Rawalpindi declares flood emergency

With the onset of the monsoon season and declaration of flood emergency in the Rawalpindi district, the district administration has established seven flood relief camps to ensure swift assistance for those potentially affected by flooding.

These camps have been fully equipped with food, medicine, drinking water, shelter, and security arrangements.

Given the flood risks in the 22-kilometer-long Nullah Leh and 15 other stormwater drains, the period from July 15 to August 31 has been officially declared as the flood season.

To monitor the situation, a 24/7 control room has been set up at the District Civil Defence Office at the Kachehri, with representatives from all relevant departments, including the military.

The Triple One Brigade of Pakistan Army has been placed on red alert, equipped with life jackets, large boats, and other flood response gear. Brigade officers have already begun discreet inspections and monitoring of the Nullah Leh.

The flood relief camps have been set up in government schools located near the low-lying areas most prone to flooding each year. These include Islamia Higher Secondary School No 1, Islamia Higher Secondary School No 4, Girls School New Katarian, Girls School Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, Girls School Dhoke Ratta, Girls School/College Dhoke Hassu, and Girls College Gawalmandi.

At these camps, the district education department will be responsible for providing shelter, revenue department for food provision, health department for medical supplies and assistance, local police stations for security, and the RTA secretary office for transportation of flood-affected people to relief camps.

Each classroom designated for relief purposes has been pre-equipped with bedding and essential supplies. Even after schools reopen on August 15, two to three classrooms in each school will remain reserved for emergency flood relief operations.

To enhance preparedness, the early warning flood alert system has been upgraded and made fully operational. If water levels in the Nullah Leh or any of the stormwater drains reach dangerous points, warning sirens will be activated. Announcements through mosque loudspeakers will also inform residents of impending flood risks.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema officially inaugurated the Flood Control Room. According to Talib Hussain, District Officer for Civil Defence and the DC's focal person, 15 check posts have been established in low-lying areas, each manned by five to 10 trained volunteers.