Even as mainly sunny weather prevailed on Tuesday after three days of incessant rains in Punjab, the state government on Tuesday directed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to be ready to tackle any possible outbreak of water-borne diseases.

The Punjab government has also ordered a special Girdawari to assess the damage caused by the flood-like situation caused by the record rainfall which has lashed the state.

With the weather showing signs of improvement on September 25, Punjab’s Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Department set up a five member State Disaster Response Cell at the state headquarter here to monitor the situation.

Elaborating, additional chief secretary-cum-financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR), MP Singh said the disaster cell would be headed by special secretary revenue Manashvi Kumar with monitoring and evaluation officer (MEO) Pardeep Singh Bains holding charge of the cell.

Highlighting the adequate arrangements made for the rescue and relief operations, the FCR said although the weather conditions had improved, the state government was monitoring the situation 24X7 and there was no need to panic.

An official spokesman of the department said MEO Pardeep Bains and Baljit Singh Kang would be the Nodal Officers coordinating with the local District Disaster Management Authorities and also with the Irrigation, Drainage, Power, Health, Agriculture and Soil Conservation departments at the state level. Besides, USR Manjeet Kaur would provide administrative and Secretarial support for compilation and information on sharing along with expeditious processing of cases.

Singh has asked the deputy commissioners to review the arrangements made for the flood-affected people. This included adequate arrangements of food, medicines and other basic amenities.

The DCs were told to be ready to tackle any possible outbreak of water-borne diseases and also ensure proper crop damage assessment through the special girdawari.

Punjab government had on Monday asked the Army to remain on alert to help the state deal with any eventuality arising out of the flood like situation triggered in the state due to incessant rains since Saturday.

Reviewing the flood like situation, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Amarinder Singh had also ordered closure of all schools and colleges on Tuesday. Chairing an emergency meeting at his official residence, the CM also announced a special girdawari for assessing crop damage due to heavy rains over the past four days.