In light of forecasts of severe stormy weather across Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert, issuing strict instructions to ensure public safety.
The Punjab government specifically directed the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), district administrations, police, and rescue teams to implement proactive measures to mitigate risks. The CM ordered deputy commissioners and other officials to remain actively engaged in the field to oversee preparations.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that deputy commissioners must strictly adhere to PDMA guidelines, particularly in Upper Punjab, where the risk of cloudbursts looms large.
She emphasized the need for robust arrangements to counter potential flash floods in the Koh-e-Sulaiman region and riverine areas, with special focus on the districts of Murree, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Koh-e-Sulaiman.
To prioritize safety, the CM approved restrictions on tourist travel to Murree and nearby areas, citing dangers of cloudbursts, landslides, and heavy rainfall. She instructed authorities to limit tourist movement to prevent accidents during the anticipated adverse weather conditions.
Following her directives, PDMA Punjab sprang into action, securing essential resources and issuing instructions to deputy commissioners to prepare for an unusual surge in river flows triggered by the expected rains. Boats, life jackets, and other critical equipment have been distributed to communities near waterways, with the CM underscoring the urgent need to evacuate residents from riverbed areas.
Additionally, Maryam Nawaz mandated a complete ban on bathing in rivers, canals, and streams to avert drowning incidents amid potential flooding.
She further ordered increased police patrolling along riverbanks and urged parents to keep their children away from waterways to ensure their safety during this high-risk period.
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