SBCA sets up emergency centre to deal with adverse situations during rain

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has established a rain emergency centre at the Civic Center Annex Building in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. This centre will operate round the clock to address any emergency situations that may arise during the anticipated monsoon rains.

SBCA Director General Abdul Rasheed Solangi said a comprehensive contingency plan had been developed in collaboration with the district administration to effectively manage any emergency situation during the coming monsoon season. The SBCA, he said, was in constant communication with deputy commissioners, the secretary of archives and culture, and other relevant institutions to ensure a coordinated response.

He asserted that the SBCA staff would be present at the rain emergency centre round the clock to respond to any incident. All directors would remain in their respective districts with their officers during the rains ensuring continuous monitoring, he added.

In case of an emergency, he said the people should report to the Rain Emergency Centre at 99232355 or through social media pages or via the official website www.sbca.gos.pk.

Survey reports indicate that of the 570 buildings that have been declared dangerous in Karachi, 135 are under the archives and culture department. Additionally, 81 buildings in the Hyderabad region, 60 in the Sukkur region, seven in the Mirpurkhas region and four in the Larkana region have been declared dangerous and uninhabitable.

The SBCA DG has issued warnings to the residents and users of these dangerous buildings asking them to vacate those buildings immediately to protect their lives and property. Due to water seepage during rains, there is a significantly increased risk of these buildings collapsing or catching fire due to short circuits.

To manage any adverse situation, four teams have been formed, and trained contractors and labourers along with machinery will be available 24/7 at the Rain Emergency Centre.

Banners and flex signs would be placed on all buildings that have been declared dangerous. Residents of extremely dangerous buildings would be evacuated with the help of the district administration and police, Solangi said. He added that a comprehensive awareness campaign had been launched through print media to create awareness.