Published on Aug 2, 2026 | three minutes read time
Staff Correspondent
CHITRAL: Rescue 1122 and the Lower Chitral district administration have intensified preparations to deal with the threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), adopting a proactive and anticipatory approach in vulnerable areas.
Following directives from the provincial government and Chief Secretary under the principles of good governance and anticipatory action, joint Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed in GLOF-prone areas of Golen, Madaklasht and Shoghore in the Arkari Valley.
The teams comprise personnel from Rescue 1122, police, Chitral Scouts and Levies Force. They have been tasked with ensuring a swift, coordinated and effective response to any potential GLOF, flash flood, landslide or other natural disaster.
To assess the preparedness arrangements, Lower Chitral Deputy Commissioner Rao Hashim, accompanied by the District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief and Human Rights), visited vulnerable areas and inspected the readiness of the joint response teams deployed there.
The preparedness plan is aimed at strengthening communication between vulnerable communities, the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) and the District Disaster Management Unit (DDMU), while ensuring timely early warnings and rapid emergency response.
As part of the plan, authorities have taken several precautionary measures, including:
- Deployment of joint Quick Response Teams in GLOF-prone areas.
- Door-to-door awareness campaigns and community outreach activities.
- Identification of vulnerable populations and high-risk communities.
- Identification of safe evacuation routes and temporary safe havens.
- Pre-positioning of ambulances, tents, blankets and other essential rescue and relief equipment.
- Strengthening the Early Warning System (EWS) through coordination with local community volunteers and enhancing community preparedness.
- Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of all deployed personnel to ensure an immediate and coordinated response during emergencies.
Officials said these advance preparations are designed to minimize the impact of GLOFs, flash floods and landslides, facilitate timely evacuation and protect lives and property.
District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122 Lower Chitral Sajid Ali said timely preparedness and a rapid response are critical to saving lives.
He said strong coordination among institutions, community participation and advance planning were central to the efforts of Rescue 1122 and the district administration to protect people and their property.
“Our mission is to prepare effectively before a disaster strikes and help build a safer and more resilient community,” Sajid Ali said.
Rescue 1122 Lower Chitral has urged residents to remain informed about weather conditions, follow official instructions, cooperate with emergency services and avoid spreading rumors.
The public has also been advised to immediately report any emergency by calling the Rescue 1122 emergency helpline or the district administration’s control room at 0943-412055.