Rajouri, July 21: In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall and the possibility of a sudden rise in the water levels of rivers and nallahs, the District Administration Rajouri on Tuesday issued a precautionary advisory, urging residents of identified flood-prone areas to remain on high alert and take immediate safety measures.
According to the advisory, residents living in vulnerable localities have been strongly advised to voluntarily shift elderly persons, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and essential belongings to safer locations without waiting for floodwaters to rise.
The administration has identified several vulnerable areas, including Naban Mohalla and the CEO Office vicinity (riverbank houses), Tariq Bridge area and MLA House Colony, low-lying areas of Nowshera Town, Bela area of Nowshera including adjoining residential localities, Ati, Kheora and Salani Bridge areas, besides other habitations situated along riverbanks and flood channels.
The District Administration has directed citizens to remain prepared for evacuation at short notice and extend full cooperation to the Police, SDRF, Civil Defence, Revenue Department, and other emergency response agencies.
Residents have also been advised not to venture near rivers, nallahs, bridges or flood channels to witness rising water levels, as doing so may endanger lives.
Vehicle owners have been urged to shift their vehicles from low-lying parking areas and avoid unnecessary travel during the ongoing spell of adverse weather.
People have further been advised to keep essential medicines, drinking water, dry food, important documents and fully charged mobile phones ready to meet any emergency situation.
The administration has appealed to the public to strictly follow traffic advisories issued by the Police and District Administration and immediately report any signs of flooding, landslides, breaches of embankments or stranded persons to the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC).
The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), Rajouri is functioning round the clock and can be contacted on Helpline No. 01962-295895 for any emergency assistance.
The District Administration said it is continuously monitoring the situation and appealed to the public not to panic, refrain from spreading rumours, and rely only on official advisories issued by the District Administration, Police and other government agencies.
The administration reiterated its appeal to all residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with emergency services and prioritize safety during the ongoing heavy rainfall. (KNC)
