RAWALPINDI, Dec 20 (APP): The Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 on Saturday enforced a red code and placed the Murree district on high alert ahead of an expected cold wave and snowfall, finalising comprehensive preparedness under its emergency core plan.
The measures were taken on the special directions of Secretary Emergency Services Punjab Dr Rizwan Naseer and Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi to ensure a swift response to any emergency during severe weather, a Rescue 1122 spokesman said.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain with thunderstorm in the country’s western and upper regions from December 20 to 22, with snowfall likely in and around Murree.
Under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Murree Engineer Kamran Rasheed, Rescue 1122 personnel remain on round-the-clock duty to provide timely, effective and uninterrupted rescue services to residents and tourists, he added.
“In view of the forecast of harsh weather, red code has been imposed across Murree to ensure immediate control of any emergency, protection of human lives and safe traffic and public movement,” the spokesman said.
All permanent rescue stations, sensitive road sections and key tourist spots have been placed on 24-hour alert, with trained personnel deployed along with emergency vehicles. These include Murree Bypass Road (Pindi Point), Chhara Pani (RMK Road), 17 Mile (Expressway), New Murree, GPO Chowk (Mall Road), Khajut (Expressway), Upper Jhika Gali Road, Kali Mitti–Barian Road, Ausia Upper Dewal Road, Ghora Gali, Chattar (GT Road), Bhurban Rawat and Aliot (Srinagar Road).
Deputy Commissioner Shirazi said the protection of lives and property of citizens and tourists was the district administration’s top priority, adding that all relevant departments were fully alert and working in close coordination to deal with any emergency during the anticipated snowfall. He said timely preparedness and an active strategy by Rescue 1122 would help prevent any untoward incident.
According to Rescue 1122, a mobile response force comprising 16 emergency ambulances, seven fire-fighting vehicles, two rescue vehicles and 25 rescue bikes has been deployed, including resources stationed at 13 facilitation centres set up by the district administration.
District Emergency Officer Engineer Kamran Rasheed said Rescue 1122 Murree was operating with a commitment to immediate response, professional service delivery and protection of human lives. He urged citizens and tourists to contact 1122 without delay in case of any emergency.
Meanwhile, the Met Office advised citizens, particularly tourists, to avoid unnecessary travel and, if travel was unavoidable, to obtain updated weather information in advance and observe precautionary measures during rain and snowfall to avoid any mishap.