Up to 90 percent roads have been cleared in Murree: Sheikh Rashid
MURREE, Jan 08 (SABAH): Operation to provide relief and evacuate stranded tourists at Murree is in full swing.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad talking to the state-run TV on Saturday said the situation is under control as officials of Pakistan Army, National Disaster Management Authority, Police and civil administration are actively carrying out relief activities.
He said 22 people have died in recent rains and snowfall-related incidents at Murree. The Minister said up to 90 percent roads have been cleared. He advised that integrated planning should be made to avoid such occurrences in future.
Earlier, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed arrived in Murree to supervise rescue, relief and evacuation activities. In a video message, he also asked the locals to come forward to help of the stranded tourists.
Sheikh Rashid said the government has closed all routes leading to Murree till 2100 hours today (Sunday).
Pakistan Army says Army engineers, division and Frontier Works Organization are working without any pause to assist people stuck at Murree.
According to Inter Services Public Relations, rescue centers have been established at Army Public School and Army School of Logistics Kuldana and all relief camps have been provided with heating arrangements.
All stranded people will be shifted to five army relief camps established at Murree and food, shelter will be provided to people affected by heavy snow fall.
Army relief centre has been established at Army School of Technicians Barian, Military college Murre, Jhika Gali , APS Kuldana, Station supply Depot Sunny Bank.
FWO dozers and army engineers are busy to keep roads open while Murree Express opened and cleared for any fresh snow by NHA, FWO, Army Engineers.
All resources at the disposal of Murree division in terms of engineers machinery mobilised and will remain in the field till all people are evacuated. Special arrangements are made to evacuate people on military transport.
Central Control Division has been established at Murree Division, while troops are out in the field and they they are clearing traffic and opening roads where machinery can’t reach.
On the special instructions of the Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, personnel of PAF Bases of Kalabagh and Lower Topa are actively participating in relief operation in the snow-hit areas of Murree.
According to PAF spokesperson, Crisis Management Cells have also been established at both bases to facilitate the stranded people and families.
Round the clock assistance from Crisis Management Cells can be sought by contacting on 0323-9418252, 03218838444 for PAF Base Kalabagh and 0323-9417015, 051 9545555 for PAF Base, Lower Topa respectively.
Shelter, food, warm cloths and medical facilities are being provided to the tourists stuck in heavy snow.