CM puts provincial administration on high alert for rains

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has put the administration on high alert in view of possible rains across the province.

She ordered preventive and essential administrative measures to cope with the risk of urban flooding.

The CM directed the Dera Ghazi Khan administration to take measures in view of likely danger of flooding in hill torrents. She directed the commissioners, deputy commissioners and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) officials to remain proactive to ensure prompt rainwater drainage.

According to an official statement, the chief minister termed praiseworthy the efforts being made for timely water drainage in Lahore.

“The relevant officers should remain in the field till complete water drainage.

The administration and WASA officials should remain vigilant and proactive in this regard. All resources should be utilised for water drainage. Rainwater should not remain accumulated and stagnant at any place for long,” she added.

The chief minister said implementation of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s standard operating procedures should be ensured effectively to cope with a flood situation.

She added, "It is the foremost responsibility of the government to protect the life and property of the citizens and it will be ensured under any circumstance. 

Life and property of the people of the catchment areas should be ensured.

Pre-emptive measures should be taken for the protection of livestock in the rural areas."

She said, "Provision of timely assistance and relief to the affected people should be ensured in the flood situation.

The assembly members should effectively oversee rescue and relief operations.”

She also called for awareness among the citizens for preventing electrocution.

CM Maryam Nawaz appealed to the citizens to disallow young children going near bare electric wires and poles.

She also issued directives for timely rescue and relief activities in case of an emergency.