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LAHORE, Jul 19 (APP):Punjab Emergency Services Department Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer has said that Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) is on high alert across the province in line with the special directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ensure a timely and coordinated response during the ongoing monsoon and flood season. Addressing a press briefing at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), here on Saturday, Dr. Rizwan said that the proactive preparedness of departments and the Chief Minister’s prior instructions for removal of encroachments helped safeguard several areas from urban flooding. He informed that Rescue 1122 teams have so far rescued 1,594 people since June 25 in flood and rain-related emergencies. These operations have been supported by the deployment of over 100 rescue boats, 312 rescuers, outboard motor engines, and other critical emergency equipment in vulnerable and low-lying areas of the province. Of the total rescued, 780 individuals were saved during intense rainfall emergencies, with 449 of them suffering serious injuries and being shifted to hospitals. Tragically, 119 people lost their lives. Additionally, 444 individuals were evacuated in advance from flood-prone districts including Mianwali, DG Khan, Layyah, Rajanpur, Nankana, Narowal, and Jhelum. Rescue teams also facilitated the safe transportation of 370 individuals and 202 animals to safer locations.
Dr. Rizwan further said that despite the ongoing flood-related operations, Rescue 1122 continues to respond to more than 6,500 routine emergencies across Punjab each day. Since June 25, a total of 369 building collapse incidents have been reported, along with 23 cases of electrocution, 62 rain-related traffic crashes, 21 incidents of drowning, 7 cases of slipping, 4 lightning strikes, 3 landslides, 3 manhole falls, and 16 miscellaneous emergencies. Of the 119 fatalities recorded, 81 were due to the collapse of weak and dilapidated buildings, followed by 11 deaths from electrocution, 9 in road accidents, 6 from falling into manholes, 5 from drowning, 4 from lightning strikes, 2 from slipping, and one death due to a landslide. The highest number of fatalities occurred in Lahore, with 27 deaths, followed by 15 in Faisalabad, 11 in Sheikhupura, 10 in Rawalpindi, 9 in Okara, and 7 in Bahawalnagar.
Expressing serious concern over the collapse of 369 buildings during the recent rains, Dr. Rizwan appealed to citizens to remain vigilant. He said that all government institutions are working tirelessly to ensure public safety, but community cooperation is essential. He urged people to avoid contact with electric poles, wires, and appliances during rain, stay clear of low-lying areas, and regularly inspect rooftops and drainage systems to minimize risks. He also advised the public to check weather forecasts before traveling to flood-prone or hilly regions to avoid emergencies.
Dr. Rizwan said that the Punjab Emergency Service remained fully committed to protecting lives and property, and he praised the dedication of Rescue 1122 teams who were serving the public round-the-clock.