Rawalpindi issues flood alert as monsoon rains loom

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi district administration on Thursday issued an alert until July 6 over the risk of urban flooding in the garrison city and directed civic agencies and rescue services to closely watch low-lying areas, storm drains, bridges and other vulnerable locations.

The directions were issued by Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema during a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority held at his office. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Abdul Rehman Khan, assistant commissioners, Rescue 1122, the health department, Water and Sanitation Agency, Rawalpindi Development Authority, Municipal Corporation, Civil Defence, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, police and other relevant departments.

Presented at the meeting by the Meteorological Department, rainfall is expected during the monsoon period and possible weather conditions in Rawalpindi district were reviewed. Dr Cheema said the forecast indicated potential hazards including urban flooding, increased flow in storm drains and landslides in low-lying areas.

He instructed all concerned departments to continuously monitor weather forecasts, keep the alert system active at all times and complete all necessary measures in advance so any emergency could be handled without delay. The meeting also carried out a detailed review of the district’s monsoon emergency plan, institutional preparedness, drainage arrangements, cleaning of storm drains, availability of emergency machinery, rescue resources and ongoing monitoring of sensitive areas.

The deputy commissioner also ordered departments to strengthen coordination to ensure immediate and joint action in the event of any emergency. He said safeguarding the lives and property of citizens remained the district administration’s foremost responsibility and directed agencies to improve the drainage system and maintain surveillance of all sensitive points.

Dr Cheema further directed assistant commissioners to inspect monsoon arrangements in their respective areas on a daily basis. He said control rooms should remain fully operational, while machinery and manpower must be available at all times. He also called for an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure that public complaints are addressed promptly.

The deputy commissioner warned that negligence would not be tolerated and told all departments to perform their duties with full responsibility. The district administration reiterated that steps would be taken during the monsoon season to protect public life and property.