KARACHI: Precautionary measures for rains reviewed
KARACHI, July 13: The city nazim, Naimatullah Khan, on Tuesday held a meeting to review safety arrangements made at emergency centres set up at the coastal areas and various towns against possible rain losses during the ensuing monsoons.
The meeting was told that rain emergency centres established at various places by the city government would function round the clock. Besides, a round the clock central emergency control room has been set up at Civic Centre's Annexe Building.
The central emergency room has been equipped with police and wireless sets, and would also have telephone Nos 9230060-61-62, fax No 9230068 and four hotlines of "134".
The meeting also reviewed the working of Navy and city government medical centres at Hawkesbay. Naval officials told the meeting that low lying areas of Karachi have been identified, and all arrangements for the rescue of stranded persons finalised.
About 11 teams have been formed provided with boats, life jackets and other rescue equipment, they said. Meanwhile, the Corps-5 Army has divided the city into five zones with the formation of four brigades to help people in any emergencies.
The meeting was apprised that arrangement for helicopters and other necessary equipment had also been made. While, the Works Department of city government has made cranes, dumpers, loaders and other machinery available at emergency centres for draining out rainwater.
Naimatullah directed that working of emergency centres should be made exemplary, and immediate action be taken on public complaints. He said that an action plan be prepared for saving the lives of fishermen in Malir and Lyari rivers, and at sea, adding that water-level in Malir and Lyari rivers be kept under watch, and all safety measures be taken before it reaches danger levels.
Special attention should also be paid to settlements around the two rivers, he said. The city nazim directed that people should be stopped from taking baths at all dangerous spots on the coast, saying that Section 144 be enforced in this regard. He called for posting lifeguards at coastal areas.
He said liaison and coordination between organisations providing civic facilities should be made exemplary and responsibilities be discharged as "Khidmat-e-Khalq".
The nazim also asked the EDO health to ensure availability of doctors and medicines at the city government's medical centre at Hawkesbay. The city nazim directed that all potholes be filled before the start of monsoons so these do not prove harmful.
He pointed out that during monsoon, rain water usually accumulated at 39 points which affected traffic flow, directing that stranded water at such points be immediately drained out, and presence of traffic police ensured to control traffic.
Naimatullah called for a foolproof action plan for helping affectees in Gadap, Bin Qasim, Keamari, and Malir towns, and Malir and Lyari rivers. He also directed setting up of a relief committees to work under town nazims, and relief camps at town levels.
DCO Mir Hussain Ali said people should be informed in advance about any dangerous situations on the coast, and effective steps be taken to stop people from going to Soneri beach, Neelam Point, Cape Mount.
It was informed that four watch towers had been erected for monitoring coastal areas, three of which were in Manora. Mir Hussain Ali informed that Works and Services Department had completed the cleaning of drains, while cleaning of storm-water drains in North Nazimabad Town and other places was in progress. - APP
