Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Conducts Emergency Visit to Chakwal Amid Flood Crisis
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made an emergency visit to Chakwal to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding. She conducted an aerial survey of the worst-affected areas and reviewed ongoing relief and restoration efforts, while issuing a series of immediate directives to ensure swift recovery and support for affected residents.
During her visit, Chief Minister Nawaz carried out an aerial inspection of several key locations including Takia Shah Murad, Ameerpur Mangan, Lilyani, and Dheedwal. She also reviewed the condition of the Dhman Bridge, which connects Chakwal to Jhelum, and examined the impact of flooding on local homes, roads, bridges, and drainage systems. Following the survey, she received a detailed briefing at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Chakwal regarding the response and recovery measures implemented by district officials.
Chief Minister Nawaz ordered the immediate repair and restoration of the damaged Dhman Bridge, directing that a steel bridge be installed and opened for small vehicles within two days. She also instructed the Communication and Works Department to expedite repairs on the Balkasar to Chakwal (Tehwa Bahadur) road. Emphasizing the importance of public safety, she called for the rapid drainage of floodwater, the evacuation of hazardous or dilapidated buildings, and the provision of temporary accommodation for displaced families in relief camps or government facilities.
To strengthen disaster response across the province, Maryam Nawaz directed that the Civil Defence Force be made fully operational, with volunteers to receive updated training. She also called for the immediate submission of a survey report on the status of micro and small dams in Chakwal to mitigate future flood risks.
For those directly impacted by the flooding, the Chief Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 1 million per deceased victim for their families and Rs 500,000 for each injured individual. Local assembly members and the Deputy Commissioner will deliver the compensation checks directly to affected households.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that Chakwal received over 400 millimeters of rainfall, significantly above the normal level. Prior to the rains, all local streams had been desilted, and emergency machinery was put on standby. Deputy Commissioner Chakwal, Sarah Hayat, provided a comprehensive briefing on the district’s flood preparedness, including related training exercises, building surveys, and ongoing rescue operations.
Expressing satisfaction with the performance of the local administration, Chief Minister Nawaz commended Deputy Commissioner Sarah Hayat, District Police Officer Ahmed Mohiuddin, and Commissioner Rawalpindi for their timely and effective response during the crisis. While lamenting the loss of precious lives, she noted the administration’s prompt actions had minimized further casualties. She further instructed authorities to begin preparations now for the next monsoon season to ensure an even more robust and coordinated response in the future.
