Flood Warning System
RAWALPINDI: In a bold and unsettling theft, burglars have broken into the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) automatic water level gauging station located in Rawalpindi, making off with crucial equipment used for flood monitoring.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the security and effectiveness of flood warning systems in the region.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by Usman Shahzad, an electronic engineer at the PMD, the stolen items include a range of essential equipment.
Among the stolen goods are batteries, a complete assembly for float sensors, Arduino boards, GSM boards equipped with mobile SIMs, a 12-volt solar panel, copper cables, and a steel box.
These components are integral to the operation of the flood warning system, which is essential for providing timely and accurate flood alerts.
The theft reportedly took place near the Katarian bridge after midnight on July 18, with the last automatic SMS from the system recorded at 12:47 a.m.
This breach not only compromises the flood monitoring system but also undermines the PMD’s ability to provide real-time updates on water levels, which are critical for effective flood management and response.
In the wake of this theft, authorities have initiated the process of installing new equipment to replace the stolen items.
The restoration of the automatic water level gauging system is anticipated to be completed by Tuesday.
In the interim, flood monitoring will continue using a manual gauge to ensure that officials can still track water levels and manage flood risks.
The automatic water level gauging system is a crucial tool for the PMD, as it provides real-time data on the water levels of Leh Nullah.
This information is vital for forecasting floods and issuing timely warnings to mitigate potential flood damage.
The theft has highlighted the vulnerability of essential infrastructure and the need for enhanced security measures to protect critical systems.
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