July 25, 2015
News
Nawaz orders advance measures in flood-prone areas
APPRAHIM YAR KHAN: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Friday visited flood-hit Chachran Sharif area of district Rahim Yar Khan and directed authorities concerned to take measures in advance to handle any eventuality in flood-prone areas. The prime minister stressed to ensure availability of boats at the vulnerable points and directed for the use of helicopters in coordination with Punjab government wherever required. He asked the departments concerned to remain vigilant and provide maximum relief to the affected people. He said the melting of snow at mountains was the major reason of flash floods, rather than rains, that had inundated even areas like Chitral. He said during last year’s floods, the situation was managed very effectively and relief measures were taken promptly. He visited the relief camp set up at Chachran Sharif and appreciated the work of rescue teams. District Coordination Officer Rahim Yar Khan, Captain (r) Zafar Iqbal briefed the prime minister about the situation in the wake of floods. The prime minister was informed that currently 556,000 cusec water of Indus river was passing through Rahim Yar Khan which had inundated 66 mauzas of the district. The floods affected about 56,000 people in four tehsils of Rahim Yar Khan with Liaquatpur Tehsil, being the most affected, while 34,715 people were evacuated and shifted to safe places.
The flood water destroyed crops over 41,396 acres of land including sugarcane, mong and cotton among the most affected. It was briefed that 53,809 cattle had been vaccinated against the spread of waterborne diseases. The prime minister was informed that 21 flood relief camps had been set up in the district to cater to the needs of 56,000 affected people. The prime minister assured the flood affected people that the government would provide all resources for their relief and rehabilitation.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk