LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has dispelled the impression regarding the rainfall deaths were due to government negligence, saying that heavy rainfall was main cause of casualties across the province.
“Despite record rainfall in the province, losses have been minimal due to proactive monsoon preparations” Maryam Nawas said while addessing a review meeting.
She commended the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Rescue teams for their swift efforts. “No deaths in Punjab have occurred due to government negligence,” she asserted.
Maryam directed authorities to be fully prepared for the upcoming monsoon spell starting today. She noted that rainwater is being drained within a few hours and that officials must increase their field presence.
Maryam highlighted that roads were quickly cleared in Jhelum and Chakwal after heavy rain.
She emphasized that residents of private housing societies cannot be left at the mercy of developers and tasked Deputy Commissioners to ensure society managements implement safety measures.
She also instructed a thorough assessment of crops and infrastructure damage, and called for early evacuations from high-risk areas. She stressed strict enforcement and monitoring under Section 144 and directed mosques to make announcements discouraging parents from allowing children to swim in canals.
Maryam Nawaz said the situation at Nullah Lai was kept under control this time, though brief evacuations were necessary. She recalled an emotional moment during her monitoring of the relief efforts when a newborn was rescued and reunited with the parents.
She further advised that any area needing boats should coordinate with the PDMA.
Read more: Three Passenger dead, 12 Hurt In Kalat Bus Attack
