Rawalpindi district authorities have devised a plan to deal with any unanticipated situation that may arise during the upcoming rain and snowfall spell in Murree after nearly two dozen lives were lost in the hill station last week.
According to a press release issued on Friday, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali, while presiding over a meeting to review the preparations, stated that a contingency plan has been finalised in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
“Despite the fact that natural disasters are out of our control, we can reduce the rate of damage by implementing disaster management measures,” he said.
According to the plan, during the snowfall spell, two control rooms will be established, which will be staffed 24 hours a day to listen to citizen complaints and ensure that they are provided with the necessary assistance as well as comprehensive guidance.
The control room will be established at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Rawalpindi as well as the Assistant Commissioner’s Office in Murree.
Focal persons from all concerned departments will carry out their duties at the nerve centre.
Snow removal and traffic management have been made top priorities in the new strategy. In addition, entry into Murree will be strictly regulated during this period, with no more than 8,000 vehicles permitted to enter the city.
It is pertinent to note that last week, a deadly snowstorm wreaked havoc and killed more than 20 people in Murree.