One dies in rain-related incidents in K-P

At least one man was killed and two others sustained injuries in rain-related incidents across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Saturday.

In the past twenty-four hours, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), torrential rains have destroyed a house and damaged four others in the Lower Chitral district of the province.

The district administration has had to close many roads due to the heavy downpour and the resultant land sliding.

“According to the Lower Chitral Deputy Commissioner’s office, rain torrents have forced the closure of at least ten roads in the district and damaged many houses,” said an official of the PDMA, adding that at least twenty head of cattle have also perished in roof collapse incidents.

K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also taken notice of the closure of the Bahrain-Kalam road caused by landslides in Swat due to which passersby are facing numerous problems.

He has directed the Malakand Commissioner as well as the Swat Deputy Commissioner to take measures on an emergency basis to reopen the road, telling them to utilize all available resources for the purpose.

In view of the ongoing rains in the province, the Chief Minister has also directed all district administrations and rescue organizations to remain alert to deal with any possible emergency due to the rains and to make all necessary arrangements to minimize loss of life and property.

All necessary steps should be taken to provide immediate relief and timely medical aid to victims in any unfortunate situation, the Chief Minister said, adding that orders issued by the PDMA should be promptly carried out during the rains.

It may be recalled that, earlier this month, in response to the looming threat of monsoon-related disasters, the PDMA had embarked on a comprehensive contingency plan for the year 2024.

The plan aims at engaging all relevant stakeholders in identifying potential hazards, vulnerabilities and risks associated with the monsoon season. By mapping available resources, the authorities have sought to minimize disaster risks and ensure a well-coordinated response to any emergencies that may arise.

In a recent pre-planning meeting, chaired by Director of Disaster Risk Management at PDMA Said Nawab, representatives from various provincial line departments had come together to lay the groundwork for the upcoming monsoon season.

The PDMA Director highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “We have initiated the process of Monsoon Contingency Planning 2024 by involving all stakeholders. This series of meetings will continue throughout April with the aim of finalizing the contingency plan by the end of May”.

The PDMA has also taken proactive measures to assign specific roles and responsibilities to each department.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2024.