Flood warning: Depts urged to remain on high alert

DCOs asked to inspect embankments

LAHORE: Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal directed all departments concerned to remain on high alert in the wake of a flood warning.

The chief secretary issued the instruction at a meeting convened to review arrangements made to deal with any untoward situation. Gondal emphasised the importance of coordination among departments to facilitate effective monitoring of weather and flood developments. The chief secretary directed officials to inspect protective arrangements once again. He directed DCOs to visit embankments and remain in their districts during Eid.

Gondal said natural disasters such as floods could be effectively dealt with foolproof planning and effective coordination. He directed the local government secretary to make arrangements to drain rainwater across cities in view of weather forecasts. Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director Jawad Akram told those present that the authority had reserves of 10,000 tents and 20,000 food hampers stored in its warehouse. He said the PDMA had already distributed 55,000 tents. Akram said a flood warning had been circulated among all commissioners and DCOs. He said boats and relief supplies had already been sent to various districts.

Irrigation Secretary Saif Anjum told those present about the flow of water in rivers and water level in dams. An official of the Met Office said an exceptionally high flood warning had originally been issued. He said it had been revised as the situation had altered and a high flood was expected instead.  

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th, 2015.