The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of the Rehabilitation Department has issued directives to all administrators/district coordination officers (DCOs), district disaster management authorities, Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board to ensure all measures, including activation of 24-hour operational Rain Emergency Centre/District Emergency Operation Centre, in their respective district and remain on rain alert. The emergency centre would ensure an effective response mechanism, including early warning, and evacuation of vulnerable communities wherever required. The PDMA also ordered to ensure that sufficient resources, such as dewatering pumps, are available in the low-lying areas.
The authorities concerned were directed to ensure that the population residing in the camps is directed to redirect their camps away from the close proximity of the stagnant water to avoid damage due to already overflowing/stagnant water. Moreover, they were ordered that necessary action be taken for protection of the already displaced and vulnerable population, which is living in camps.
It was decided to take appropriate steps to provide them safer shelters, food, hygiene and health facilities to minimise their vulnerability.
The KESC/Hyderabad Electric Supply Company have been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to pumping stations for drainage of rainwater, secure electric transmission lines in case of high wind, and prompt action to avoid electrocution due to fallen electric wires.
The KWSB/Hyderabad Water and Sanitation Agency have been asked to ensure drainage of water from the low-lying areas, whereas the Defence Housing Authority and cantonment boards have been ordered to remove loose structures, billboards, hoardings and drainage of rainwater through the nullahs.
According to the directives issued, the town municipal administrations have been assigned to ensure that all the nullahs/drains have been cleaned to facilitate smooth and quick drainage of water.
On the other hand, the Karachi Building Control Authority has been given the charge of timely pre-emptive action against old/dangerous buildings prone to structural collapse.
It is pertinent to mention here that the HQ 5 Corps, ZHQ Coastal Command and HQ Commander Karachi are already on the alert since last month to provide assistance in case of search, rescue and relief activities.
Thus, the DCOs have been requested to coordinate with the formation concerned of the armed forces in case of immediate help.
