Flood threat: PDMA asks government departments to stay alert

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Sindh, on Sunday asked the government departments to take effective measures to counter any emergency situation in case of very high flood at Guddu and Sukkur.
The PDMA in its letter stated that River Indus was likely to attain high to very high flood level on September 13 at Guddu, while it was likely to attain high to very high flood level on September 14 at Sukkur.
The letter directed all districts disaster management authorities (DDMAs) to stay alert and mobilise all resources for safe evacuation of people living in Katcha areas and in close proximity of River Indus as well as their live stocks to safer and higher elevation as identified in contingency plans.
It also directed DDMAs to achieve safe evacuation well in time while appropriate measures should be taken for broadcasting flood alerts to residents of Katcha areas. The letter asked officials to acquire services of local FM channels to convey flood alert to people.
The PDMA called for activation of District Emergency operation centres round the clock, manned with well-versed staff and concerned officers for effective response mechanism. It also directed officials to deploy flood fighting resources including dewatering pumps at low lying areas.
It directed health department to ensure availability of all necessary medicines including anti-snake venom at all district and Taluka hospitals. It directed livestock department to ensure fodder for live stock along with vaccines for animals.
Giving directions to irrigation department, the letter stated that the department should ensure stone pitching and other necessary measures along 45 vulnerable points along left and right banks of River Indus in order to strengthen embankments. It also called for round the clock vigilance of all embankments.
For urban areas, the letter directed electricity supplying companies to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity to pumping stations for drainage of water along with securing electricity lines to avoid electrocution. It directed WASA and KWSB to ensure drainage of water along with NHA to ensure safety of major communication routes.
The PDMA also requested armed forces to be on alert to provide assistance in case of search, rescue and relief operation along with safety of strategic assets and national assets from any damage due to floods.