PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has finalized its plans to handle possible floods during the upcoming monsoon season. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah shared the details during a high-level meeting on Thrusday.
Officials from various departments, including administrative secretaries, PDMA representatives, and commissioners, attended the meeting. They discussed flood prevention strategies, learning from the 2022 floods to improve readiness this year.
As part of the new measures, 50 dewatering pumps will be sent to high-risk districts such as Peshawar, Nowshera, and Swat. A special dewatering unit will also be set up in Peshawar to manage waterlogging. The PDMA’s emergency helpline, 1700, will operate 24/7 for public assistance.
The Chief Secretary instructed district administrations to keep emergency supplies like food, fuel, and medicines stocked. The Irrigation Department was told to check river embankments for weaknesses.
Tourist spots will receive special safety warnings to prevent accidents.
Also read: 4.9 million children out of schools in KP: CS Shahab Ali Shah
To reduce risks, the government has banned bathing in rivers and the use of plastic bags under Section 144 during the monsoon season. Authorities will also take strict action against illegal construction and encroachments near rivers.
These steps aim to minimize damage and protect residents from potential flooding in the coming months.
Also read: Pre-Monsoon showers expected in KP from Sunday, PDMA issues weather alert
