Pre-monsoon rains: Measures to mitigate flood risks reviewed

PESHAWAR: A meeting on Thursday reviewed the province’s preparedness and preemptive measures after the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) forecast of pre-monsoon rains from today.

Chaired by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, the meeting was attended by administrative secretaries, director general Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other relevant officials, while commissioners from divisions joined via video link.

The meeting focused on detailed preparedness plans for flood-prone areas, with a special emphasis on lessons learned from the 2022 floods. Officials briefed that a comprehensive Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025 has been developed to deal with any emergency situations.

The chief secretary directed the district administrations to continue strict action against illegal constructions and encroachments along rivers and waterways. He emphasised that funds for flood prevention and emergency response were being ensured at all levels.

Briefing the meeting, DG PDMA stated that PDMA has provided Rescue 1122 with 50 dewatering pumps in districts vulnerable to urban flooding. These districts include Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Malakand (Batkhela), Swat (Mingora), Mansehra and Abbottabad. Additionally, a dedicated dewatering unit is being established in Peshawar.

The chief secretary instructed district administrations to ensure advance stockpiling of essential supplies including food items, fuel, and medicines in vulnerable areas. He stressed the need for proactive coordination among all departments and timely completion of preparedness activities to mitigate losses from potential torrential rains, windstorms, and flooding.

He further directed the Irrigation Department to inspect protective embankments along rivers and canals, while the Local Government Department was tasked with ensuring the cleaning of sewerage lines to prevent urban flooding.

In light of increased tourist activity during the season, special arrangements are to be made in tourist districts, including the regular issuance of travel advisories. It was also informed that the government is enforcing Section 144 to ban the use of plastic bags and swimming in rivers during the monsoon season. The Health Department is making advance arrangements to counter the spread of waterborne diseases.

Meanwhile, the PDMA has issued a weather advisory PMD’s forecast of pre-monsoon rains expected to affect the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from June 20 to 23. The rains are likely to occur with occasional gaps, triggered by moist currents from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, along with a westerly wave approaching the region. This weather pattern is anticipated to bring widespread rainfall, gusty winds, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms in various parts of the province.

In light of this forecast, the PDMA has urged all relevant departments and local administrations to stay on alert and implement necessary precautionary measures aimed at preventing loss of life and minimizing damage to infrastructure, crops, and livestock. The authority has already circulated detailed safety instructions to district administrations and line departments to ensure timely and coordinated preparedness and response.