Shafaqna Pakistan: Sohail Afridi, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has directed all relevant departments to complete comprehensive advance preparations ahead of the monsoon season, stressing that timely measures can help protect lives, public property, and critical infrastructure.
Chairing a high-level meeting on the Monsoon Contingency Plan, CM Afridi ordered the prompt release of all necessary funds and warned that any negligence or delay would not be tolerated.
The meeting reviewed in detail provincial and district-level arrangements to deal with expected monsoon rains, possible flooding, and other natural disasters across the province.
Officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122, Health Department, Education Department, Communications and Works (C&W), Local Government Department, Forest Department, Tourism Department, and other relevant agencies attended the session and provided detailed briefings on preparedness measures.
The meeting decided that District Emergency Operation Centres in all districts of the province would be fully activated, with 24/7 duty rosters enforced to ensure immediate and coordinated responses to any emergency situation. The chief minister issued directives to complete vulnerability mapping of sensitive areas, training on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and mock exercises by June 15 at all costs.
Authorities informed the meeting that monitoring of glacial lakes, rivers, and rainfall is ongoing daily, while a special province-wide campaign is underway to clean drains, stormwater channels, culverts, and sewerage lines. According to the briefing, 4,099 out of 4,802 drains have been cleared, and approximately 598 kilometers of over 635 kilometers of drainage lines have been cleaned. The chief minister ordered the completion of remaining work by May 30.
CM Afridi directed the Irrigation Department to accelerate flood protection works, ensure functionality of the telemetry system, and intensify anti-encroachment operations. Officials reported that 524 out of 794 encroachments have been removed before the monsoon season, with operations continuing against the remainder.
Rescue 1122 officials briefed the meeting that the Monsoon Contingency Plan has been finalized and water rescue points are being established in various districts. The chief minister ordered confirmation of availability and functionality of rescue equipment, boats, water pumps, and other essential supplies by June 15. He also directed the Health Department to ensure ample availability of medicines, IV fluids, anti-snake venom, ORS, and other emergency medical supplies.
The meeting decided to ensure advance positioning of emergency stocks of tents, non-food items, medicines, and other relief supplies. CM Afridi ordered PDMA to ensure delivery of all required non-food items before June 15, with continuous assessment of family tents, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, blankets, and other relief items. He also directed priority allocation of funds based on district needs and vulnerability index.
Source: Express Tribune
