Maryam Nawaz puts Punjab on high alert as monsoon intensifies
The chief minister directed commissioners, deputy commissioners and field officers across Punjab to remain fully vigilant. She said there is no room for negligence and instructed all departments to make advance preparations in line with alerts issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Maryam Nawaz ordered all concerned agencies to ensure the immediate drainage of rainwater and directed continuous monitoring of Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) operations.
She also instructed the PDMA Control Room and District Emergency Operation Centres to remain fully operational. Rescue 1122, WASA and other emergency services have been directed to keep their personnel and machinery on standby.
The chief minister ordered authorities to speed up the drainage of water from low-lying areas, clear waterlogged locations, and closely monitor drains and stormwater channels.
She also directed officials to ensure that all manholes in urban and rural areas remain properly covered, that safety measures are enforced at construction sites, and that structurally weak buildings are closely monitored during the ongoing rains.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that every precaution must be taken to prevent urban flooding, maintain smooth traffic flow on major roads and highways, and protect lives and property across the province.
Also Read: Chenab, Ravi rivers swell, causing floods across Punjab
She also urged parents to keep children away from rivers, canals and other dangerous areas during the rainy season. The chief minister advised citizens not to stay in weak, poorly constructed or mud-built houses during severe weather.
According to the latest PDMA alert, Lahore, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan are at risk of urban flooding as heavy rainfall continues across Punjab.
The PDMA said rainfall was recorded in most districts during the past 24 hours. Sargodha received 105 millimetres of rain, followed by Hafizabad with 77 millimetres, Okara with 73 millimetres, Bahawalnagar with 63 millimetres and Sahiwal with 61 millimetres. The authority added that Lahore has received a cumulative 400 millimetres of rainfall, with heavy showers continuing for the fifth consecutive day.
