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PM visits flood affected areas of AJK
APP
RAWALAKOT – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday arrived here to get a firsthand account of the devastation caused by the torrential rains and to speed up the rescue and relief operations.
Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Yaqoob Khan, AJK Prime Minister Ch Abdul Majeed, besides former prime minister AJK Raja Farooq Haider accompanied the prime minister. Soon after Nawaz Sharif arrival, he was briefed by the AJK chief secretary about the damages caused by the landslides and rains.
He was informed that the torrential rains triggered large landslides causing massive damage to infrastructure and private houses besides blockage of major link roads and damage to bridges. The rains caused high level flood in River Jhelum, Poonch and Neelum and the AJK government mobilised the district administration, Rescue 1122 personnel and army troops for rescue efforts.
The prime minister was informed that the affected families were being provided tents, food and non-food items. Power has been restored in all the rain-affected areas and the National Disaster Management Authority and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were providing assistance to the affected people.
The prime minister was informed that the floods have forced displacement of 24,000 people, 64 were killed and 109 injured, whereas 1800 houses have been fully damaged, 4000 partially damaged besides damage to 185 shops.
The torrential rains also caused damage to 12 bridges and water supply schemes, electricity transmission lines and nine power projects.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk