PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has identified eight districts facing very high risks of Winter emergencies during the 2026-27 season.
Provincial authorities have directed departments to complete emergency preparations before severe weather conditions affect vulnerable areas.
The instructions were issued during a Relief Department meeting chaired by Samar Haroon Bilour.
Bilour serves as the Governor’s Adviser on Information and Public Relations and Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement.
The meeting reviewed the province’s Winter contingency plan for 2026-27 and assessed potential emergency situations.
Officials also discussed climate change, natural disasters, terrorism, road accidents and emergency response arrangements.
Eight KP Districts Face Very High Winter Risks
Officials informed the meeting that authorities had assessed possible seasonal hazards across all 37 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The assessment identified eight districts as facing very high risks from severe weather and related emergencies.
However, the briefing did not publicly identify all eight districts in the highest-risk category.
Authorities also reviewed available emergency equipment, relief supplies and additional resources required across different districts.
The government stressed the importance of early preparations to reduce risks to residents in vulnerable communities.
Snowfall-Prone Areas Require Special Attention
Samar Haroon Bilour directed officials to prioritise areas frequently affected by heavy snowfall and road closures.
These areas include Upper Chitral, Upper Kohistan, Upper Dir, Shangla, Mansehra and Swat.
She instructed relevant departments to ensure the availability of snow-clearing machinery, fuel and trained operators.
The equipment must remain ready to restore road access during heavy snowfall.
Officials were also directed to identify roads that could become blocked during severe weather.
Alternative routes and communities at risk of isolation must be identified before emergencies occur.
These arrangements aim to maintain transportation links and ensure timely assistance to affected populations.
Government Orders Review of Emergency Relief Supplies
The adviser instructed authorities to verify existing relief supplies and assess their availability across districts.
Officials must ensure that emergency stocks meet local requirements and remain accessible when needed.
She also called for improvements in the transportation and distribution of relief materials.
District administrations were directed to identify funding requirements and report financial shortages.
Bilour said financial concerns would be discussed with the Finance Department and the governor.
The government aims to address funding problems before they affect emergency operations.
Vulnerable Communities to Receive Priority Assistance
The provincial government has emphasised special protection for people facing greater risks during emergencies.
Homeless individuals, low-income families, women, children and elderly citizens will receive priority assistance.
Persons with disabilities must also be given special consideration during rescue and relief operations.
Bilour directed officials to ensure that assistance reaches affected families without unnecessary delays.
She also stressed the importance of transparent procedures for distributing financial support and relief supplies.
Rescue 1122 and Emergency Teams Put on Alert
The meeting also reviewed emergency preparedness for terrorism, traffic accidents and other unexpected incidents.
Bilour directed rescue departments to keep vehicles, equipment and emergency personnel ready around the clock.
She called for stronger coordination between Rescue 1122, district administrations, police and the Health Department.
The coordination aims to improve response times and ensure effective emergency assistance.
Authorities were also instructed to keep district and provincial emergency operation centres fully functional.
Officials must strengthen monitoring systems and provide timely information during emergencies.
Tourist Safety Measures Ahead of Snowfall
The government also reviewed safety arrangements for tourists visiting mountainous destinations during the colder months.
Bilour directed departments to provide timely weather alerts and identify safe locations for visitors.
Authorities must also prepare evacuation plans for tourists stranded by snowfall or blocked roads.
Emergency teams should remain prepared to respond quickly when weather conditions become dangerous.
The adviser instructed all departments to clearly define their responsibilities and available resources.
She emphasised that public safety, timely rescue operations and immediate relief remain the government’s main priorities.
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The Winter emergency plan aims to improve preparedness and minimise the impact of severe weather across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
