RAWALPINDI: With the advent of monsoon season, the district administration of Rawalpindi has issued a high alert warning in regards to possibility of flooding of low lying areas. The residents of the low-lying areas, which include Javed Colony, Muslim Colony, Arya Mohalla, Mukha Singh Estate, Dhok Khabba, Amarpura, and many others exposed to any possible flooding have started relocating to safer havens, while many have shifted to upper stories of their homes after safe storage of their assets. These residents are wary of their previous horrendous experience, when despite assurances of district administration, flooding breached their homes due to irresponsible claims of cleanliness and sanitation, and they could ill-afford any further risks.They have also accused Rawal Town administration of limiting the construction of any feasible waterways accommodating flow of flood to mere slim drains; while qabza mafia has ruthlessly encroached the remains with plotting. The administration has also started installing searchlights to facilitate their rescue services, while police and other relevant departments have been integrated in strong coordination with flood warning control. Meanwhile in Punjab, the Provincial government has shifted all the load of any rescue operations on Rescue 1122, and after receiving the notification; the department of civil defense has transferred all its rather outdated ships and rescue equipment/ means to Rescue 1122.
According to the new notification, civil defense would be given the responsibilities of diffusing any explosive materials/ bombs. It is pertinent to mention that despite lacking in resources, civil defense has always performed excellently in floods. When tried to be contacted for details, the DCO Rawalpindi Saqib Zafar was unavailable for any comments. – Onlinenews
