PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has established an emergency flood control room at the chief minister’s secretariat to coordinate effective response to emergencies across the province.

The control room, according to a statement issued from the chief minister’s secretariat on Monday, would remain functional round the clock and share developments with the chief minister regarding emergencies or any untoward situation anywhere in the province.

Mohsin Iqbal, deputy secretary (governance) at the chief minister’s secretariat, has been nominated focal person of the emergency flood control room, which can be accessed on UAN: 091-111-712-713, Fax No: 091-9210707 and WhatsApp No: 0343-2222949.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur directed the district administrations, relief and rehabilitation departments, rescue service and all other relevant entities to remain on high alert in order to effectively deal with any possible emergency situation.

According to a statement, the chief minister directed the quarters concerned to regularly monitor flood situation in rivers and make necessary arrangements for protection, rescue and relief of people in case of any flood emergency.

He added officials concerned should put in place the required arrangements to

help minimise the possible losses to human lives and properties in the prevailing situation.

“The rain-hit people should be provided with temporary accommodation and other necessary facilities,” the statement quoted CM Gandapur as saying. He asked the health department to set up medical camps in the rain-hit districts, ensuring availability of required staff, equipment and medicines to provide immediate assistance to the injured people.

He also directed the relevant officials to compile report of losses to human lives and properties, so that all possible assistance could be provided to the people.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2024