PDMA on High Alert After Province-Wide Rain and Snowfall, Operations Intensified to Restore Highways

**Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta):** Following widespread rain and snowfall across Balochistan, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has been placed on high alert, with teams working round the clock to clear snow and keep major highways operational.

Director Relief Operations PDMA Balochistan, Mir Ataullah Mengal, said that due to ongoing snowfall and rains since yesterday in various parts of the province, PDMA teams have been fully mobilized and are continuously engaged in snow clearance operations. He stated that timely measures taken by the PDMA have ensured that all major highways across Balochistan remain open to prevent inconvenience to the public.

He added that on the special directives of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, machinery and staff are on constant standby under the supervision of Director General PDMA Jahanzeb Khan. Continuous efforts are being made to make snow-affected roads safe for traffic. The Director General also appreciated the professionalism and preparedness of the field staff and directed them to ensure immediate response in case of any emergency and to utilize available resources effectively.

Talking to media representatives, Mir Ataullah Mengal said that protecting lives and property and ensuring timely assistance during rain and snowfall remain the PDMA’s top priorities. He urged the public, especially travelers and tourists, to avoid unnecessary travel, adopt precautionary measures, and fully cooperate with PDMA and district administration personnel deployed in the field to prevent any potential accidents.

He further stated that on the instructions of the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, PDMA has been placed on high alert in view of possible snowfall and adverse weather conditions. The Chief Minister has also directed that hourly situation reports be submitted to closely monitor developments.

The Director Relief Operations said that the Provincial Emergency Operations Center will remain operational 24/7 to perform coordination, monitoring, tracking, and reporting duties, while ensuring the timely availability and effective management of relief resources.

Mir Ataullah Mengal added that during previous snowfall, PDMA successfully prevented the closure of major highways and rescued several stranded individuals and vehicles. He emphasized that PDMA remains in close coordination with district administrations and is taking all possible measures to deal with any untoward situation.