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LAHORE, Dec 18 (APP):Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that all necessary arrangements have been completed in view of the expected snowfall in Murree, in line with the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
He was addressing a ceremony organized by the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday to provide rescue and relief equipment to Murree. The minister was the chief guest at the event and reviewed the equipment being dispatched for emergency response.
Talking to media representatives after the ceremony, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that additional snow-fighting and rescue equipment is being provided to the Murree administration to effectively deal with any emergency situation. He recalled that Punjab had faced the worst floods in its history, during which coordinated efforts by the government and administration led to the rescue of thousands of stranded citizens. He added that following damage assessments, relief packages have been distributed among more than three lakh affected families.
Referring to the 2022 Murree snowstorm tragedy, he said that PDMA is taking comprehensive preventive measures to avoid any loss of life and property, emphasizing that timely and advance preparations can avert such incidents. He added that facilitation centers have also been established in Murree to assist tourists.
The provincial minister further urged tourists to check weather conditions before traveling and said that PDMA Punjab has been directed to remain on high alert round the clock.
On the occasion, Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said that a rain emergency has been imposed due to unusual rainfall in Chakwal, Jhelum and Rawalpindi, and more than 1,000 citizens have been shifted to safer locations in the Pothohar region. The rescue and relief equipment includes search and rescue jackets, tire snow chains, mechanical saws, winter tents, raincoats, folding shawls, quilts, warm gloves, umbrellas and hats.