ISLAMABAD: According to a news source, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan cautioned the citizens to take special care as the heavy monsoon hit parts of the country.
Further, the prime minister took notice of the situation and directed the national emergency service to be on high alert to cope with any situation.
“I have also directed all the relevant response agencies including NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) to be on high alert with ready and rapid emergency response actions,” he tweeted. Pakistan’s capital Islamabad witnessed heavy urban flooding, where certain areas including the E-11 Sector were submerged in rainwater. Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan at various fora highlighted that Pakistan is among the ten countries which are most vulnerable to climate change.
Monsoon in KPK and Azad Kashmir
Furthermore, monsoon downpours are intermittently lashing different parts of the country including Islamabad, upper parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. A spokesperson of the Met Office said the highest rainfall of 123 mm was recorded in the federal capital followed by 103mm in Sialkot and Kotli, 56 mm. The spokesperson said this spell will persist during the next three days.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi
At least two people including a minor lost their lives as urban flooding caused by torrential rains inundated streets and main roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, creating immense difficulties for the residents.
According to details, four children and their mother drowned in the E-11 sector when a nearby drain overflowed and water entered their house. The administration rescued three children while one child and the mother died. Further, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Hamza Shafqaat said in a message that Islamabad has faced flooding in various areas. He requested to cooperate with teams clearing nullahs and roads.
Army Troops Assisting the Civil Administration
According to Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi, teams have been deployed in low lying areas of the city to deal with any emergency. Similarly, according to the ISPR, heavy rains caused the high water level in Nullah Lai and water accumulation in E-11. Army troops are busy assisting civil administration in rescue and relief efforts. The ISPR said contingencies plans are in place to meet any flood situation.
Nullah Lai Experiencing High Flood Flows
The Federal Flood Commission (FFC) has said that high flood flows were generated in Lai Nullah and the water level at Kattarian Bridge was 21 feet at 0810 hours (Evacuation Level) and 17 feet at Gawal Mandi Bridge at 0910 hours (Evacuation Level) on Wednesday morning, owing to heavy rainfall in the twin cities of Islamabad-Rawalpindi.
According to Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), Lahore, a fresh Monsoon Low has developed over Northern Bay of Bengal (India) with moderate moist currents from Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal are penetrating upper parts of the country up to 5000 feet.
Facilities for Tourists
A comprehensive policy has been chalked out for the provision of better facilities to tourists visiting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
This is said by Chief Minister KP Mahmood Khan during a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan, says a press statement issued here on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan apprised Prime Minister, Imran Khan in detail about measures taken for the provision of facilities to the tourists and resolution of problems being faced by people visiting different scenic sites of the province.
Promotion of tourism will not only generate commercial activities in local markets but will also have a very positive impact on the economy of the country, PM Imran Khan added. He issued directives for speeding up development schemes besides measures for the promotion of tourism in the country.
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News source: https://nation.com.pk/E-Paper/lahore/2021-07-29/page-1/detail-3
