of Nine Lessons and Carols, as well as trips to Australia, Estonia, the United States, and Canada. He also performed at Westminster Abbey.

Harrison was scheduled to depart from King’s this summer and had just received appointments as assistants at St Paul’s Knightsbridge and St Michael’s Cornhill in London.

In a statement released by King's, it was mentioned that from these "two major music institutions," he was ready to pursue a freelance career as a pianist, organist, and conductor.

"The whole college community has experienced this sorrow deeply, especially the choir and chapel groups," said Provost Gillian Tett.

Our minds are with his family and those dear to him during this sorrowful period.

A digital profile from March mentioned that Harrison was working on "future initiatives in Slovenia and Singapore."

Apart from his passion for music, he was typically immersed in reading an excellent book, attending plays, and exploring art museums. His enthusiasm extended to studying philosophy and historical subjects as well.

While serving as Assistant Organist for King’s College choir, he was tasked with helping train the young singers, along with accompanying them during recordings, performances, and live transmissions.

A representative from King's College stated: "We were deeply saddened by the unfortunate passing of Harrison Cole."

He was an accomplished musician and a cherished part of our community, someone who will be greatly missed by numerous people.

We are striving to assist the students and faculty affected by this tragedy within our community.

We won't be making additional comments at this point in consideration of his family's private matters.

A representative from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust stated: 'An ambulance, a paramedic vehicle, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance were dispatched to Queen's Road in Cambridge early on Sunday after reports of someone in the water.'

'Colleagues from Fire and Rescue helped bring a man back to shore, however, unfortunately, despite everyone's best attempts, the individual had passed away on site.'

The Christmas Eve ceremony known as A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been conducted at King's College Chapel since 1918.

It premiered in 1928 and is currently enjoyed by approximately 370 million listeners annually, as per BBC data – with numerous fans considering it the beginning of the holiday season.

* For private assistance, contact Samaritans at 116 123, go to samaritans.org, or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support

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Woman Forced to Jump From Burning Building After E-Bike Fires

• VIDEO: Scene of a fierce fire consuming an apartment building following an overloaded electric bike battery catching fire

A female individual was compelled to leap out of a window of a structure engulfed in flames during the early part of Tuesday morning following an incident involving two electric bicycles catching fire.

The London Fire Service responded to a standalone home in Brondesbury Park, Kilburn, at 4:49 am following a fire suspected to have originated from a faulty lithium battery in an electric bike during charging.

A female had to leave the building by leaping from a ground-floor window because the primary exit was obstructed, resulting in possible fractured ribs.

She was hospitalized, with another three individuals leaving the scene prior to the arrival of emergency responders.

Six fire vehicles along with approximately 40 firefighters hailing from Willesden, West Hampstead, North Kensington, Park Royal, and Paddington arrived at the location. The crews managed to bring the blaze under control more than an hour later, at 5:52 am.

The London Fire Service has now cautioned owners of electric bicycles and e-scooters claiming that they have been present at a fire approximately once every two days, which involved an electric bike or scooter.

The officials stated: "The fire obstructed the residents' primary exit path, stopping them from leaving their apartment. Consequently, they had to leave the building via the bedroom windows."

This event underscores the importance of keeping your exit path unobstructed and explains why we advise against placing an electric bike or scooter along your way out, like in a corridor or near your entrance.

The severe effects resulting from an exit being obstructed by an electric scooter fire have been observed. Rather than this, store it in a room where you can close the door, control the blaze, and dial 999.

This event further emphasizes the significance of functional smoke detectors and temperature sensing systems.

Smoke detectors provide the first indication of a fire and we recommend that all individuals ensure they have one installed in each room where a fire might originate, with the exception of kitchens and bathrooms, which are better suited for heat detectors.

In London, we've been dealing with a fire approximately every two days, typically involving an electric bike or scooter.

Last year, there was an unprecedented total of 206 fires, which is why we encourage anyone who owns such a vehicle or is considering buying one to review our #ChargeSafe guidelines to ensure their safety and the well-being of others.

It is equally crucial not to overfill the battery and to disconnect the charger when the charging process is done. Do not leave electric bikes or scooters charging without supervision or while you are asleep.

It details the heartbreaking loss of a mother along with her two young children, ages four and eight, who perished in a home fire triggered by an altered electric bike in 2023.

A hearing conducted in March of this year was told about Gemma Germeney, aged 31, who perished in a fire along with her eight-year-old daughter, Lilly Peden, and her four-year-old son, Oliver Peden, at a residence located on Sackville Close in Cambridge .

Scott Peden, the father of the children, remained unconscious for four weeks following the fire that occurred on June 30, 2023.

The firefighting department stated that an electric bicycle being charged was the likely source of the blaze.

Mr. Peden participated in the virtual session on Tuesday, whereas Mrs. Germeney's parents and other relatives were present physically.

Miles Bennett, representing Mr. Peden, stated that an individual "performed alterations" to the lithium battery in the electric bike.

"Shortly after that temporary solution was implemented, there was a fierce fire at Mr. Peden's residence," he stated.

Last July, a disturbing video surfaced online depicting a fire engulfing a residential building in the western area. London following a high-voltage electric bicycle battery ignited.

People living in Hanwell left their homes at 6 pm on July 19, 2025, following reports of fire visible through their windows.

Videos captured the balcony of an apartment completely ruined by the flames, with thick columns of gray smoke rising into the air.

Neighbors stood outside to watch as the fire consumed the house, while some called out from their own balconies to those attempting to enter.

As the structure burned brightly, worried neighbors from an adjacent building urged people to "leave" and cautioned them that e-bike 'can explode anytime'.

London Fire Service: Essential Safety Advice

• Avoid blocking your exit path with anything, including electric bikes and scooters. Keep them stored in an area separate from primary walkways. We recommend placing these items in a secure outdoor space whenever feasible, like a garage or storage shed.
• Use the proper charger consistently; failure to do so can raise the chance of a fire hazard, and purchase an authentic one from a trusted vendor.
• Avoid trying to alter or interfere with your battery. Always adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
• Transforming traditional bicycles into electric ones with do-it-yourself kits purchased online can present significant risks. These modifications increase the likelihood of fires occurring. It is advisable to have the conversion done by a qualified individual and ensure that the battery comes from a trustworthy supplier, avoiding used options.
• Ensure your battery and charger comply with UK safety regulations. We are particularly concerned about batteries bought from online marketplaces or obtained through the internet, as these might not satisfy the necessary safety criteria. When purchasing any product, verify that it bears a UKCA or CE label, confirming compliance with UK and EU safety, health, or environmental standards. If shopping online, choose a seller based in the UK.
• Be alert to indicators that the battery or charging device may not be functioning properly — such as when the battery becomes warm upon contact or has altered its form.
• Allow the battery to cool prior to charging. It is common for batteries to become warm during operation, and it is recommended to let them cool down before trying to recharge them, as they may be more prone to malfunction when overheated. If you're charging batteries inside, kindly adhere to our guidelines for secure charging.
• Disconnect your charger after it has completed charging. Adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines during the charging process, and we recommend against leaving it unsupervised or while individuals are sleeping.
• Place alarms where charging occurs. Make sure smoke detectors are installed in places where electric bikes or scooters are charged and verify they work properly on a regular basis. You can swiftly and simply assess your home using our complimentary online home fire safety evaluation tool.

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