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PESHAWAR, Jul 23 (APP):Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Wednesday visited the Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s (PDMA) Emergency Operation Centre in Peshawar to review the preparedness amid the ongoing monsoon-induced flood situation.
Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and senior officials were also present on this occasion.
The chief minister was briefed by PDMA officials on river flow levels across the province, damages caused by recent heavy rains, the status of the early warning system, and emergency response mechanisms in place.
Officials informed that the PDMA helpline is functional 24/7, with a coordinated system active at the district level to ensure effective inter-agency response.
Continuous monitoring of river discharges is underway, and early warnings are relayed promptly to district administrations wherever needed.
Rescue equipment and relief supplies have been positioned across districts, and all previously blocked roads have now been cleared except for two.
The CM was told that 60 fatalities have been reported across the province due to rain-related incidents, while 35 homes have been completely destroyed and another 212 partially damaged. Compensation payments for these losses have been disbursed to respective deputy commissioners.
Gandapur directed that fresh damage reports be collected from all districts and any pending compensation payments be released without delay. He stressed strict vigilance on river flows and ordered immediate post-monsoon clearance of encroachments along rivers and canals, as well as removal of any barriers obstructing water flow.
The chief minister also instructed the preparation of a proposal for setting up rescue substations in remote tehsils to strengthen emergency coverage. He further directed authorities to upgrade the PDMA Emergency Operations Centre and complete groundwork for acquiring modern equipment.
Additionally, CM Gandapur called for the upgradation of the irrigation department’s early warning system, assuring full financial support from the provincial government to strengthen the province’s disaster response capacity.