Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed all relevant institutions to remain on high alert for possible heatwaves, monsoon rains and urban flooding in the coming months. She said advance preparations, early warning systems and rescue measures are being strengthened across the province.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that there is a fear of temperature reaching 52 degrees Celsius in some cities, and more than usual rainfall has also been predicted in some areas.
The Punjab Chief Minister said that advance measures are being taken to deal with monsoon rains and the early warning system is being fully activated for timely forecasting.
Maryam Nawaz directed that all institutions should remain active to deal with the flood situation, while rescue and other institutions should continue mock exercises.
She said that all necessary safety measures have been taken while learning lessons from last year’s severe floods, and food arrangements have also been made for livestock.
The Punjab Chief Minister said that timely advisories should be issued to the public regarding the heat wave and weather conditions, and urged citizens not to allow the elderly, women and children to leave their homes unnecessarily.
Maryam Nawaz said that the Punjab government’s arrangements to deal with the heat wave are complete. She said that rainwater is drained immediately in Punjab, without naming other provinces, saying that water remains stagnant there.
She said that to prevent tragedies like Kahna, the “Apna Ghar, Mahfuz Ghar” program has been launched, under which citizens of all over Punjab can apply. Interest-free loans of up to Rs 1 million will also be provided under the scheme.
