RAWALPINDI: The district administration on Thursday issued alert till July 6 in view of prediction of urban flooding in the garrison city and asked the civic bodies and rescue organisations to monitor low-lying areas, storm drains, bridges and other sensitive places.

Besides, they have been directed to make the drainage system more active, and keep the field teams on alert 24 hours a day so that the public can be protected from any possible trouble.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema gave directions during a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority held in his office. The meeting was attended by additional deputy commissioner headquarters Abdul Rehman Khan, assistant commissioners, Rescue 1122, health department, Wasa, RDA, Municipal Corporation, Civil Defense, PDMA, police and other departments concerned.

The meeting was briefed by the Meteorological Department on the forecast of expected rains during the monsoon and the possible weather conditions in Rawalpindi district.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema said that under the expected conditions during the monsoon, hazards such as urban flooding, increased water flow in storm drains and landslides may arise in low-lying areas.

He directed the departmenst concerned that the weather forecast should be constantly monitored, the alert system should be kept active at all times and all necessary steps should be completed in advance to deal with any emergency situation in a timely manner.

The meeting reviewed in detail the monsoon emergency plan, preparedness of institutions at the district level, drainage arrangements, cleaning of storm drains, availability of emergency machinery, rescue resources and continuous monitoring of sensitive areas.

The deputy commissioner directed all the relevant departments to make coordination more effective so that immediate and coordinated action can be ensured in any emergency situation.

Mr Cheema said that the protection of lives and property of citizens is the primary responsibility of the district administration. He directed the institutions concerned to continuously monitor low-lying areas, storm drains, bridges and other sensitive places, make the drainage system more active and improved.

He further directed the departments that all assistant commissioners should monitor the monsoon arrangements in their respective areas on a daily basis, control rooms should be kept fully functional, necessary machinery and manpower should be available at all times, while an effective monitoring system should be maintained for the immediate redress of public complaints.

He warned that no negligence of any kind would be tolerated and all departments should discharge their responsibilities with full sense of responsibility.

The district administration reiterated that protection of lives and property of the public would be ensured during the monsoon.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2026