Balochistan reviews monsoon emergency plan

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan chaired a meeting to examine the province’s emergency arrangements for the coming monsoon season, with a focus on possible urban flooding, other flood situations, forest fires and heat waves.

The meeting reviewed preparedness across the province ahead of the monsoon. During the session, the chief secretary instructed all relevant departments to speed up their arrangements so authorities can respond effectively to heavy rainfall, urban flooding and other emergencies.

He said preventive and administrative steps in vulnerable areas should be put in place in time to deal with any untoward situation. He also said that timely planning, effective coordination and public awareness could help reduce possible losses.

He urged the public to follow government advisories in line with weather conditions and to take precautionary steps.

Focus on wildfire prevention

Referring to forest fires seen in recent years in districts including Sherani, Musakhail and Zhob, the chief secretary directed the departments concerned to strengthen preventive measures aimed at controlling wildfires.

He said safety arrangements must be ensured, including the digging of trenches to stop the spread of fire.

Heatwave response plan to be activated

The chief secretary also ordered the activation of the heatwave response plan so that authorities can react swiftly and effectively during periods of extreme temperatures.

He directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners to stay alert and told provincial and district administrations to remain fully prepared in accordance with the changing weather situation.

During the meeting, he noted that the Rakshan, Makran and Nasirabad belts face comparatively higher temperatures. In that context, he said hospitals must remain fully equipped with medicines and medical facilities during heatwave conditions.

He also stressed the need to intensify public awareness campaigns so citizens can properly follow precautionary measures issued by the government.

The meeting was also briefed by the director general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, who gave a detailed presentation on preparedness measures.

The review covered the province’s readiness for multiple seasonal risks, including heavy rains, urban flooding, wildfires and extreme heat, as the administration moved to strengthen coordination among departments before the onset of the monsoon.

The chief secretary’s directions centred on advance planning, timely implementation of safeguards in sensitive areas and maintaining readiness at both provincial and district levels.

The meeting took place as the provincial administration assessed how to improve response capacity for weather-related emergencies and reduce the impact of seasonal hazards through preparedness and public awareness.