Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has praised the Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA) for its innovative use of thermal drone technology in rescuing flood victims, according to a report, on Friday. The province, which is now extensively monitored through the Safe City CCTV network, has leveraged these advanced drones to strengthen its disaster response and ensure timely rescue operations in flood-affected districts.
Thermal imaging drones have been deployed across several districts, including Sialkot, Sargodha, Gujrat, and Jhang, allowing authorities to efficiently identify and track stranded residents and livestock. The PSCA-led initiative proved to be instrumental in coordinating over 800 rescue cases, ensuring that individuals in vulnerable locations received timely evacuation and assistance.
Highlighting the significance of this technological integration, CM Maryam Nawaz took to her Facebook account to commend the PSCA team for their crucial role in saving lives and mitigating the impact of the floods.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the integration of drones with the existing Safe City surveillance system has markedly improved Punjab’s disaster response capabilities. By combining real-time aerial imaging with on-ground coordination, rescue teams were able to access areas that were previously unreachable due to heavy flooding, demonstrating the effectiveness of technology in emergency situations.
According to Maryam Nawaz, the deployment of drones not only helped locate and rescue stranded citizens but also enhanced situational awareness, allowing authorities to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
Authorities expect the use of drones for monitoring and rescue operations to continue in the coming days, as Punjab faces the risk of further heavy rainfall and rising floodwaters. The proactive adoption of technology reflects the provincial government’s commitment to protecting lives and minimizing property damage during natural disasters.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Maryam Nawaz, visited flood-affected areas in Punjab to assess the ongoing relief operations. During the visit, the Prime Minister received a detailed briefing from Lt Gen Inam Haider, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), on the overall flood situation across the country.
The briefing included updates on rescue operations, relief measures, and the deployment of resources in submerged areas, highlighting coordinated efforts between federal and provincial authorities to manage the crisis effectively.
This combined approach of modern technology, proactive leadership, and efficient coordination underscores Punjab’s commitment to disaster management and the safety of its residents during extreme weather events.
