Kohistan departments on alert ahead of monsoon season

MANSEHRA: The Lower Kohistan district administration has directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert before the start of the monsoon season in order to respond to flash floods and other emergencies.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at the office of Deputy Commissioner Tariq Mehmood on Saturday. The session was attended by the additional deputy commissioner, assistant commissioners and heads of devolved departments, where officials also finalised a monsoon contingency plan.

Addressing participants, Deputy Commissioner Tariq Mehmood said the district had previously faced difficulties during the monsoon because of persistent rainfall and flooding, and stressed the need for preparedness across departments.

‘In view of the previous experience when people in the district suffered during the monsoon season due to continuous rains and flooding, all departments must remain vigilant and utilise their full resources to respond to any untoward situation,’ he said.

The administration’s move is aimed at ensuring that government departments are ready to act in case of weather-related incidents during the rainy season. The meeting reviewed preparedness measures and formally placed all concerned departments on alert.

Warning mechanism discussed

During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abdul Wali Khan said the management of the Dubair Khawar hydropower station should issue advance warnings before opening the reservoir’s spillways in the event of flooding.

He said such warnings would be important for residents living in vulnerable areas near waterways.

‘People living along the banks of streams in the Dubai Valley should remain cautious during monsoon rains to avoid any emergencies,’ he added.

The district administration’s contingency planning comes as local authorities prepare for possible heavy rains and flooding during the upcoming monsoon period. Officials at the meeting focused on coordination among departments and the use of available resources in case an emergency situation develops.

The administration did not announce any additional measures beyond the contingency plan discussed at the meeting, but officials made clear that all relevant departments had been instructed to stay vigilant and remain ready to respond.

The alert reflects concerns arising from previous monsoon-related hardships in the district, where continuous rainfall and flooding had affected residents, according to the deputy commissioner.