Pakistan

Govt releases Rs 700 million for Hunza IDPs

Agencies/express May 18, 2010

HUNZA: Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo said that the government has released 700 million rupees for the rehabilitation of those affected by the Attabad lake in Hunza.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the federal minister stated that an additional 100 million rupees will also be released later.

Wattoo said a 22 kilometer portion of the Karakoram Highway was damaged by the flooding and the trade route between Pakistan and China has been blocked. He said that the National Highway Authority is waiting for the water level to go down so that construction work can begin.

Earlier, a massive landslide was reported in Hunza, causing a fresh wave of alarm over the overflow of water in Attabad lake.

The water level in the lake has risen to an alarming level, prompting officials to suspend boat services, thereby cutting off the link between Hunza Nagar and Gilgit. This is posing difficulties for locals of 40 villages who are heavily dependent on Gilgit for basic commodities.

The chairman for national disaster management authority addressed a press conference in Islamabad where he briefed the media about arrangements made by the government, including an SMS based disaster management system.

Ferry services on the lake formation have also been stopped because of rain forecast and downstream residents have ordered to evacuate to higher areas by Thursday.

COMMENTS (6)

Zubair Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply Gilgit is called as the hub of asia, its well known for its natural scenerio and beauty, specialy if its the matter of hunza it cannot be neglected in any cost by the Govt officials which was already shown by them in the last couple of month when the attabad incident took place, now situation is totaly changed dam has almost covered a large number of area automaticaly every one can be concentrated by his own due to the threat posed to the down stream areas, fund provided is just a claim not in fact it is, due to a large number of corruption i dont think the poors would get their right which they deserve,

G.Abbas | 14 years ago | Reply Just announcing of funds from the Govt. of pakistan is not enough, the Govt.should take some serious steps for saving the beauty valley (Hunza)of Gilgit Baltistan,at last we are all requesting to the Govt.please do some arrangements to save the KKH and Hunza valley.Thanks

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m shahbaz | 14 years ago | Reply AllAH blessed us and all the effecties in this event its the time to encourage the organizations who are working for the relief and situation handling,rescue people first and than try to made it or convert it in a regular dam or power generation unit at priority basis We all pray for the best and should have the hopes for the best because ALLAH is Almighty and GREAT.

sher zaman | 14 years ago | Reply Being a reader of your website i want to keep update myself about disaster of hunza vellay. And we all requested to Govt. of Pakistan to help them at any cost and please save the beauty of Hunza valley.

Ejaz | 14 years ago | Reply Nature had given us a long time of 5 month to avoid any expected disaster as a result of out brust of the Atabad lake, but unfortunately, nothing was done expect waiting for a horrible disaster to happen. May God never forgive those who are directly or indirectly involved.

sajid | 14 years ago | Reply it seem current situation will show unexpected results. The aftermath of this horror situation will increase requirements of the area 1000 times as compare to usual. KKH the only link way between Islamabad and Gilgit will be cut off at the lowest places while the needs of the area manifold.In such a situation food Medicine and rescue teams essentially required for survival of the inhabitants of the area.

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