Akhidmat’s Disaster Management cells put on rain alert

Alkhidmat Karachi’s Disaster Management team has put its cells throughout the city on an immediate rain alert. All cells have been ordered to take stock of their disaster equipment, while volunteers have been put on standby for emergency response, rescue and relief efforts. Plans to tackle urban flooding and other emergencies were discussed and preparations reviewed at a team meeting chaired by Director Disaster Management Qazi Syed Sadruddin and attended by Senior Manager Sarfaraz Sheikh and other senior officials. Disclosing the Meteorological Department’s forecast of impending rains, Qazi Syed Sadruddin recalled the distressing situation caused by these rains last year and called upon Alkhidmat’s volunteers to learn their lessons and be ready to assist citizens during any emergency that may arise this year. He warned that cars and motorcycles were liable to break down in the rains which could aggravate the traffic problems, adding that Alkhidmat was considering running a temporary bus service to ease the situation if needed. He also suggested the putting up of warning signs near canals and gutters to warn people from falling into them and directed volunteers to take special preventive steps to protect people and children at low-lying places. Reiterating Alkhidmat’s resolve to help the people of Karachi in any emergency, he gave his full assurance that Alkhidmat was prepared to meet any eventuality arising due to the rains. Lastly, Qazi Syed Sadruddin asked the people of Karachi to take adequate safety measures to protect themselves and their near and dear ones during the coming rains.