Lahore : “Encroachments and obstacles in the rivers of Rudkohi should be removed,” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned during her visit to Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Head Office. She added,”In view of possible floods, timely evacuation of the population should be planned.” She highlighted,”Inform people of the affected villages about the place of accommodation and food.”
Madam Chief Minister said,”Along with human lives, livestock should also be removed in time.” She asked with dismay,”Early flood warning system is in use all over the world, why is it not known to Pakistan yet?”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said,”In case of rains, immediate drainage of water should be ensured in every city.” She added,”Wherever there is a risk of flood, early measures should be taken.” She underscored,” Timely and authentic flood information should be delivered.”
Madam Chief Minister said,”Encroachments should be removed from every flood embankment, and monitoring should continue round the clock.” She also visited the central control room of PDMA, and observed Weather Portal, Flood Forecasting Division and Flood Simulation Model.
Earlier, Secretary Irrigation, Chief Meteorologist, and DG PDMA gave a detailed briefing on flood preparedness in the province. They briefed Madam Chief Minister,”Due to the fear of possible floods, daily reports have been requested from most of the districts.” They apprised,”In view of possible flooding, instructions are issued to inform public of the evacuation plan in the affected areas.” It was also told in the briefing that normal and more than normal rains are expected in Pakistan in 3 months. A report on the status of all barrages, link canals, main canals and drainage system etc. was presented In the meeting.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Kazim Pirzada and MPA Sania Ashiq accompanied Madam Chief Minister. Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, SMBR, Secretaries, DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia and other officers concerned were also present.
