Punjab strengthens flood preparedness, provides modern rescue equipment to Rescue 1122 : Kh Salman

LAHORE, Jul 04 (APP):Punjab Health Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management, Khawaja Salman Rafique, on Saturday said that advance preparations to effectively tackle urban and riverine floods are essential for protecting the lives and property of the people.

He expressed these views while addressing the Flood Fighting Equipment 2026 distribution ceremony held at the PDMA Warehouse, where modern rescue equipment was handed over to Rescue 1122.

Khawaja Salman Rafique said that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government was continuing its mission of public service and investing in modern flood-fighting equipment to strengthen preparedness against future emergencies. He expressed confidence that Rescue 1122 would once again serve as a source of hope for citizens during difficult times.

He said the newly provided equipment symbolised responsibility and readiness to respond to every season, challenge and emergency situation. The minister added that the government had prioritised strengthening river embankments, cleaning drains, improving drainage systems, removing encroachments and installing backup power systems for drainage pumps in low-lying areas.

Highlighting reforms under the provincial government, he said several projects had been completed to enhance emergency services, including the launch of an air ambulance service, expansion of Rescue 1122 services to tehsil level, motorway rescue coverage, a dead body transfer service, an Emergency Medical Technician internship programme, collaboration with Rescue Australia and the provision of modern rescue equipment.

Khawaja Salman Rafique said that the Punjab government had equipped Rescue 1122 with the latest urban search and rescue tools and personal protective equipment, including underwater rescue facilities, modern motorboats, life jackets, scuba diving gear and fast rescue equipment to ensure effective responses to floods, fires and other emergencies in both urban and remote areas.

Paying tribute to rescue personnel, he said Rescue 1122 officials and workers were the true heroes of the nation for risking their lives to save others. He added that relief materials worth millions of rupees had been provided to the department and appreciated the performance of PDMA under DG Umar Javed and the contributions of Secretary Emergency Services Department Dr. Rizwan Naseer.

The minister said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif personally monitored the flood situation during 2025, while senior officials remained active in the field for 25 consecutive days. He added that the government was improving communication systems and introducing drones to further strengthen rescue operations and save lives.

The flood rescue equipment distributed to Rescue 1122 includes boat-carrying trucks, aluminium air boats, fibreglass boats, inflatable boats, outboard motors, landing crafts, jet skis, water rescue drones, remote-controlled self-life buoys, surveillance drones, life jackets, digital base radios, digital base repeaters, digital manpack repeaters and other technical equipment.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary Emergency Services Department Dr. Rizwan Naseer said that timely decision-making and evacuation during previous floods helped save countless lives. He said 2.6 million people and 2.1 million animals were shifted to safer locations, while more than 400,000 people were rescued by boats after floodwaters inundated affected areas. He urged citizens to take precautionary measures during the monsoon season, including regular inspection and repair of house roofs.

DG PDMA Umar Javed said that, following the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, authorities had made even stronger preparations this year by mapping and documenting populations living near rivers and establishing additional warehouses across Punjab to facilitate faster and more effective rescue operations. He said the relief materials being distributed reflected the commitment of the provincial government to reaching people in need at the right time.