Flood warnings: Areas along waterways, dams most vulnerable: ICT admin

Pre-emptive, counteractive measures being taken by PMD and CDA.

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has finalised preventative as well as counteractive arrangements in case of flood-like situations in low-lying areas of Islamabad resulting from heavy rains.

To combat flood situations caused by rain, constant vigilance will be maintained, particularly along the banks of rivers Soan and Korang, ICT sources told APP on Friday.

Flooding may disrupt the water supply, sewerage, power supply, communication and agriculture system in these areas

“Flood control centres have been constituted three union councils of Islamabad — Tarlai Kalan, Bhara Kahu and Sihala — in which the secretaries of the relevant union councils, along with local land revenue officers and Civil Defence staff shall remain available around the clock,” the sources added.

Surveys of catchment areas in city and rural areas shall be conducted to take pre-emptive protective measures.

All assistant commissioners have been directed to personally visit potential flood zones falling in their respective sub-divisions, and to identify low-lying areas, especially in slums and residential areas along waterways.

The sources said the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has been given the duty of issuing flood warnings in advance, while the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will have the responsibility of undertaking the necessary measures if floods occur.

The sources said that areas close to dams are the most vulnerable to floods, as well as all some parts of sectors F-7, G-6, G-7, G-8, H-9, I-9 which are adjacent to waterways.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2016.