-PMD forecast rainfall for upper, central parts of the country
-FFD warns of high to very high flood in Jhelum, Chenab Rivers
From Abid Usman
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar visited Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) head office on Monday to inspect the control room, established for monitoring the monsoon season and possible flood situation.
He was briefed about the situation of rivers, the weather forecasting system, arrangements for dealing with the flood-related situation and relief activities.
The CM directed the PDMA to remain fully vigilant and continuously monitor the inflow and outflow of water in rivers and the weather conditions. The line departments should remain alert with their emergency plans and the best coordination between federal and provincial departments be ensured, he added. All arrangements should be made to deal with urban flooding, he said.
The CM expressed his satisfaction that work had been started to develop an underground water tank in Lahore to store rainwater. The facility at Lawrence Road had been completed while the foundation stone of another underground water tank near Alhamra would be laid soon, he added. Four underground water tanks would be constructed in Lahore, he said. The CM directed the PDMA to ensure availability of necessary material in warehouses, adding that de-watering sets should be made fully functional, along with ensuring the availability of anti-venom vaccines in districts.
The Meteorological Department should submit its weather report daily and a daily report of rains in rivers’ catchment areas be compiled as well, he added. The CM announced two-month salary for the PDMA staff as honorarium and promised to fulfill the responsibility of providing necessary resources. PDMA Minister Mian Khalid Mahmood, SMBR, secretary irrigation and others were also present.
Moreover, Met Office has forecast rain-wind/thundershower in upper and central parts of the country as strong monsoon currents continuously penetrating in the area. Rain-wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls is expected in Kashmir, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab with occasional gaps from Monday to Friday, Pakistan Meteorological Department said in its report.
Gilgit-Baltistan, parts of southern Punjab and Balochistan will receive rainfall from Tuesday to Thursday.
