RAWALPINDI, June 26: The Civil Defence authorities are gearing up for the impending floods in the district in the wake of a warning of heavy rains next month, official sources told Dawn.

The Civil Defence officials said that the administrations of Kahuta, Gujar Khan, Taxila, Murree and Kotli Sattian Tehsils had been directed to be extra vigilant.

The Civil Defence officials said that each Tehsil of Rawalpindi district was required to make arrangements for at least 400 volunteers to confront any untoward situation during the floods.

Chief Civil Defence Officer has received instructions from his superiors that sirens should be wailed within the city limits and cantonment on receipt of information that water level has exceeded the danger level in Nullah Leh at Gawalmandi bridge.

In case of power failure, fire engines will be used to alert people in the low-lying areas to the flood situation.

Meanwhile, the civil defence personnel in Rawalpindi district and its Tehsils have been directed to keep their implements in ready condition for excavating debris at public places.

During their preliminary meetings in the recent days, the Civil Defence personnel were directed to keep track of the old buildings which were in a shambles.

As many as 350 buildings in Rawalpindi City, it was revealed during the recent survey, were in poor condition and were likely to collapse during the forthcoming rains.

The Civil Defence department has sought out information from the Tehsil Office, Rawalpindi, and Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonments about the number of dangerous buildings in their respective areas.

Chamanzar School, Islamia High School, Liaquat Road, Islamia High School, Rata Amral and FG High School, Gawalmandi, have been declared centres for temporary lodging.

The department has six motorboats, 70 life jackets and 100 life rings to its disposal to rescue people in case of floods.