Punjab fully prepared to deal with flood threat: Kh Salman

LAHORE - Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that the health, rescue, livestock and other relevant departments are fully active in the field to prevent and deal with possible flood threats. He expressed these views during a visit to the Provincial Emergency Centre at the PDMA Head Office on Saturday. On the occasion, concerned officers briefed the provincial minister on the latest situation regarding the monsoon season and water flows in the rivers. Khawaja Salman Rafique said that, under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, all possible measures were being taken to keep Punjab safe from floods. He said the water flow in the rivers was currently normal, while preparations had been completed in sensitive areas to deal with any emergency. He said flood relief camps, rescue machinery, boats, staff and evacuation plans had been kept operational according to the requirements of sensitive areas, adding that the administration was fully prepared to respond to emergencies. The minister said Rescue had been equipped with modern equipment worth billions of rupees, while pre-disaster and post-disaster response mechanisms were also being strengthened and made more effective. He said the measures taken by the provincial government would help prevent loss of life and property from floods and other water-related hazards. He added that PDMA's preparations this year were considerably better than those of last year. Khawaja Salman Rafique said the monsoon situation and water flows in rivers were being continuously monitored, while all relevant departments remained alert to respond to any emerging threat. Tags: punjabprepareddeal floodthreat