Heavy snowfall: CM launches relief operation in Balochistan

Approves release of Rs150 million

QUETTA: In the wake of heavy snowfall, Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri on Wednesday ordered imposition of emergency in calamity-hit districts of Balochistan and have directed authorities to expedite the relief efforts in the said districts.

During a high-profile meeting to review the restoration of blocked roads and highways, the chief minister took the decision to impose emergency in Mastung, Killa Abdullah, Killa Saifullah, Harnai and Ziarat and directed Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district administration to make the relief efforts more effective.

Zehri also approved release of Rs150 million to PDMA immediately for relief efforts, provision of tents, blankets and edible items. He also directed the administration to prepare a report of the losses and present it to him.

Participants of the meeting were told that the areas where communication lines were still blocked, relief was carried their through helicopters. It was decided during the meeting that PDMA would work on the provincial level while the commissioner on divisional and deputy commissioner would supervise relief works at the district level.

It was deplored that no sufficient machinery and equipment were available with the provincial government to respond to calamitous situation and it was decided that the matter would be taken up with the federal government.

CM also directed Qesco to restore electricity in the all calamity-hit areas and directed the district administration to fully cooperate with the authority in this regard.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2017.