Punjab Launches Drone Flood Monitoring

Punjab has launched drone monitoring of barrages, rivers and headworks for the first time to issue early flood warnings across the province.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Thursday that Safe City drones are being used to monitor water levels at key points and detect incoming flood waves at an early stage.

She said the system will strengthen flood preparedness and improve the province’s response to monsoon emergencies.

Chairing a review meeting on the monsoon situation, the chief minister directed all departments to deploy maximum human and mechanical resources to deal with urban flooding, hill torrents and other possible flood-related emergencies.

She also ordered Lesco and other power distribution companies to take immediate notice of deaths caused by electrocution during rain, saying dangling wires on utility poles have become a serious threat to public safety.

Maryam Nawaz instructed authorities to enforce the ban on swimming in rivers, dams and barrages, ensure security at construction sites, inspect unsafe buildings, and clear manholes, drains and roadside pits.

She also ordered timely public advisories through mosques, electronic media and social media, round-the-clock operation of district flood control rooms, and live monitoring of underpasses to prevent water accumulation.

In view of the risk of urban flooding and hill torrents, she directed advance flood warnings and timely evacuation measures in Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan.

She also ordered precautionary evacuations in landslide-prone areas of Murree and asked the administration to warn tourists about possible risks.

The chief minister further directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, WASA, Rescue 1122, the Local Government Department and the National Disaster Management Authority to ensure full coordination during the monsoon season.