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RAWALPINDI, Jan 19 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has directed the Murree Administration to remain on high alert in view of a forecast of heavy rain and snowfall over the coming days, as precautionary measures have been activated across the province.
A PDMA spokesman said on Monday rain was expected in most districts from Monday until January 23, while Murree, the Galiyat and other hilly areas were likely to receive heavy snowfall along with rain.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department, he said, had forecast intermittent rain in the Lahore, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur divisions, necessitating caution in both urban and rural areas.
PDMA’s Director General Irfan Ali Kathia directed all relevant departments to complete advance arrangements in line with the chief minister’s instructions and remain fully prepared to handle any emergency situation. He placed special emphasis on Murree, instructing the district administration and line departments to remain vigilant.
He said emergency control rooms should remain operational round the clock, while Rescue 1122 disaster response teams had also been placed on high alert to ensure a swift response in case of any untoward incident.
The PDMA spokesman said facilitation centres had been established at various locations in Murree to provide timely guidance and assistance to tourists.
Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and strictly follow the issued safety advisories.
The spokesman said the situation was being monitored continuously and all institutions concerned remained fully active. In case of an emergency, the public was advised to contact the PDMA Punjab helpline at 1129.