Measures reviewed to tackle monsoon rains, floods, urban flooding

LAHORE – On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, an significant gathering was held under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique.

Key points

• According to DG PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa, the arrangements before and after disasters are being produced more effective.
• DG PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa participated in the session through video link and provided a briefing on the steps taken to accord with monsoon rains.
• Speakers call for empowered local govts to address governance crisis.

What happened

DG PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa participated in the session through video link and provided a briefing on the steps taken to accord with monsoon rains. Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Sargodha divisions, MD WASA Lahore and Gujranwala, Chief Engineers and Executive Engineers of the Irrigation Department additionally participated via video link. The session reviewed the measures to prevent river erosion, reduce flood risks and agreement with urban flooding. Preparations to accord with the feasible risks of extreme heat and drought were additionally considered. According to Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, continuous steps are being taken to produce Punjab safe from floods. The situation is under control throughout the province, the flow of water in all rivers is normal and the situation is being continuously monitored. He remarked that rescue agencies have been equipped with modern equipment at a cost of billions of rupees. This year too, steps are being taken vigorously in the event of urban flooding and river flooding.

According to DG PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa, the arrangements before and after disasters are being produced more effective. PDMA is in constant contact with the Punjab district administration. Immediate rescue and relief operations will be ensured in any emergency situation.

The bottom line

In short, measures reviewed to tackle monsoon rains, floods, urban flooding is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.