Eight K-P districts face winter emergency

PESHAWAR BUREAU —Eight districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have been identified as being at very high risk of winter-related emergencies, prompting the provincial government to direct relevant departments to complete preparations well before the onset of severe weather. The directives were issued at an important meeting of the Relief Department chaired by Governor's Adviser on Information and Public Relations and Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Samar Haroon Bilour.

The meeting reviewed the winter contingency plan for 2026-27, the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, terrorism, traffic accidents and the province's overall emergency preparedness. Officials briefed the meeting that potential winter hazards had been assessed in all 37 districts, with eight placed in the very high-risk category.

The briefing also covered available resources, emergency supplies, district-wise requirements and additional facilities needed to deal with possible emergencies. Bilour stressed the need for advance preparations, effective planning and coordination among relevant departments to address climate-related challenges.

She directed authorities to pay particular attention to snowfall-prone areas, including Upper Chitral, Upper Kohistan, Upper Dir, Shangla, Mansehra and Swat. She ordered the timely availability of machinery, fuel and trained operators to restore roads in remote valleys and snowbound areas. Authorities were also directed to identify routes likely to be blocked during winter, alternative access roads and isolated communities, and make necessary arrangements in advance.

The adviser called for immediate verification of existing relief stocks, their availability according to district requirements and improvements in the transportation and distribution system. She also directed officials to assess district-level relief fund requirements and address financial constraints on a priority basis.

Bilour said the issues concerning the Relief Department's finances and funding would be taken up with the Finance Department and the governor to ensure their timely resolution. She emphasised that homeless, poor and vulnerable people, particularly women, children, elderly citizens and persons with disabilities, must receive priority in relief operations.

Regarding terrorism, road accidents and other emergencies, she directed that rescue teams, vehicles and equipment remain operational round the clock. She stressed effective coordination among Rescue 1122, district administrations, police and the Health Department to ensure a swift and coordinated response.

She further directed authorities to provide immediate financial and relief assistance to families affected by accidents and other emergencies, making the process simple, transparent and free of unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The adviser also called for keeping district and provincial emergency operation centres fully functional, strengthening monitoring and ensuring timely dissemination of information.

Regarding tourist destinations, she stressed the need for visitor safety, timely weather alerts, identification of safe locations and arrangements for emergency evacuations. Bilour directed all relevant departments to clearly define their responsibilities, available resources and emergency response procedures, reiterating that public safety, timely rescue operations and immediate assistance to affected families remained the government's top priorities.