PM orders preparation for the rainy season

In view of the forecast of above-the-normal monsoon rainfall during the last week of this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the ministries and departments concerned on Sunday to alert the provinces and district administrations.

The prime minister directed for formulation of a comprehensive flood strategy in collaboration with the provinces, the Media Wing of the Prime Minsiter’s Office said in a press release.

The prime minister directed that all precautionary measures should be taken in accordance with the forecast of the meteorological department, besides ensuring arrangements in the low laying areas and in those regions which could be affected during the rainy period.

He also asked for timely supply of necessary equipment and other necessary steps for the protection of crops and animals in the agrarian areas. Shehbaz observed that residents in the affected areas should be forewarned and shifted to safer areas.

Other steps like proper drainage, dredging of nullahs and water channels and fumigation should also be taken, he added.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), in a statement, has predicted that country was expected to receive “above-average rainfall” during the upcoming monsoon season. It further said that pre-monsoon rains are likely to start in the second week of June.