National Disaster Management Authority responses to Chitral situation

Islamabad, July 21, 2015 (PPI-OT): On 16 July 2015, District Chitral was hit by a flash flood which led to significant damage to road network, irrigation and water channels. Three valleys in Upper Chitral have also been cut off. The incident was responded in a timely fashion by the joint efforts of District and Provincial Authorities with the support of Pakistan Army and NDMA.

On NDMA’s request, the damaged bridge at Broze on N 45 was temporarily restored for light traffic the same day by NHA. All available machineries and manpower was also deployed for temporary opening of suspended traffic to restore communication. Despite being a public holiday, NDMA was able to mobilize and assist PDMA KP by sending food packs of 40 kgs each for 500 families. PDMA has also authorized Deputy Commissioner to utilize the relief fund for relief activities on immediate basis.

Besides ensuring provision of immediate relief to the affected population the Provincial and District Administrations are also taking steps to restore water supply to Chitral Town while temporary arrangement of water supply through water tankers has been made. Irrigation Department has been tasked to immediately start channelization and clearance of debris from Drosh Gol, Kalkatak Gol and Chukidam.

Chief Municipal Officer has been tasked for proper arrangement for drinking water supply from Golen Gol water supply line and start work on Anghar Ghon WSU on emergent basis. District Administration has started restoration of cut off sites. While, Revenue staff has been deputed to the sites for detailed assessments and verification of damages.

Funds have also been provided to restore the private channel of Shishi Drosh Chitral on emergency basis. PDMA team members have reached Chitral to assist District Administration for detailed damaged assessment and to submit a report to the provincial government for allocation of resources. District Administration Chitral is collecting data for payment of compensation.

NDMA plans to send two C 130 aircrafts with food packs to Chitral by 22 July 2015. C and W Department and Public Health Engineering are being persued for deployment of heavy machinery for the rehabilitation and restoration of the damaged roads and washed away bridges. NDMA is constantly monitoring the situation round the clock in coordination with PDMA KP, Pakistan Army and all other relevant stakeholders to ensure timely relief and a well coordinated response.

For more information, contact:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Prime Minister’s Office, 2nd Floor,
Sector G-5-1, Constitution Avenue,
Post Code 44000, Islamabad
UAN: +92-51-111-157-157
Tel: +92-51-9205037
Fax: +92-51-9205086
Email: info@ndma.gov.pk
Website: www.ndma.gov.pk