Rescue 1122 would be on high alert during Monsoon : Dr. Arshad Zia

Lahore : The Director General Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) Brig. (R) Dr. Arshad Zia briefed to media personals in a press conference held at Rescue 1122 Headquarters Lahore about flood preparedness and Eid arrangements for an effective emergency response in case of any untoward incident.

He informed that special arrangements have been done by Rescue 1122 all over the Punjab with reference to current flood prediction in monsoon season.  In this regard 7480 rescuers along with 383 boats/ OBM with 630 emergency vehicles, 5196 Life Jackets, 29 SCUBA, 632 torches will remain on high alert to provide timely and effective emergency response in all districts especially flood prone districts of Punjab.

Brig (R) Dr Arshad DG Rescue 1122 also highlighted Eid arrangements and said Rescue 1122 will remain on high alert and possibly cover maximum mass gathering vicinity and Emergency vehicles shall be deputed at all Eid Prayer sites and sensitive areas along with trained emergency staff to provide immediate pre-hospital emergency cover if needed. Emergency Officers including trained doctors shall supervise the arrangements during Eid days. The leaves of the rescuers have been restricted and they have been assigned special emergency duties to effectively cover large Eid prayer gatherings and to provide the emergency medical, rescue and firefighting services to citizens during Eid holidays.

He further told that the Provincial Monitoring Cell (PMC) Rescue 1122 shall also establish close liaison and co-ordinate with the Metrological Department and concerned organizations to ensure flood forecasting, appropriable level of preparedness and timely flood forecasting, appropriable level of preparedness, effective response with coordinated efforts in all districts of Punjab.

He also briefed about Pre Monsoon arrangement which includes districts level preparedness, monitoring of water rescue teams and equipped (fiber glass boat, Inflate-able rubber boat, dry suit, full body and seat rescue harness, life jackets, diving suit, floating lines and life buoys) and mock exercises in flood prone districts. Furthermore, water rescue boats and equipment have been re deployment as per requirement and additional life jackets have also been provided to the Districts wherever needed. Flood contingency plans have been exercised along with districts administration.

The Director General Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) Brig. (R) Dr. Arshad Zia wished all the citizens a safe Eid and drive safely with families particularly while leaving or returning from hometowns before, during and after Eid holidays