Amid heavy rains in various districts of Punjab, including Lahore, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an emergency alert.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia directed Deputy Commissioners across the province to remain alert and ready to deal with any emergency that may arise. “All affected departments must be on high alert to deal with potential emergencies,” he emphasized.
District Emergency Operations Centers in all districts have also been put on alert to ensure quick response and coordination. The PDMA control room is continuously monitoring the situation round the clock to manage and mitigate any adverse effects of the rain.
The headquarters directed Rescue 1122 and other rescue agencies to keep their machines and personnel ready for immediate deployment. Emphasis was placed on quickly draining water from low-lying areas to prevent flooding and waterlogging.
Citizens are advised to exercise caution and avoid areas with electric poles and hanging wires. “Stay away from old and dilapidated buildings,” warned DG PDMA. Special care should be taken to protect children and ensure that they do not come near accumulated water in low-lying areas.
For assistance, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129. A PDMA spokesperson assured that all necessary measures are being taken to protect the public and manage the situation effectively.
As the rains continue, the PDMA remains on high alert, ready to respond to any emergency that may arise and ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Punjab.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Alert
Meanwhile, amid predictions of heavy rains, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a 24-hour warning for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and asked provincial institutions to prepare for potential emergencies.
The NDMA has predicted more rain in several districts, including Charsadda, Chitral, Mansehra, Peshawar, Shangla and Swat. The authority warned that cities could experience significant flooding if rainfall exceeds 50 to 100 mm. In addition, there is an increased risk of flooding in canals and streams and landslides in mountainous areas.
In response to these warnings, the NDMA has directed the provincial institutions to ensure the availability of necessary equipment, machinery and rescue personnel in the affected areas.
The NDMA also issued a safety advisory for the public, urging people to avoid walking or entering flood waters. These measures are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas.