LAHORE – With the start of the fourth spell of monsoon rains, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday issued a flood alert in the province.
All the Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners in the vulnerable areas have been directed to take necessary precautions to cope with the flood emergency during the current week.
As per the Flood Forecasting Division of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, medium to high level flows are expected in River Chenab and Jhelum along with nullahs of River Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum from July 21 to July 23. Flows are likely to increase in River Sutlej at GS Wala from July 22.
Administrations of Jhelum, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Khushab, Jhang, Khanewal, Kot Addu, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Sialkot, Wazirabad, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Faisalabad, Okara, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran and Bahawalpur have been directed to ensure measures to cope with the situation.
“Ensure sufficient staffing round-the-clock in DEOCs for effective coordination and response. Coordinate with PDMA and all relevant departments to ensure a unified prompt response. Activate flood monitoring and early warning systems. Ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information on safety measures and evacuation plans through electronic and social media”, reads the letter sent by PDMA to the relevant Commissioners/DCs.
“Ensure pre-placement of heavy earth-moving machinery at chokepoints/ at-risk regions for managing breaches/cuts and restoration of roads. Ensure strengthening of embankments and inspection of flood protection structures. Clear any hindrances in channels to ensure smooth water flow. Deploy additional staff and resources to high-risk areas”, the letter reads.
Administration has been further directed to ensure arrangement of transportation to evacuate people from flood-prone areas, establish relief camps/medical camps at safe places along with provision of amenities, i.e., electricity, food, drinking water and toilets and stockpile essential medicines and medical supplies (including water-borne diseases, anti-snake venom) in flood-prone areas.
“Ensure adequate stocking /availability of essential food items (Food hampers, cooked food, etc.), prepackaged food and clean drinking water to affected areas. Relocate livestock to higher ground and safe areas. Ensure veterinary services are available for the care of affected animals. Generate situation reports to cover any major incidents/developments regularly. Ensure data collection and reporting for post-flood analysis and improvements”, the letter further reads.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Pakistan weather: Fourth spell of monsoon rains begins
