The Punjab government has approved Rs7.17 billion for the establishment of new disaster management warehouses as authorities intensified preparations for the upcoming monsoon season and potential flood emergencies. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management at the PDMA headquarters on Friday, chaired by Provincial Minister and Committee Chairman Khawaja Salman Rafique.
Flood Mitigation Measures
Reviewing flood mitigation measures, Rafique said 13 anti-erosion schemes had been completed, helping protect more than 30,000 people and 12,000 acres of land from flood-related risks. He added that over Rs49 billion had been disbursed to compensate victims affected by the 2025 floods.
Monsoon Contingency Plans
The meeting assessed monsoon contingency plans, resource availability and emergency response mechanisms of key departments, including Irrigation, WASA, Health, Agriculture, Livestock and Rescue 1122. Authorities were also directed to complete the cleaning of rivers, canals and drainage channels before the onset of monsoon rains.
PDMA Director General (DG) Umar Javed informed the meeting that a provincial monsoon contingency plan would be issued next week. He said new warehouses were being constructed in Rajanpur, Sargodha and Jhang to enhance emergency response capacity.
Risk Assessment and Rescue Operations
Javed further said a risk assessment survey covering Punjab’s five rivers and hill torrents was under way and would be completed by June 30. Measures including the mapping of private boats, training of boat operators and recruitment of female boat rescuers are also being undertaken to strengthen water rescue operations and reduce flood-related risks.
