NDMA issues travel advisory to visit hill stations

Islamabad: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued tourist advisory in a bid to avoid any unwanted incidents in the hilly areas of Pakistan owing to the dropping temperatures.  

As per official guidelines, the organization has directed tourists to check weather updates, websites and social media platforms of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), NDMA and respective regional alerts. 

The visitors have been suggested to check the situation of the route (they intend to travel) from the helpline and websites of National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP).

People have also been advised to maintain their vehicles, carry anti-skid chains and keep liquid for the radiator during the trip. 

NDMA recommended that, “The tourists should confirm the availability of accommodation beforehand and bring the essential medicines, warm clothes to avoid severe weather conditions, and food for minimum of 24 hours”.

An advisory has also been issued for the regional management to report actively in suspected areas and involve the native people in playing their part at risky locations. It has been recommended to launch tourists’ facilitation centers and Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs).

The guidelines have also stressed authorities to introduce regional warnings in coordination with concerned departments for the placement of machinery for snow clearance system and manage traffic plans.