LAHORE: Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Tuesday instructed the Punjab Emergency Services and the district administrations to take preventive measures to avert Swat tragedy-like incidents in case of flash flooding.

PDMA Director General (DG) Irfan Ali Kathia issued a letter to the relevant departments, warning of flash-flooding risk in Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur district.

He instructed the deputy commissioners (DCs) of these districts to take measures to deal with any emergency situation at vulnerable places.

The DG further said District Emergency Operation Centres should be kept active around the clock. There is a complete ban on swimming in rivers, canals, rainwater drains during the monsoon season and strict legal action should be taken in case of violation of Section 144.

He said warning signboards should be installed at vulnerable places and awareness campaigns should be run through local media and mosques. Warning signboards should also be installed on the banks of rivers and at high-risk picnic spots, he added.

He said there is a complete ban on overloading in boats and riding without life jackets while crossing the rivers, warning the boat owners of strict action over any violation.

He also directed provision of rescue boats, life jackets, rescue ropes and essential medicines at vulnerable places.

Quoting the chief minister’s instructions, he said there is no scope for negligence or irresponsibility, adding that Rescue 1122 and Civil Defense staff should be deployed immediately at vulnerable places.

He also instructed the irrigation department, communications department and Rescue 1122 to identify picnic points along rivers, canals, rainwater drains etc.

Meanwhile, Lahore DC Syed Musa Raza reviewed the water disposal systems in view of the monsoon season.

He inspected the under-construction Wasa’s water disposal tank in Tajpura to ensure that all necessary measures are on track to protect the city residents from the adverse effects of heavy rainfall.

He was accompanied by key officials, including the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore chief officer, Shalimar Town assistant commissioner (AC) and Wasa deputy managing director (DMD).

The Shalimar AC and Wasa DMD gave a comprehensive briefing to the DC on the progress on the water disposal tank’s construction and the overall monsoon preparedness.

The DC said significant steps are being taken to avoid rainwater accumulation in the city, and further improve the drainage system.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2025