- Eight upper KP districts have been declared vulnerable for the winter season.
- Above-normal rainfall and snowfall are forecast, which may disrupt road connectivity.
- The PDMA has prepared a winter contingency plan and completed advance arrangements.
- All relevant departments have been directed to remain on alert.
Eight upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been declared vulnerable for the winter season after forecasts of above-normal rainfall and snowfall. The designation has raised concerns about road closures and weather-related emergencies in the upper parts of the province.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) says it has already drawn up a contingency plan and begun precautionary measures.
Districts on the vulnerable list
The districts identified as vulnerable are Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Buner, Swat, Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan.
Their inclusion follows forecasts that the upper districts will see more rain and snow than is usual for the season.
What the PDMA expects
According to the PDMA's director general, the upper districts are likely to receive higher-than-normal rainfall and snowfall this winter. Heavy snow accumulation could disrupt road connectivity in the affected areas.
Contingency plan and preparations
The PDMA has formulated a comprehensive winter contingency plan and started precautionary measures to respond to possible emergencies in the affected areas.
The director general said advance arrangements had been completed to facilitate relief and rescue operations in areas likely to experience heavy snowfall. The reports do not give details of the equipment, staffing or supplies involved.
Departments told to stay alert
The director general added that all relevant departments had been directed to remain on alert and to make the necessary preparations. The stated aim is to safeguard public safety and provide timely assistance throughout the winter season.
The PDMA has formulated a winter contingency plan and begun precautionary measures, and all relevant departments have been directed to remain on alert as the winter season unfolds in the eight vulnerable districts.
Questions and answers
Which KP districts have been declared vulnerable?
Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Buner, Swat, Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan.
Why have these districts been declared vulnerable?
Forecasts indicate that the upper districts will receive higher-than-normal rainfall and snowfall this winter. This could disrupt road connectivity through heavy snow accumulation.
What is the PDMA doing to prepare?
It has formulated a winter contingency plan, started precautionary measures and completed advance arrangements for relief and rescue operations. All relevant departments have been told to stay on alert.
Image: Zmb01 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
