The district administration remains on high alert as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts heavy monsoon rains in Rawalpindi starting from the evening of July 5.
Both the Cantonments, MCR and WASA have separately chalked out contingency plans to combat any situation evolved during the days to come, under the umbrella of the District Administration. The plans include preemptive measures through awareness creation among citizens, cleaning of deep rain drains, rescue services and hospital emergencies.
Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has reached completion of desilting of 29 deep drains in its territorial localities.
“Our teams are on high alert in this regard and a coordination mechanism has been established to continuously monitor the situation”, informed Nasir Kamal, Deputy CEO RCB in a brief interaction with APP here on today.
Besides drain cleaning drive, RCB has also urged citizens to remain careful during monsoon season.
The rain spell will continue through July 8, as moist currents intensify and a westerly wave approach on July 6, for which PMD warned that heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in local nullahs and streams of Rawalpindi, with low-lying areas particularly vulnerable to urban flooding from July 6 to 8.
The Municipal Corporation (MCR) has directed the owners, occupants, and tenants of dangerous, dilapidated buildings which have already been declared dangerous, to immediately demolish these structures or repair the salvageable parts.
“Failure to comply will result in legal action against them under existing laws, including the registration of an FIR at the relevant police station”, said the spokesman MCR.
The directives further read that the corporation may also evict residents and demolish the buildings, with the full cost of demolition recoverable from the owners, occupants, or tenants.
On the other side, Water and Sanitation Authority (WAS A) has already desilted Nullah Lai, the longest and most vulnerable deep drains of the city. Besides desilting, other drains have also been inspected, and cleaned for smooth water flow.
Secretary Housing Punjab, Noor ul Amin Mengal, has already stated that funds for the execution of monsoon preparation were being provided by the Punjab government.
According to PMD alert, intense downpour could also cause disruptions to electricity and other utility services, while isolated hailstorms may damage infrastructure, vehicles, and orchards. Thunderstorms increase the risk of lightning strikes, and windstorms could harm crops and unstable structures like billboards and electrical poles. The combination of these meteorological conditions highlights the need for heightened preparedness in the city to ensure public safety and minimize damage.
District Emergency Service, Rescue 1122 has also issued a public safety advisory, urging residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from flood-related incidents.
“Individuals should avoid going near streams, water channels, and ponds during periods of heavy rainfall, as forecasted by the PMD”, said District Emergency Officer, Engr Sibghatullah, while talking to APP.
He said that the 1122 service has identified 20 vulnerable areas to be worked on with special attention. The District Administration besides imposing Section 144, is strictly monitoring the situation in this regard.
