RAWALPINDI  -  The Potohar region is at risk of flash floods in next 72 hours as more monsoon rains are forecast in the areas, said Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General (DG) Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab here on Monday.

The DG PDMA along with Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Amir Khattak and other officials held a press briefing after heading a meeting to review the measures taken by the authorities to handle the flood like situation in the Potohar region.

The DG further said that more rains were expected in Potohar in next two days. The authorities have already issued flood alerts in Jehlum and Chakwal. People are advised to not to go close to the water ways in the two districts.

He added that people should avoid visiting Murree particularly in next two days as a major landslide occurred today on Expressway in the hill station. DG Kathia further said that removal of encroachments from the water ways was an integral part of the government’s preventive measures against the expected floods.

He added that the chief minister Punjab had zero tolerance for the encroachments. Nullah Leh is under pressure due to silt and encroachments and all efforts were being made to remove the hurdles and start the process of de-silting. The provincial government has already provide sufficient equipment and material to the Rawalpindi administration for handling the flood like situation.

The DG PDMA along with the commissioner, the deputy commissioner and managing director WASA visited Nullah Leh after the meeting. Briefing the DG Kathia, the MD Wasa said that heavy machinery was being used to clean Nullah Leh and other drains. The Wasa administration has cancelled the holidays of all staff and teams had been set up to keep a close eye on the low-lying areas and major drains in the city. Issuing directions to the relevant authorities, the DG PDMA said that continuous monitoring of private dams should be ensured in the region.

The DG said that the Punjab government was assessing the damage, relief activities were underway. Rescue equipment had been provided to all relevant agencies. Speaking earlier in the meeting, Commissioner Rawalpindi Amir Khattak said that in Rawalpindi division, administration is ensuring the evacuation of people from dangerous areas under pre-emptive measures. He asked people to report any emergency situation immediately to Rescue 1122 or the district control room.