CM orders swift flood alerts
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered that rainwater drainage should be completed immediately in every city and the warning system should be improved to inform the public about floodwaters in a timely manner.
During a visit to the PDMA headquarters, she said the private housing societies in every city should also be ordered to drain rainwater in a timely manner.
She ordered strict enforcement of a ban on bathing in streams, canals and rivers. Announcements should be made from mosques to inform the public about the ban. Loudspeakers of mosques in villages should also be used to inform the residents about dangers of possible floods, she added.
The chief minister underscored, "During the rains, the deputy commissioners should remain present in the field until the drainage process is completed along with carrying out cleanliness and removal of encroachments for the smooth flow of floodwater in the streams."
She sought details of the damage caused by heavy rains across Punjab, including the damage caused to the infrastructure, rice and other crops. She directed the administration and relevant institutions to make preparation in advance for the next rain spell.
The chief minister sought a report from the communications and works department on the damage caused to road infrastructure.
She said that due to timely preparation, it was possible to avoid damage to the possible extent during the stormy and heavy rains.
She said, "Where water used to pool for several days, now it has been drained in a few hours. In the past, thousands of people were affected due to flooding in Nala Lai, but now some areas are affected for a brief period of time." She said she had seen the rescue a newborn baby during the relief activities.
She maintained, "Timely desilting of rivers and canals made it possible to prevent colossal damage. The public, especially children, should stay away from rivers and canals during heavy downpours."
She outlined, "Timely measures should be ensured in high-risk areas. Parents should prevent their children from bathing in canals and ponds during monsoon rains."
She affirmed, "The government institutions performed well in rescue and relief operations, no deaths were caused due to negligence of any institution. The officers and their team remained in the field and risked their lives to protect precious human lives and property of the people."
She highlighted, "Wherever needed, the PDMA will provide life jackets, boats and other equipment across the province." She expressed her profound grief over the loss of lives due to collapse of roofs, walls and other reasons.
The CM was briefed for three hours on the situation of rains and floods. She was apprised about the pre-emptive measures being taken to cope with the hazards of monsoon spells.
The PDMA director general informed her about the situation of rivers, dams and barrages in Punjab.
He said 1,063 people had been rescued during the recent torrential rains and flash floods. People trapped in the rainwater in Jhelum and Chakwal were rescued in 23 minutes. On receiving a tip-off, the NDMA was contacted and an army helicopter was called.
The chief minister was informed that 108 lives had been lost in Punjab during the ongoing monsoon. Of them, 80 people died due to collapse of walls and roofs, 10 due to electrocution, five due to lightning and 13 by drowning in canals. In addition, 388 citizens were injured due to collapse of roofs and walls, eight were affected by electrocution.