Eight KP districts face very high risk from climate-related hazards

PESHAWAR
Adviser to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Information and Public Relations, Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Samar Haroon Bilour on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Relief Department to review the Winter Contingency Plan 2026-27 and assess the province’s preparedness for climate-related hazards, natural disasters, terrorist incidents and traffic accidents.
According to an official statement issued here, the adviser was briefed on the department’s available resources, operational capacity, stocks of relief supplies, district-wise requirements and additional facilities needed to respond to emergencies during winter.
According to the briefing, winter-related risks had been assessed across the province, with eight districts placed in the extremely high-risk category. Ms Bilour stressed the need for advance planning, efficient resource management and coordination among relevant departments. She directed officials to complete preparations for possible winter emergencies without delay.
She called for special arrangements in snowfall-prone areas, particularly Upper Chitral, Upper Kohistan, Upper Dir, Shangla, Mansehra and Swat, to deal with heavy snowfall, extreme cold, avalanches, landslides and heavy rainfall.
She directed the authorities to ensure the availability of machinery, fuel and operators for clearing roads in remote valleys and snowbound areas. Officials were also asked to identify vulnerable road sections, alternative routes and isolated settlements to ensure access and timely emergency assistance.
Reviewing relief supplies, the adviser ordered immediate verification of existing stocks and their availability at district level according to local needs. She also called for identifying and addressing gaps in the transportation and distribution of relief items.
The meeting reviewed the department’s financial requirements and available funds. Ms Bilour said she would take up funding-related issues with the Finance Department and the governor to ensure their resolution on a priority basis.
She directed officials to give priority to displaced and vulnerable communities, particularly women, children, elderly people and persons with disabilities, in winter relief operations.
Regarding terrorist incidents, traffic accidents and other emergencies, she directed that rescue teams, vehicles and equipment remain operational and on standby round the clock. She stressed that response teams should reach incident sites as quickly as possible after receiving emergency calls.
She also called for stronger coordination among Rescue 1122, district administrations, police and the Health Department through a unified emergency response mechanism.
The adviser directed that families affected by accidents and other emergencies be provided immediate financial assistance through a simple, transparent and accessible mechanism, without unnecessary procedural delays. She said relief should be delivered directly to affected families wherever required.
She further ordered steps to address delays in relief operations, shortages of resources and gaps in coordination among departments.
Emphasising continuous monitoring, Ms Bilour directed that district and provincial Emergency Operations Centres remain fully functional to ensure timely information-sharing and communication.
She also called for effective safety arrangements at tourist destinations, including timely weather advisories, identification of safe locations and emergency evacuation plans during adverse weather.
The adviser directed all relevant departments to clearly define their responsibilities, assess available resources and establish effective response procedures for coordinated winter preparedness.
She said public safety, timely rescue operations, effective relief measures and immediate assistance to affected families remained the government’s foremost priorities.