Chitral Flood Emergency: KP Tourism Dept Activates Control Room, Issues Helpline
CHITRAL, July 23: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Tourism Department has activated a dedicated flood emergency control room in Chitral as part of its province-wide strategy to tackle the threat of monsoon-related disasters in northern tourist destinations.
The initiative comes in response to a fresh alert issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds in upper KP, including Chitral, until July 25. The newly established Flood Emergency Response Unit (ERU) aims to coordinate rescue, relief, and information services swiftly across affected areas.
For any flood-related emergency in Chitral, locals and tourists can now contact the district control room at 0342-9436630 or use the 24/7 emergency tourism helpline 1422.
According to officials, a Central Control Room has been established in Peshawar, with additional control rooms in Hazara and Malakand divisions. Focal persons have been appointed in all key districts to maintain direct communication with the provincial headquarters.
All staff leave in the Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, and Museums Department has been cancelled. Tourism Police have also been fully deployed across popular tourist spots, including Chitral, to ensure public safety.
The department has urged the public to avoid photography or sightseeing near potentially dangerous water bodies, especially during or after rainfall.
\”Our teams are active round the clock to assist tourists and local communities. We strongly advise avoiding riverbanks and seasonal streams during this spell of uncertain weather,\” said KP Tourism Secretary Dr Abdul Samad.
📞 Chitral Emergency Contact
Control Room (Chitral): 0342-9436630
Tourism Helpline (24/7): 1422
✅ Other Control Rooms in KP:
Peshawar (Central): 0333-9317525
Upper Dir: 0300-9178604
Abbottabad: 0348-0424979
Mansehra: 0333-9441610
Swat: 0313-3317555