Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Friday directed all relevant departments to ensure complete preparedness ahead of the upcoming monsoon season to prevent loss of life, property, and infrastructure damage across the province.
Chairing a meeting on the provincial monsoon contingency plan, the chief minister stressed the need for timely and coordinated action and warned that negligence or administrative complacency would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Afridi ordered authorities to complete vulnerability mapping of high-risk areas, SOP training, and mock exercises by June 15. He also directed departments to ensure full operational readiness of emergency response teams and machinery before the onset of heavy rains.
The meeting reviewed preparedness measures for monsoon rains, flooding, and other natural disasters. Officials informed the meeting that district emergency operation centers across all districts would remain fully functional with round-the-clock duty rosters for immediate emergency response.
Authorities said daily monitoring of glacial lakes, rivers, and rainfall patterns was already underway, while a province-wide campaign to clean drains, culverts, sewerage lines, and seasonal waterways was in progress.
Officials revealed that cleaning work had been completed in 4,099 out of 4,802 drains, and nearly 598 kilometers of drainage lines had already been cleared. They also confirmed that 524 encroachments out of 794 identified cases had been removed.
Rescue 1122 officials informed the meeting that the Monsoon Contingency Plan had been finalized and water rescue points were being established in several districts. The chief minister ordered verification of rescue equipment, boats, pumps, and emergency machinery by June 15.
Afridi also instructed the health department to maintain sufficient stocks of medicines, IV fluids, ORS, anti-snake venom, and emergency medical supplies.
The meeting decided to pre-position emergency relief items, including tents, hygiene kits, blankets, and kitchen sets, before the monsoon season begins. Authorities were also directed to prioritize resources according to district-specific risks and vulnerability levels.
Officials informed the meeting that Community-Based Disaster Risk Management Committees had been established in almost all districts, with 1,214 out of 1,220 committees already notified.
The chief minister further directed departments to complete evacuation and first-response training by May 30 and ensure operational readiness of excavators, loaders, and tractors.
As part of the public awareness campaign, authorities will disseminate safety advisories, evacuation instructions, and emergency helpline information across the province.
Afridi also ordered the imposition of Section 144 in flood-prone areas to restrict bathing and fishing activities during the monsoon season and warned that delays in rescue operations during emergencies would be unacceptable.
