CDA plans: ‘High-level’ meeting on flooded low-level areas

A high-level meeting was held at Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters on Friday to review the rescue operation being carried out by the CDA Flood Relief Cell due to ongoing rains.

CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal chaired the meeting, said a press release.

The CDA chief directed the Katchi Abadi Cell to take effective steps to save the residents of different slums established on the banks of seasonal rivers and streams in consultation with the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, and in case of emergency, arrangements should be made to relocate residents.

The chairman was informed that Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate staff also participated in the relief operation carried out at Khana Pul.

The Environment Wing has set up special teams to drain water from uneven areas and has cleared various streams to ensure that water flow is maintained.

Environment, Enforcement, Municipal Administration, Planning, EM, Maintenance, Sanitation, MPO, City Sewerage Division, Capital Hospital and CDA Cares 1122 staff have been deputed to work round-the-clock in three shifts in case of any emergency situation.

The CDA flood relief cell carried out rescue activities including draining water from the basements of houses and commercial buildings and removal of uprooted trees.

Emergency has also been declared in Capital Hospital and doctors have been directed to remain alert to deal with any untoward incident.

The CDA asked citizens to call on 051-9252384, 051-9253236, 051-9253237, 051-9252833, 16, or the sanitation help line 1334, and Environment Wing Control number 051-2855513, in case of any emergency.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2014.