Rescue 1122 issues warning against swimming in rivers

Punjab Rescue Service (PES), Rescue 1122, has urged the citizens to avoid bathing or swimming in rivers, nullahs and dams due to the rising water levels.

According to a spokesman, Rescue 1122 has so far handled 25 cases of drowning incidents in Rawalpindi since January. He said despite warnings by the authorities, youngsters especially teenagers go for swimming in the rivers, dams and nullahs risking their lives.

“Sometimes people picnicking on river banks jump on rocks and boulders, slip and fall into gushing waters,” he said advising people not to go near water if they cannot swim. “Citizens are also advised to stay away from billboards and dangling wires, when encountering rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds,” he said.

According to Metrological department, fairly widespread rain-thundershower expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, K-P’s Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Kohat and Kashmir till Friday.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2020.