911 Helpline Reactivated to Support Citizens Amid Flood Crisis
Islamabad – The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has reactivated the 911 emergency helpline to provide quick assistance to citizens affected by natural disasters and other critical situations.
Officials explained that the system is designed to function even in areas where mobile network towers are damaged or inactive. Calls are automatically redirected to the nearest operational tower, regardless of the service provider, ensuring uninterrupted access to emergency services.
A ministry spokesperson urged citizens to use the helpline responsibly. “People affected by floods or emergencies can dial 911 to get immediate help. However, we request others not to make unnecessary calls so that those in real need can receive timely assistance,” the official said.
The 911 helpline, part of the Pakistan Emergency Helpline (PEHL) project, brings multiple services—including police, fire brigade, medical aid, and disaster recovery—under one platform. First launched in 2022, the system has now been reactivated and expanded to meet the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis.
According to the ministry, the helpline not only ensures public safety but also acts as a data collection tool to assess resource requirements and monitor incident trends across the country.
The relaunch comes at a critical time, as flash floods continue to devastate parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported on Friday that at least 229 people have lost their lives and 40 others have been injured in the past 24 hours due to cloudbursts and flash floods.
The fatalities include 184 men, 14 women, and 12 children, while the injured comprise 17 men, 3 women, and one child. District-wise data shows the highest death toll in Buner with 91 fatalities, followed by Shangla (35), Mansehra (23), Bajaur (21), Swat (20), Battagram (15), and Lower Dir (5).
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