Precautionary measures ordered

Islamabad: National Disaster Management Authority (ND-MA) has directed all stakeholders to complete first phase of precautionary measures based on the concept of striking a fine balance between avoiding panic situation and shaping a reality in the monsoon season.

In a letter sent to the chief secretaries of all the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan on March 18 by NDMA all the stakeholders have been directed to maintain relief stocks and build respective stocking capacity; carry out mapping of encroachments in river plains; and ensure objective review, determination, revision and dissemination of flood discharge.  It has also been directed to rehabilitate critical flood protection infrastructures; procure an optimum number of bailey bridges, install telemetry gauge at Mithankot as well as Sutlej River; and monitor flood water from hill torrents.

The stakeholders have also been directed to complete flood protection and rehabilitation work before 31st May 2016; initiate community awareness campaign; take mitigation measures of urban flooding like clearance and dredging of drainage system; maintain all stocking level and monitor water level in the rivers.