LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that a large-scale drainage, rescue, and emergency relief operation is underway across 41 districts of the province following heavy monsoon rainfall.
According to an official statement issued on Thursday, every district has, for the first time, been equipped with new modern machinery and resources to respond effectively to rain-related emergencies.
The chief minister commended officers and field staff of the relevant departments for ensuring the rapid drainage of rainwater in record time despite the intense downpour.
The statement added that drones were used for the first time to monitor water accumulation, assist drainage operations, and support timely rescue and relief efforts.
The swift removal of rainwater, the statement said, validated the Punjab government’s decision to revive the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and expand its services to additional districts.
Residents in Lahore, Sialkot, Daska, Narowal, Muridke, Raiwind, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and several other cities welcomed the timely drainage operations, with many noting that areas previously submerged for weeks or even months were cleared within hours.
Throughout the operation, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz remained in continuous digital contact with officials, monitoring the situation and speaking with district administrations about drainage and public assistance measures.
She directed authorities to ensure prompt water removal not only from major roads but also from residential areas, low-lying localities, neighbourhoods, narrow streets, and markets.
The chief minister also instructed officials to pay special attention to safety measures regarding dilapidated buildings and unstable rooftops to prevent rain-related accidents.
She appealed to the public to avoid rivers, canals, streams, and other water channels during the monsoon season and directed the entire WASA workforce to remain in the field until operations are completed.
The statement added that all commissioners, deputy commissioners, officials of WASA, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and Rescue 1122 teams are actively present in the field to supervise and support emergency response efforts.
