The Rawalpindi divisional administration has approved a comprehensive Flood Relief and Rescue Plan to address potential flooding during the upcoming monsoon season. The decision places all relevant departments on red alert and directs authorities to implement preventive measures across the division.
High-Level Meeting Chaired by Commissioner
The plan was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Aamir Khattak. Attendees included Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, deputy commissioners from all six districts of the division, and senior officials from relevant departments. The meeting reviewed preparedness for possible urban flooding, overflowing streams, and emergency situations triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall.
Key Directives Issued
Commissioner Khattak directed all district administrations to submit detailed assessments of their operational requirements and resource needs to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). This step aims to ensure a timely and effective emergency response. He also instructed Rescue 1122 and the Civil Defence Department to conduct regular mock exercises to evaluate the operational readiness and coordination of emergency response agencies.
Infrastructure and Public Safety Measures
Authorities were directed to keep flood relief camps, emergency control rooms, and District Emergency Operations Centres fully functional throughout the monsoon season. The uninterrupted availability of healthcare services, food supplies, clean drinking water, and other essential facilities must be ensured. The Commissioner ordered the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), municipal corporations, and other relevant departments to complete the geo-tagging of all manholes and ensure that every manhole is securely covered to minimise public safety risks. He further directed departments to carry out comprehensive cleaning of storm drains, drainage systems, sewerage lines, and rainwater channels, while immediately removing all encroachments and obstructions that could impede the natural flow of water.
Monsoon Safety Advisory Issued by Cantonment Board
Separately, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board issued a formal monsoon safety advisory. The advisory urges residents to repair dangerous buildings, vacate dilapidated structures, and avoid electricity poles, open drains, and driving through flowing rainwater to safeguard human lives. According to details, the advisory issued by the cantonment executive officer asked residents living near Nullah Leh and major drainage channels to adopt precautionary measures. Owners of repairable houses and shops have been directed to obtain permission from the cantonment board and carry out immediate repairs to prevent accidents during the monsoon season. Occupants of severely dilapidated buildings have been advised to vacate the premises and shift to safer locations. Residents have been told to treat the advisory as a notice under Section 126 of the Cantonment Act, 1924. The board said the monsoon season will continue from July 1 to September 15 and urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainstorms, use alternative routes instead of driving vehicles or motorcycles through flowing water, and keep children indoors to prevent accidents.
