Relief being rushed to rain-battered districts

Committee formed to buy relief goods locally for quick dispatch

QUETTA: A committee led by district commissioners of Khuzdar and Lasbela has been tasked with purchasing relief goods from local market, which would ensure quick relief service in the rain-hit areas where the death toll reached six on Friday.

Acting upon the instructions of Chief Minister Jam Kamal, the committee would strictly adhere to public relief and safety measures, according to an official handout.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district commissioners have been ordered to submit progress report to the chief minister about the complaints received at the cell established for speedy response in rain-hit areas: Lasbela, Barkhan, and Khuzdar.

Amidst this, the health teams supervised by Health director general continued their operations.
“Death toll in recent torrential rains and flash floods has reached six in Lasbela. Five people were evacuated from flash flood areas and shifted to medical camps through helicopter,” stated a statement released by health department.



Several medical teams have reached Harnji area of Khuzdar while another team was being dispatched to the areas through an army helicopter, it added.
However, according to the district administration of Lasbela as many as 250 people were evacuated during Friday’s relief operations and it will continue for two more days.
CM Kamal lauded the relief operations conducted by Pakistan army in the flood-stricken areas. He said the security forces provided full assistance to the district administration in rain-hit areas and rescued many lives.
“The Pakistan Army and provincial government’s helicopters were taking part in relief operations in such areas where land access was cut due to torrential rains and flash floods,” Kamal said, adding that all available resources were being utilised to provide relief goods on immediate basis.
He said: “Provincial health, agriculture and livestock departments have also established emergency camps in rain hit districts.”
The CM vowed to restore the original state of all the affected areas after the completion of rescue operations. “The government of Balochistan and army are standing with the people and they would be imparted with all facilities and assistance,” said Kamal.

“Upon request of Lasbela district administration, the Pakistan Navy promptly dispatched rescue team along with requisite equipment and boats to the rescue site,” a Director General Public Relations (Navy) press release said.

 

[WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP]