ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed relevant authorities to take all possible measures to protect lives and property of citizens amid heavy rains in various parts of the country.
The Prime Minister directed the National Disaster Management Authority to take immediate steps to manage the emergency and extend support to the provincial governments as well as the governments of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
He directed the city administration in Islamabad to facilitate the residents and ensure proper drainage of rainwater.
Chief Minister Shehbaz directed the relevant departments to carry out constant monitoring, take coordinated measures and ensure evacuation of people from low-lying areas and water diversion.
In addition, he said, the relevant authorities should ensure the provision of water pumps and other machinery in addition to the deployment of medical personnel, supply of drugs and vaccines and timely treatment.
After heavy rains in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the DC assessed the water levels in Nullah Lai. He said Rawalpindi has recorded 65 mm of rainfall so far. All relevant departments are on high alert to handle any potential emergency, Hasan Waqar Cheema said.
Personnel from Rescue 1122, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rawalpindi Health Department and other essential services have been deployed at vulnerable locations, especially in low-lying areas. Comprehensive measures have been taken to deal with any emergency situations.
Water levels of up to 12.5 feet in Kattarian and 10 feet in Gawalmandi were recorded in Nullah Lai, he noted. In addition, 13 relief camps have been set up in Rawalpindi to provide relief to citizens. Hasan Waqar Cheema emphasized that WASA is continuously monitoring the water level in Nullah Lai.
The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board has put its staff on high alert after the city witnessed intense rain with gusty winds on Monday. With the MET office predicting more rain during the current monsoon season in the Punjab province, the RCB teams were tasked to be alert and ready to respond in full.
Director General Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Syed Ali Irfan Rizvi has issued instructions to all officers to remain in the field in this regard.
The Director General said that the staff deployed for drainage in low-lying areas were engaged in pumping out the water. Arrangements are being completed in view of any flood situation, he said.
RCB spokesperson Rasheed Saqib informed that both the other CEOs were present in the field and were monitoring the development of the situation in low-lying areas and nullahs.
Drainage is provided by personnel under the supervision of the chief hygienist, he said. Additional Director General Umair Mehboob visited various areas of the Cantt early in the morning and took stock of the entire situation.
