Rawalpindi prepares for monsoon floods

To safeguard both the city and the cantonment from the potential hazards of monsoon rains, a flood season has been officially declared in Rawalpindi from June 15 to August 15.

The Triple One army contingent will remain on alert throughout this period to ensure swift response in case of any emergencies. From June 15, a control room will be operational to closely monitor the flood situation.

Identified as flood-prone zones, 20 low-lying and densely populated areas along the banks of Nullah Leh and major rainwater channels have been marked for heightened vigilance. These areas include Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony, Fazalabad, Mukha Singh Estate, Dhok Khaba, Dhok Elah Bakhsh, Tahma Sapabad, Chah Sultan, Dhok Dalal, Fuji Colony, Ziaul Haq Colony, Pir Wadhai, Dhok Rata, Gwalmandi, Dhok Chirag Din, Gulistan Colony, Adra, Peoples Colony, Tinch Bhata, Sharon Christian Colony, Sawan, and Naya Mohalla. Additionally, five flood relief camps have been sanctioned to assist affected residents during emergencies.

These relief camps, located in prominent schools, will provide essential amenities including accommodation, food, and medical aid. Rescue 1122 and Civil Defense have been placed on high alert to ensure the safety of citizens during potential flood situations. Pre-monsoon emergency rescue measures have also been initiated.

To maintain the smooth flow of rainwater, dumping of garbage and construction material into the 20 km long Nullah Leh and 15 storm drains has been prohibited under Section 144.

Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has directed the Municipal Corporation and both Cantonment Boards to promptly clear encroachments and remove squatters from the drains' banks.

Ahead of June, a comprehensive rescue rehearsal will be conducted in Nadeem Colony along the Nullah Leh to train personnel in evacuating flood victims. The army will also provide practical rescue training to police, Rescue 1122, and Civil Defense volunteers near Rawal Dam. Flood relief camps will be set up at designated schools, managed by various departments including finance for food, health for medicine, education for accommodation, and police for security.

The Nullah Leh flood early warning system is slated to be operational by May 31, with mosque announcements and warning sirens alerting residents when water levels in Nullah Leh and storm drains reach critical levels. Civil Defense volunteers will be equipped with modern hand sirens to ensure warnings are sounded even in the event of power outages. Notices will be issued to residents of flood-prone areas along the banks of Nullah Leh and storm drains, advising them to relocate valuables to safer locations before June 15. Additionally, arrangements will be made to relocate valuable livestock from flood-affected areas during the flood season.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2024.