In the wake of intense firing and shelling by the Indian security forces at the Line of Control (LoC) resulting in human casualties and damage to the property, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society has dispatched first aid boxes and kits besides detailing six ambulances to carry the dead and injured to the hospitals. PRCS Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi has directed all the officials to remain on high alert to deal with any unforeseen circumstances. He said the PRCS is well prepared to ensure rescue and relief services in a befitting manner in the hour of need. Elahi said the PRCS is in close coordination with all the relevant authorities to ensure prompt emergency responses, like first aid, food relief, restoring family links and mine risk awareness. He said the field officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure a coordinated response in the troubled areas. PRCS Secretary General Khalid Bin Majeed said the PRCS is also in close coordination with the State Disaster Management Authority and other government departments to monitor the situation in the high-risk areas of Kotli, Poonch, Abbaspur, Haveli, Neelum and Jhelum Valley, and its trained staff and volunteers are on standby to deal with any emergency situation. “A 24/7 control room has been set up to monitor the situation. Besides, 80 first aid boxes and 12 first aid kits have been dispatched to PRCS AJK State Branch and six ambulances are on standby for an efficient and early emergency response,” he added. He said that food distribution has also been planned in the troubled areas with the assistance and support of Kuwait Red Crescent Society. Published in Daily Times, Mach 2nd 2019.