July 27, 2008	Sunday	Rajab 23, 1429

KARACHI, July 26: Sindh Chief Secretary Fazalur Rehman has directed all relevant departments to take effective measures to cope with any emergency during the rains in the province.

He issued directives to the relief commissioner, DCOs and heads of health, home and local government departments to remain alert during the monsoon and keep arrangements ready for shifting of the people affected by rains and flooding. He said that a rain emergency could warrant swift action to rescue people from rivers and coastal areas and bring them to safe places.

He said measures should also be taken to ensure prompt draining of rainwater in the low-lying areas, adding that generators should be kept on to avoid any disruption in relief work in case of power failure. He also called for covering open manholes.

The chief secretary stressed the need for devising a comprehensive plan to avoid traffic jams in urban areas during rains. He advised people not to go for a picnic on beaches and in coastal areas during bad weather.

He also issued directives for ensuring availability of medical staff at all hospitals and health care units during an emergency.—PPI