‘Flood control measures finalised in Punjab’

 

LAHORE: Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) Director General Brig (R) Dr Arshad Zia briefed reporters in a press conference held at Rescue 1122 Headquarters here about flood preparedness and Eid arrangements for an effective emergency response in case of any untoward incident.

He informed that special arrangements have been made by Rescue 1122 all over the Punjab with reference to current flood prediction in monsoon season. In this regard, 7,480 rescuers along with 383 boats/ OBM with 630 emergency vehicles, 5,196 life jackets, 29 SCUBA, 632 torches will remain on high alert to provide timely and effective emergency response in all districts especially flood prone districts of Punjab.

Dr Arshad highlighted Eid arrangements and said Rescue 1122 would remain on high alert and possibly cover maximum mass gathering vicinity and Emergency vehicles shall be deputed around all Eid prayer sites and sensitive areas along with trained emergency staff to provide immediate pre-hospital emergency cover if needed. Emergency officers, including trained doctors shall supervise the arrangements during Eid days. The leaves of the rescuers have been restricted and they have been assigned special emergency duties to effectively cover large Eid prayer gatherings and provide the emergency medical, rescue and firefighting services to citizens during Eid holidays.

He told that the Provincial Monitoring Cell (PMC) Rescue 1122 shall also establish close liaison and co-ordinate with the Meteorological Department and organisations concerned to ensure flood forecasting, appropriate level of preparedness and timely flood forecasting, appropriate level of preparedness, effective response with coordinated efforts in all districts of Punjab.

He also briefed about pre-monsoon arrangements which include district level preparedness, monitoring of water rescue teams and equipped (fiber glass boat, inflatable rubber boat, dry suit, full body and seat rescue harness, life jackets, diving suit, floating lines and life buoys) and mock exercises in flood prone districts. Furthermore, water rescue boats and equipment have been provided as per requirement and additional life jackets have also been provided to the districts wherever needed. Flood contingency plans have been exercised along with districts administration.

Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) DG wished all the citizens a safe Eid and drive safely with families particularly while leaving or returning from hometowns before, during and after Eid holidays.