LAHORE, Aug 18: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif who could not visit flood affected areas on Sunday due to bad weather, has directed all divisional commissioners, district administrations and departments to remain on high alert and monitor the situation of rivers and water channels round the clock. The chief minister said the institutions concerned should be immediately informed of any emergency situation.

He was presiding over a meeting held to review the situation arising out of heavy rains and floods and relief activities.

Provincial ministers, special assistants, chief secretary, Board of Revenue senior member, provincial secretaries concerned and senior officials of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Rescue 1122 were present.

The CM said elected representatives should work with the district administrations and take necessary measures to meet flood and rain challenges. He said in view of heavy rains and water situation in rivers, protective spurs of rivers, canals and other water channels should be strengthened and all necessary measures be taken in this regard. He said that district administration, police authorities and other concerned departments should keep a watchful eye on the flood situation. He said that tents, food items, dry ration, medicines, potable water and other essential commodities should be provided in abundance to the affected people.

He hoped the challenge would be countered with the same spirit that was displayed in 2010 floods.

Shahbaz Sharif warned the officials against showing laxity or negligence in relief work as such conduct would not be tolerated, adding a sum of Rs100 million had been released as`relief aid`.

He said special teams of health department should set up medical camps in the floodhit areas.