GUJAR KHAN: While the challenges of climate change stare us in the face and our society is doomed to live with natural calamities in the future, there is a dire need to capacitate Rescue 1122 through the induction of latest techniques and technologies, including training its personnel.

From the Swat River tragedy, Jhelum-Chakwal floods, DHA Islamabad flooding, and now the inability to recover the body of a 17-year-old boy swept away in the Gujar Khan flood on Wednesday, the grey areas in Rescue 1122’s performance, capacity and equipment have been noted by both the public and authorities.

No doubt, Rescue 1122 established by former Punjab government of Pervez Elahi has rendered meticulous services during accidents and large-scale calamities ranging from earthquakes to floods and landslides.

However, the recent spell of floods confronted by Rescue 1122 has highlighted both its strengths and its shortcomings.

Many deaths could potentially be averted through timely rescue with boats and life jackets, but when confronted with high and fast-flowing waters, the rescuers often have no choice but to stay at the banks with only their boats, batons and jackets.

Ironically, not all personnel are trained divers or even swimmers, making it impossible to risk their lives in such perilous waters.

Several officials and authorities from Rescue 1122, the local administration and police, when interviewed at sites of ongoing search efforts, admitted that the force could deliver best if equipped with state-of-the-art submersible cameras, flashlights, drones for reconnaissance, and transport ropes and anchoring equipment for rivers and streams.

A senior officer of Rescue 1122, who has served since its inception, told Dawn that there is an urgent need to build flood-response capacity through dedicated training in countries like China, Japan, and others frequently facing such natural disasters.

He suggested that equipping Rescue 1122 with drones and helicopters is a realistic necessity to tackle issues arising from flash floods and cloudbursts linked to climate change.

The officer also emphasised that Rescue 1122 must coordinate with law enforcement agencies to prevent violations of swimming bans during flood risks.

Another official, requesting anonymity, stated that it is high time for Rescue 1122 personnel to be trained alongside Pakistan Navy divers and that their rescue and relief capabilities should be enhanced through training trips to China, Japan, Australia, and other countries facing frequent floods and fires.

He also reiterated the need to incorporate helicopters and drones for effective and rapid search and rescue operations.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2025