The district administration has officially declared a flood emergency period in Rawalpindi from June 15 to September 15 in response to forecasts of above-normal rainfall and an increased risk of urban flooding during the upcoming monsoon season.
A central flood monitoring control room will soon become operational at the Civil Defence Office. The control room will operate under Army supervision during the flood emergency period.
Authorities said a contingent of the 111 Brigade will remain on full red alert throughout the flood season to respond to any emergency situation.
After the Eid holidays, personnel from Civil Defence and Rescue 1122 will take part in specialized full-scale rehearsal training at Rawal Dam. The training will focus on rescue operations for citizens trapped in floodwaters. Military personnel will also participate in the exercises.
The administration has also introduced special manually operated emergency siren devices for Civil Defence volunteers in case of electricity outages during the monsoon period.
The hand-cranked warning systems can function without power supply and will be placed at specially established Civil Defence ward posts in flood-prone areas.
In the event of severe flooding, five relief camps will be set up at Islamia Higher Secondary School No. 1 on Murree Road, Islamia High School near Liaquat Bagh on Liaquat Road, Girls School New Katarian, Girls School Dhoke Hassu, Girls School Dhoke Ratta near Bhusa Godam, and Girls School Gawalmandi.
The administration has also directed officials to complete desilting and clearance operations along the 20-kilometer Leh Nullah and 15 seasonal storm drains by June 15. These drains cause widespread destruction every year during the monsoon season.
