BEIJING: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Highway Authority and the Ministry of Energy to restore communication networks and electricity in flood-hit areas on a priority basis.
Chairing a review meeting from Beijing on the ongoing flood situation and rescue and relief operations across the country, the prime minister oversaw the response efforts of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other agencies during the current monsoon spell.
The NDMA chairman and the chief secretaries of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with relevant institutions briefed the prime minister on the latest flood situation and the progress of relief operations.
India shared flood warning through diplomatic channels, not IWT: FO
The prime minister emphasized that federal and provincial governments, along with all relevant institutions, must continue working in full coordination to assist affected families, ensure their safe relocation and restore damaged infrastructure.
He instructed authorities to particularly focus on relief and rehabilitation efforts in Punjab and Sindh, given the worsening flood situation there. The premier also directed the NDMA chairman to remain in close contact with provincial disaster management authorities and provide full support to provincial governments. He called for the immediate tracing of citizens reported missing due to floods.
Jhang, Sahiwal, other cities on high alert amid flood threat
The meeting was informed about the rising water levels in the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers. Dams and barrages were said to be under close monitoring in view of the situation.
Officials reported that the NDMA, in collaboration with provincial administrations, is fully engaged in addressing the flood risk at Trimu, Balloki, Sadhnai, Qasur GS Wala and Suleimanki sites along the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers. Heavy flooding is expected at Panjnad following inflows from the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej, with the flood wave anticipated to reach Guddu Barrage by the afternoon of 6 September, where strict monitoring is under way.
The NDMA is coordinating closely with the Sindh government for precautionary measures in view of the expected flood at Guddu.
The meeting was also told that Rescue 1122, Pakistan Army, Rangers, NGOs and provincial disaster management authorities are actively carrying out relief operations in affected areas, with convoys of relief goods being dispatched continuously.
Efforts to restore power supply and damaged electricity infrastructure in flood-hit regions are also under way at a rapid pace.