Pakistan

Rescue 1122 gears up to handle monsoon floods

Emergency service making efforts to improve coordination among departments

APP June 26, 2018

TMA has deployed an excavator to clear the Nullah Leh before the rainy season. PHOTO: ONLINE

RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Rescue 1122 has finalised all arrangements to cope with any flood situation during upcoming monsoon season while the training of volunteers is under way which would be completed soon said Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi District Rescue Officer Dr Abdul Rehman.

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Speaking to the media he explained that relief camps would be set up in July and a comprehensive action plan for preventing flood in Nullah Leh and other nullahs of the town during monsoon season has been devised aimed at mitigating flood damages in terms of deaths, injuries and economic losses in Rawalpindi.

Efforts are being made to improve coordination and communication amongst the concerned departments, he added.

Steps are also being taken to enhance public awareness about situations that lead to increase in flood risk and to develop and gear up overall capabilities of the departments to manage flood related disasters.

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He said all flood fighting agencies and departments were directed to ensure completion of necessary arrangements by June end to combat the flood situation in Rawalpindi. DRO Rescue1122 Rawalpindi will monitor and promptly convey flood warnings to all agencies concerned and to general public residing in low lying areas well before time. All the departments including Tehsil Municipal Authority (TMA), Revenue, field formations, WASA, Municipal Services, Health, Education, Agriculture, Community Development, Food, IESCO, Civil Defence and Rescue 1122 will maintain high state of preparedness with effect from June end and would ensure that their equipment and machinery is tested and operational in all respects.

He informed that Dhoke Naju, Ziaul-Haq Colony, both sides of Ratta bridge, Bhoosa Godown,Mohanpura near Jinnah Road bridge, Javaid Colony, Tipu Road, Chamanzar Colony,Nadeem Colony, Dhoke Chiragh din, New Phagwari, Mohallah Raja Sultan,Gowalmandi and Dhoke Ellahi buksh are main vulnerable areas of the town.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2018.