Rawalpindi extends flood season

Over dozen locations in city, Cantt declared highly sensitive

RAWALPINDI:

The flood season in Rawalpindi has been extended from August 15 to September 15 due to more than a 30 per cent increase in monsoon rains.

Rain emergency measures will also remain in effect until this date.

Nineteen locations in the city and cantonment have been declared highly sensitive to potentially catastrophic flooding in the Nullah Leh and 15 storm drains.

To manage these 19 critical points, officers have been deployed around the clock to monitor the areas for flood control. Each location will have an officer from the concerned departments, two policemen, five civil defence volunteers, life-saving jackets, two health officials, pickaxes, shovels, and a boat. In view of the flood threat, the Pakistan Army squad has also been put on red alert and has conducted visits to these dangerous points of Nullah Leh.

The most dangerous point is the New Katarian Bridge, supervised by the deputy director of development.

Other points include Bangish Colony, Zia-ul-Haq Colony, Boring Road Dhok Matkyal, Pir Wadhai, Dhok Najo, Dhok Dalal Leh Bridge, Hussain Bridge Dhok Hasu, Hazara Colony Leh Bridge, and Dhok Rata.

These 19 high-risk points will be monitored daily until September 15, with a separate night shift posted. These officials are responsible for managing flooding and preventing damage at these critical locations. Their duties include the immediate drainage of water during heavy rains and preventing blockages.

The force of the Triple One Brigade will also be on alert.

Additionally, five relief camps have been activated for affected low-lying areas, staffed and ready to assist. These camps are located at Islamia Higher Secondary School Number One and Number Four, Girls College New Katarian, and Girls School Khayaban-e-Sir Syed.