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PESHAWAR, Feb 03 (APP): Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, was presented with a comprehensive flood response plan during a meeting held on Tuesday, aimed at ensuring enhanced preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.
The plan has been developed in light of the damages caused by last year’s floods and focuses on strengthening the province’s capacity to respond effectively to potential flood-related disasters.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary Relief, Planning, Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), DG Rescue 1122 and other relevant officials.
The meeting was informed that a consolidated and proactive plan has been formulated, which includes the establishment of pre-fabricated and portable structures at 60 water rescue points identified in vulnerable districts. Timelines have been finalized for the installation of these structures, while the procurement process for specialized rescue equipment is already underway.
The equipment to be procured includes water rescue gear, inflatable boats, rope throw guns, as well as surveillance and recovery drones. To improve access to hard-to-reach areas, enable real-time tracking, and enhance coordination during emergencies, medical motorbikes will also be acquired. Furthermore, rescue services will be digitized through the upgradation of communication systems and specialized software.
The plan also envisages the establishment of an early warning and community mobilization system to ensure timely preparedness of communities in the event of a disaster. In addition, technical working groups comprising specialists will be engaged to introduce innovative ideas and develop effective strategies for flood response.
The Chief Secretary directed that work on the plan be expedited and emphasized that the Chief Secretary’s Office will regularly review both the progress and implementation of the plan.
He reiterated that the overarching objective is to ensure that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is better prepared to respond to floods and to minimize the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities.