- Advertisement -
MUZAFFARGARH, Jul 25 (APP):In line with observance of World Drowning Prevention Day 2025 here Friday, District Emergency Officer Obaidullah Khan issued a set of guidelines emphasizing urgent need for preventive measures to reduce drowning incidents, particularly in flood-prone areas like Muzaffargarh.
Speaking to the media, he noted that Muzaffargarh, flanked by two major rivers and numerous canals, remains highly vulnerable to such emergencies. In the past year alone, eleven (11) drowning cases were recorded, all resulting in fatalities.
Khan highlighted common causes, including swimming in open waterways, taking selfies on bridges and headworks, and attempting to cross rivers while herding livestock. He informed that, in coordination with the District Emergency Board, Deputy commissioner Muzaffargarh has imposed Section 144, banning swimming in rivers and canals across the district.
Following directives from Punjab Emergency Services Secretary Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Rescue 1122 has launched awareness campaigns through Community Emergency Response Teams. Local elders are also engaged to educate residents on the life-threatening risks of entering rivers and canals.
“We urge citizens to cooperate and ensure their own safety as well as their children’s,” Khan said, appealing for public support in preventing avoidable tragedies.