high-level meeting was held in Swat district to review the potential threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), preparedness measures and safety arrangements in vulnerable districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities review preparations amid GLOF threat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR, Aug 31 (APP):A high-level meeting was held in Swat district to review the potential threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), preparedness measures and safety arrangements in vulnerable districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The meeting was chaired by the Secretary Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department and the Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Deputy Commissioner Swat, Saleem Jan Marwat participated in the meeting via video link, while representatives of the district administrations and relevant departments from Swat, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Upper Kohistan, Mansehra, Lower Chitral and Upper Chitral also attended.
The meeting was convened in response to a GLOF alert and advisory issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) for the aforementioned districts. The session focused on timely mitigation of potential risks, strengthening coordination among relevant departments and ensuring advance measures to protect lives and property in the event of an emergency.
Participants reviewed various aspects of the PMD’s GLOF advisory, the current situation in vulnerable areas, available resources, emergency response arrangements and the preparedness of relevant departments.
The Secretary Relief and PDMA Director General directed all concerned district administrations to maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable and high-risk areas, ensure timely dissemination of warnings to local communities and further strengthen coordination among relevant agencies.
The meeting also emphasized ensuring the availability of evacuation plans, safe locations, relief personnel and necessary machinery to respond effectively to any potential emergency.
Deputy Commissioner Swat Saleem Jan Marwat urged the public, particularly people living near glaciers, rivers, streams and low-lying areas, to remain vigilant, take necessary precautions while travelling and strictly follow safety instructions issued by the district administration and other relevant authorities.
