Flood situation: CM says spare no effort in rescue, rehabilitation

LAHORE:

The government will take all steps needed for the rescue and rehabilitation of flood victims, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Wednesday.

He was addressing the Cabinet Committee on Floods and administrators of 25 districts through video link.

He directed the officials to provide additional funds for rescue and relief efforts in the flood-affected districts.

“The cabinet committee members and administrations of flood-hit districts should work round the clock to help flood victims. They should be provided free meals thrice a day. Stern action will be taken if any public complaint is received,” he said.

The meeting reviewed the flood situation, protective arrangements and relief activities.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) director general briefed the meeting about relief activities and the river situation. Meteorological Department officials updated the members about the weather situation during the upcoming days.

“The flood warning system should be used in an effective manner in areas where there is a threat of flood. Safe evacuation of people living near rivers should be the top priority. The district authorities should enforce the ban on bathing in rivers with the help of police,” he said.

“The Health Department should vaccinate them against several diseases. Arrangements should also be made for the supply of food and clean water,” he said.

He said that there should be no shortage of essential items at the relief camps.

He said that the Irrigation Department should utilise the experience gained from the 2010 and 2014 floods. “All resources should be utilised for the protection of important dykes. The policy regarding the Zamindara bunds should be fully enforced.

The chief minister directed the irrigation minister to personally inspect bunds in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan.

The CM also addressed a meeting through video conference to review the progress on the implementation of the Khadim-i-Punjab Rural Roads and the Arfa Karim Software Technology Park projects.

Sharif said that Punjab government was implementing the policy of balanced development of urban and rural areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2015.