LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed immediate drainage of rainwater in all cities and called for an improved flood warning system to inform the public promptly about rising water levels.
During her visit to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) headquarters, the chief minister emphasized that private housing societies must also ensure timely drainage of rainwater. She highlighted the need for strict implementation of a ban on bathing in rivers, canals, and streams, ordering that mosques make public announcements to inform residents, especially in villages, about the dangers of possible floods.
“During the rains, the deputy commissioners should remain present in the field until the drainage process is completed along with carrying out cleanliness and removal of encroachments for the smooth flow of floodwater in the streams,” she underscored.
The chief minister called for comprehensive reports on damage caused by the heavy monsoon across Punjab — including its impact on infrastructure, rice crops, and other agriculture. She urged the administration and relevant institutions to prepare in advance for upcoming rain spells.
Maryam Nawaz directed the communications and works department to submit a detailed report on damage to the road infrastructure. She credited pre-rain preparations for minimizing the damage caused by recent torrential rains.
“Where water used to pool for several days, now it has been drained in a few hours. In the past, thousands of people were affected due to flooding in Nala Lai, but now some areas are affected for a brief period of time,” she noted, adding that she had personally witnessed the rescue of a newborn baby during relief operations.
The chief minister stressed the importance of desilting rivers and canals ahead of monsoon to mitigate flood damage.
“Timely desilting of rivers and canals made it possible to prevent colossal damage. The public, especially children, should stay away from rivers and canals during heavy downpours,” she maintained.
“Timely measures should be ensured in high-risk areas. Parents should prevent their children from bathing in canals and ponds during monsoon rains,” she outlined.
She praised the performance of government departments in rescue and relief operations, noting that no deaths occurred due to institutional negligence.
“The government institutions performed well in rescue and relief operations, no deaths were caused due to negligence of any institution. The officers and their team remained in the field and risked their lives to protect precious human lives and property of the people,” she affirmed.
Maryam Nawaz assured that PDMA would provide boats, life jackets, and necessary equipment wherever needed across Punjab. She also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives due to collapsing roofs, walls, and other incidents during the monsoon.
During a three-hour briefing, the CM was updated on the current flood and rain situation. The PDMA director general shared details on river and dam levels, and informed her about proactive measures taken to deal with monsoon-related hazards.
He revealed that 1,063 individuals had been rescued during recent flash floods and heavy rains. In one instance, trapped individuals in Jhelum and Chakwal were rescued within 23 minutes through swift coordination with the NDMA and the deployment of an army helicopter.
Tragically, 108 people lost their lives during the ongoing monsoon season in Punjab. According to the PDMA, 80 deaths occurred due to collapsing roofs and walls, 10 from electrocution, five from lightning, and 13 by drowning. Additionally, 388 people were injured in structural collapses, and eight were electrocuted.
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