ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Monday issued an alert to all the departments concerned to take precautionary measures against possible floods in the city.

An advisory issued from the office of the district magistrate stated that in view of its geographical location and land characteristics, most parts of Islamabad were generally protected from floods. “Due to the natural terrain and topography, the rain/floodwater is disposed of through nullahs and natural slopes,” it added.

However, some areas situated downstream River Soan (Simly Dam) and River Korang (Rawal Dam) are vulnerable to be hit by high magnitude floods. In addition, katchi abadis along the nullahs in Sectors F-7, G-6, G-8, H-9 and I-9 are also being considered vulnerable. Wherever there are extensive and continuous rains in the catchments areas of Simly and Rawal dams, the excess water overflowing from the spillways of the reservoirs causes flooding in rivers Soan and Korang.

Thus high flood in these rivers may affect low lying areas and disrupt services such as water supply, sewerage, power supply, communication and agriculture system in these areas, it said. In view of the past experience and the flood history, constant vigilance is required to combat the flood emergency in the rainy season particularly along the banks of river Soan and Korang.

“It has been observed that the duration of the flood is normally between eight to 10 hours in low lying areas along rivers Soan and Korang. It is, therefore, imperative that all departments and agencies must mobilise their resources to combat any flood situation.”

In order to avoid any eventuality during the expected floods, the additional deputy commissioner (revenue) shall ensure that announcements are made in the rural area of Islamabad and that the residents are intimated regarding the changing situation.

Flood control centres have been set up at Tarlai, Bhara Kahu and Sihala union councils while union councils along with the civil defence staff shall remain available there.

All assistant commissioners and subdivisional magistrates shall visit their respective areas and identity the down streams and low lying areas, including katchi abadis and residents along the nullahs. The relevant directorates of the CDA shall make necessary arrangements to cope with accumulated water.

A control room has been established at the deputy commissioner office, which will function round-the-clock, it added.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2016