Bahawalpur: On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a meeting at the Commissioner Office Bahawalpur to review preparedness measures for the ongoing monsoon season and any potential flooding.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Saif Anwar Jappa, Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hassan Raza, Deputy Commissioner Bahawalnagar Syed Muhammad Abbas Shah, Deputy Commissioner Rahim Yar Khan Zaheer Anwar Jappa, and senior officials from the relevant departments.
Addressing the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that all essential arrangements to tackle any potential flood situation had been completed well in advance. He stated that Rescue 1122 and other emergency response agencies have been equipped with modern machinery and rescue equipment worth billions of rupees to strengthen disaster response capabilities. He added that the Punjab government has provided all required resources to Bahawalpur and other districts to ensure effective flood management during the monsoon season.
According to the minister, the overall situation across the province remains under control, while comprehensive arrangements have been made for the safe evacuation of residents and livestock from areas that may be affected by flooding.
The provincial minister further informed the meeting that vaccination campaigns for both humans and livestock are underway in flood-prone areas to prevent the outbreak of waterborne and other communicable diseases. He emphasized that all available resources are being utilized to minimize the impact of monsoon rains and protect vulnerable communities.
During a detailed briefing, Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia informed participants that during the recent spell of heavy rains, 55 residents and 849 livestock were safely evacuated from riverine areas of Rahim Yar Khan district. He further stated that 73 flood relief camps will be established across Bahawalpur Division to provide emergency assistance if required. To support relief and rescue operations, authorities have allocated 56 motorboats, 93 Rescue 1122 ambulances, 74 dewatering pumps, and 21 fire brigade vehicles. The Commissioner also informed the meeting that repair and strengthening work on protective river embankments is underway to enhance flood protection infrastructure before any major rise in river levels.
Director General PDMA Saif Anwar Jappa said that all relevant departments are fully active in the field and are conducting continuous inspections across Punjab to monitor the evolving situation. He noted that the ongoing field assessments are intended to ensure a swift and effective response to any emergency arising from heavy monsoon rains or flooding. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Punjab Government’s commitment to maintaining a high level of preparedness and ensuring close coordination among all departments to safeguard lives, livestock, and public infrastructure during the monsoon season.