Staff Correspondent
BOONI: The Upper Chitral district administration has placed all relevant departments on alert following continued rainfall and snowfall in the upper mountainous areas since last night.
Deputy Commissioner Arshad Khan has directed all concerned departments to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to deal with any emergency situation arising from the adverse weather conditions.
The departments of Communication and Works (C&W), Local Government, Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs), Rescue 1122 and the National Highway Authority (NHA) have been instructed to keep all available machinery ready to ensure the immediate reopening of roads in case of blockages caused by snowfall, landslides or other reasons.
The district administration has also directed the Food Department to ensure sufficient stocks of essential food items at all its PRC centres to avoid shortages in areas that may become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall or road closures.
Similarly, the Health Department has been asked to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines at all government health facilities to ensure uninterrupted medical services during the adverse weather conditions.
Revenue department patwaris and relevant village council secretaries have also been directed to keep a close watch on their respective areas and promptly inform the district administration about any untoward incident, loss of life or property, or other emergency situation.
The Upper Chitral district administration said it remained in constant coordination with all relevant departments to respond to any emergency and provide relief to the public.
The measures have been taken to ensure preparedness and minimise difficulties for residents as rain and snowfall continue in different parts of the district.
Weather Outlook
The Pakistan Meteorological Department in Islamabad said that rain and snowfall was expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, and other areas till November 14.
Related: