Commissioner reviews monsoon preparedness, flood emergency measures

BAHAWALPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia chaired a meeting in the committee room of his office to review emergency preparedness arrangements in view of the upcoming monsoon season and the possibility of flooding across the division.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hassan Raza, while Deputy Commissioner Rahim Yar Khan Zaheer Anwar Jappa and Deputy Commissioner Bahawalnagar Zulfiqar Ali Bhon participated via video link. Officers from relevant departments also attended the session and briefed the participants regarding departmental preparations and measures being taken to tackle possible challenges during the monsoon season. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of various departments, availability of resources, inter-departmental coordination, and arrangements for dealing with potential flooding, heavy rainfall, and urban drainage issues.

Addressing the meeting, Commissioner Bahawalpur Division Irfan Ali Kathia said that the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has already issued early warnings regarding expected heavy rains and possible flood situations during the upcoming season. He directed the deputy commissioners of all three districts to ensure the strengthening of protective embankments in their respective areas and ordered the immediate removal of encroachments along river routes to effectively deal with any emergency situation.

The Commissioner also instructed officials to accelerate the pace of ongoing stormwater drainage development projects and ensure that drainage systems remain fully operational throughout the monsoon season.