LAHORE: Water levels in several drains adjoining the River Ravi are gradually rising, prompting the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district administrations to intensify monitoring and flood preparedness across the province.
According to a PDMA Punjab press release issued on Tuesday, a moderate flood situation was being observed at Jalala, where Nala Ojh recorded a flow of 39,900 cusecs.
Moderate flooding was also reported in Nala Dek, with a flow of 7,720 cusecs, while Kakkar Dek recorded 16,487 cusecs.
PDMA said all rivers and adjoining drains across Punjab were being continuously monitored on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Relevant departments and district administrations have been placed on alert to respond to any deterioration in the situation.
PDMA Director General M. Saif Anwar Jappa said emergency control rooms in all districts, along with the authority’s central control room, were fully operational.
He directed relevant institutions to ensure all necessary arrangements in view of the potential flood threat and urged citizens to exercise maximum caution during the rainy season.
The public was particularly advised to stay away from rivers, canals and drains and avoid bathing in waterways. Citizens were also urged to follow instructions issued by authorities in case of an emergency.
Punjab strengthens flood rescue capacity
Meanwhile, Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a meeting to review the procurement and deployment of equipment for monsoon and flood preparedness.
Officials from procurement, planning, maintenance, emergency services and Rescue 1122 participated in the meeting through video link.
The minister was briefed on the procurement of modern equipment for flood rescue operations and preparedness in vulnerable districts.
According to the briefing, the Punjab government has acquired a range of modern resources, including jet skis, aluminium air boats, boat-carrying trucks, fiberglass boats, life jackets, surveillance drones, landing crafts, heavy-lifting drones, water-rescue drones and advanced communication equipment.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said the latest flood rescue resources had been provided to Rescue 1122 on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to strengthen the province’s ability to protect lives and property during floods and heavy rains.
“May Allah protect us from flood situations, but our preparations should be complete,” he said, adding that modern flood equipment had been dispatched to districts located along rivers and other vulnerable areas.
The minister said providing timely, effective and safe rescue services during emergencies remained the government’s top priority.
Thousands of life jackets and rescue boats deployed
According to the Rescue 1122 briefing, 15,838 life jackets, 841 rescue boats and 874 boat engines have been provided across Punjab.
Rescue personnel have also been trained in the operation of the modern equipment to ensure an effective response during flood emergencies.
Authorities said preparedness measures would remain in place as monitoring continues across the province, particularly in areas vulnerable to rising river and drain levels.
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