Alkhidmat sets up 46 emergency response centres nationwide ahead of flood threat

LAHORE-- Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan has established 46 emergency response centres across the country and completed contingency preparations to deal with possible flooding amid the ongoing monsoon rains.

The announcement was made during an emergency meeting of the foundation's Disaster Management Department chaired by Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan President Prof Dr Hafeez Ur Rahman. The meeting was attended by Disaster Management Chairman Ejazullah Khan, Alkhidmat Central Punjab President Ikram ul Haq Subhani, and central, regional and district officials, who reviewed the prevailing weather situation, potential flood risks and the organisation's preparedness.

Briefing the participants, Mr Khan said the emergency response centres had been set up across the country as a precautionary measure and all necessary arrangements had been completed to respond to any emergency. He said training programmes for volunteers and rescue teams were continuing to strengthen emergency response capacity. Since January this year, 1,852 people had been trained in emergency response and disaster management, while a total of 6,720 individuals had completed the programme since its launch in May 2023.

Addressing the meeting, Prof Dr Hafeez Ur Rahman said the current situation remained under control but all Alkhidmat teams and volunteers were fully prepared to respond to any emergency. He said the organisation was maintaining close coordination with district administrations, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other relevant government agencies, while public awareness campaigns on precautionary measures would continue throughout the monsoon season.

He directed all rescue teams to remain on high alert, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding and mountainous regions at risk of landslides, and to ensure the timely evacuation of affected communities whenever required.

Prof Dr Hafeez Ur Rahman said rescue equipment, boats, tents, tarpaulins, mosquito nets and other relief supplies had already been dispatched to response centres across the country. Volunteers, he added, were monitoring the situation round the clock to ensure a swift response in the event of any natural disaster.

He paid tribute to Alkhidmat's volunteers and field workers, describing them as the organisation's "true heroes" for risking their lives to serve people in distress, and said their commitment remained Alkhidmat Foundation's greatest strength and most valuable asset.