DC puts departments on high alert for heatwave, monsoon risks

SARGODHA, Jul 10 (APP): Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry on Friday directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and complete precautionary arrangements to tackle the ongoing heatwave, expected monsoon rains and potential urban flooding across the district.

According to the spokesperson for the DC office here, the DC instructed all assistant commissioners to personally supervise the daily desilting and cleaning of drains, rainwater channels and water bodies, ensuring the immediate removal of encroachments and obstructions to prevent waterlogging in urban areas during heavy rainfall.

He directed WASA, the Municipal Corporation, municipal committees and other local government institutions to keep all machinery, suction pumps, desilting equipment, water bowsers and operational staff fully prepared to ensure prompt drainage of rainwater.

Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry also ordered Rescue 1122, the Health Department, Irrigation Department, Police, Civil Defence, Livestock Department, Highways Department and other concerned agencies to keep emergency response teams on standby with all necessary equipment and machinery available for immediate deployment in case of any emergency.

He emphasised continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations, low-lying areas, riverine belts, seasonal streams and other potential flood points, while directing that the district control room and all departmental control rooms remain operational round the clock with effective inter-departmental coordination.

The DC further instructed the Health Department to ensure the availability of heatstroke counters, medicines, oral rehydration salts (ORS), cold drinking water and adequate medical staff at all government hospitals and health centres to deal with heat-related emergencies.

The Livestock Department was directed to ensure the provision of clean drinking water, fodder and vaccines for animals during the prevailing weather conditions.