- Punjab CM directs immediate action after taking notice of flooding in low-lying areas in Rawalpindi, other cities
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the administration and rescue services to remain alert in view of the storm and rain, directing WASA officials in Rawalpindi to visit the field personally to oversee drainage efforts following the severe rain and windstorm that lashed various cities of Punjab on Saturday.
“All available resources must be used to ensure proper drainage,” said the chief minister.
She took notice of the flooding in low-lying areas after heavy rainfall in Rawalpindi and other cities and instructed the administrative officers to take immediate actions. She emphasized that all resources should be utilized to ensure water drainage. In view of the MET office forecast, the Punjab CM directed necessary measures to be taken in all cities.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), severe storms across Punjab have resulted in the deaths of nine people while 45 others got injured as rains and windstorms lashed Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday.
Emergency was declared in Rawalpindi as heavy rain and hailstorms hit upper parts of the country and many cities in Punjab, bringing much-needed respite to the people from scorching heat.
According to an initial report issued by PDMA, fatalities took place due to the collapse of dilapidated buildings, trees and solar panel plates. Three deaths were reported in Jhelum, while one fatality each occurred in Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Mianwali, and Nankana Sahib districts.
One woman died on the spot in Multan as wall collapsed on her during the windstorm.
Relief Commissioner Punjab, Nabeel Javed, has instructed authorities to provide the best medical treatment to the injured. All commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue services across the province have been directed to remain on high alert. In Gul Afshan Colony, a young man died after a tree fell on him during the storm. In West Colony, a woman died when the roof of a house collapsed, according to rescue sources.
Thick black clouds darkened the homes during the day and hovered over the city, creating the impression as if it was nighttime, prompting drivers to turn the lights of their vehicles on.
After the twin cities, rain and windstorm was also reported in the twin cities, Jehlum, Gujrat, Daska, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Shiekhupura and Lahore on Saturday. Due to the windstorm, electricity feeders tripped in various areas.
Message on International Day of Markhor
The purpose of celebrating this International Day of Markhor on a global level is to protect the wildlife in general and Markhor in particular, said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
In her message on the International Day of Markhor, CM Maryam stated that Markhor is Pakistan’s national animal, which is found in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kohistan and Hunza regions of Pakistan.” She highlighted, “Markhor is considered to be a majestic animal, which is a symbol of Pakistan’s rich natural heritage.”
The chief minister said, “Protection of Markhor represents our commitment to the conservation of biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.” She added, “We all pledge to work together to protect not only Markhor but all endangered species.” She underscored, “Historic steps are being taken to protect wildlife in Punjab.”
CM Condoles Death of Four Okara Family Members
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz expressed a deep sense of grief and sorrow over the death of four members of a family in a traffic accident on Okara GT Road. She offered condolences and extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
