NHA Sets Up 24/7 Rain Emergency Cell

News Desk

Islamabad: National Highway Authority (NHA) has formed a 24-hour emergency cell for monsoon rains and is actively working with local administrations and rescue teams to clear roads obstructed by rain, said NHA Member Engineering Naseem Khattak on Friday.

Speaking to a state-owned news channel, Naseem said that we are ensuring safety measures ahead of the predicted monsoon rainfalls so that any untoward situation could be dealt with in time.

Karakoram Highway and other damaged bridges are also being repaired on a priority basis, he added.

The authority will take immediate practical steps for the smooth flow of traffic on its 14,000-km network for the convenience of motorists, he added.

NHA Official further stated that the NHA has already issued a monsoon advisory and coordinates with all district administrations on a daily basis. The relevant staff of the NHA is on high alert during the monsoon rains to keep the national highways operational at all times.

The authority closely monitors the monsoon weather conditions and will provide updates to relevant departments as the clearance operation progresses, he remarked.

He advised the public to travel cautiously and avoid non-essential trips, especially in mountainous regions prone to landslides. Tourists are specifically advised to refrain from travelling to such areas.

NHA is collecting data on damaged roads daily and they are in contact with the coordinated efforts of relevant officials in districts. We are also distributing awareness posters and brochures amongst the people on the roads that contain information about dos and don’ts during floods, landslides, and other monsoon or heavy rain-related incidents, Naseem added. APP