CM seeks monsoon risk mitigation plan

Afridi warns against negligence; depts told to complete emergency measures before rains hit

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi has directed all relevant departments to complete extensive advance preparations before the monsoon season, making it clear that timely and effective measures can protect precious human lives, public property, and critical infrastructure from major damages.

Presiding over a high-level meeting on the Monsoon Contingency Plan, the chief minister ordered the timely release of all necessary funds and warned that any form of negligence or lethargy would not be tolerated. The meeting reviewed in detail provincial and district-level arrangements and preparations to deal with potential monsoon rains, flooding, and natural disasters across the province.

Officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122, Health Department, Education Department, Communications and Works (C&W), Local Government Department, Forests Department, Tourism Department, and other relevant agencies attended the session and delivered detailed briefings on pre-monsoon 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.