LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman has directed all the relevant provincial departments to remain alert to the flood threat and urban flooding during ongoing monsoon season.
He gave this direction while presiding over a video link meeting of deputy commissioners at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting reviewed the preparedness to deal with the threat of possible floods and urban flooding due to monsoon rains.
The Chief Secretary ordered the officers to make all arrangements to cope with the possible floods. He said that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) should ensure adequate availability of tents and ration bags in the affected areas in case of emergency. He said that drains and sewerage lines must be cleaned regularly to avoid urban flooding. He said that special measures should be taken for drainage from low-lying areas during the rains, and all machinery and dewatering pumps should be kept fully functional.
The Chief Secretary mentioned that implementing flood emergency plans is the district administration’s responsibility. He asked the Health Department to ensure the availability of medicines, and vaccines in hospitals and health centers as the stagnant water in the flood-hit areas may cause an outbreak of diseases. The Chief Secretary also issued instructions to the deputy commissioners to inspect embankments on rivers along with the officials of the Irrigation Department.
The Director-General PDMA gave a detailed briefing at the meeting. He said that weather conditions and flow of water in the rivers are being monitored round the clock. He said mock exercises have been completed in all districts in collaboration with the concerned departments and tents, boats, life jackets and dewatering pumps have been provided as per the requirement. The senior members board of revenue, secretaries of local government, health and related departments attended the meeting while all deputy commissioners participated through video link.
