Rajouri administration issues flood advisory for vulnerable areas, urges precautionary evacuation

Rajouri, Jul 21: In view of the prevailing heavy rainfall and the possibility of a sudden rise in the water level of rivers and nallahs, Rajouri administration issues flood advisory for vulnerable areas, urges precautionary evacuation

According to the advisory, the identified vulnerable areas include the CEO Office vicinity, Naban Mohalla along the riverbank, Tariq Bridge area, MLA House Colony, low-lying areas of Nowshera town, Bela area of Nowshera, including adjoining residential localities, and other habitations situated along riverbanks and flood channels.

The administration advised residents of these areas to voluntarily relocate elderly persons, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and essential belongings to safer places without waiting for water levels to rise.

People have also been asked to remain prepared for evacuation at short notice and cooperate fully with the Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence, Revenue Department and other emergency response agencies.

The advisory further urged citizens not to venture near rivers, nallahs, bridges or flood channels to witness rising water levels. Vehicle owners have been advised to move their vehicles from low-lying parking areas and avoid unnecessary travel during the adverse weather conditions.

Residents have also been asked to keep essential medicines, drinking water, dry food, important documents and mobile phones ready, while complying with traffic advisories issued by the Police and the District Administration.

The administration directed the public to immediately report any incidents of flooding, landslides, breaches of embankments or stranded persons to the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), which is functioning round the clock. The emergency helpline number is 01962-295895.

The District Administration said it is continuously monitoring the situation and appealed to people not to panic, avoid spreading rumours and rely only on official advisories issued by the administration, police and other government agencies.