Floods: Rescue operation continues in full swing

PDMA DG, Kalat commissioner visit flood-hit areas to review relief measures on CM’s directives

QUETTA: Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Imran Zarkoon and Kalat Commissioner on Monday visited the flood-hit areas, including Sarona in Khuzdar and Lasbela, on the special directives of Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan.

They reviewed relief activities in the flood-affected areas where Zarkoon and Basheer Ahmed Bangulzai were informed about the condition of Shah Norani, Sarona and ongoing relief activities, said a press release issued here.

Lasbela Deputy Commissioner Shabir Ahmed Mengal briefed the officials, saying over 35,000 people were affected by flood in Lahkara and nearby areas.

According to initial reports, he said, “It will take a few months for the proper rehabilitation of the people of the flood-hit areas.”

Both officials also inspected the relief and medical camps established in Lasbela.

District Health Officer Dr Ahmed Ali briefed them about the rescue operation in flood-hit areas and provision of medical facilities to the victims and other necessary steps.

“Apart from supplying Hepatitis B and C medicines, 10,000 kits are en route for the people of the flood-hit areas on the direction of Health Director General Shakir Baloch,” said Dr Ali.

The PDMA DG and Kalat commissioner visited the PDMA’s relief collection centre where they chaired a meeting. It was decided that relief package, including food and non-food items, would be provided in initial 10 days to each person affected by the flood according to United Nation standards.

The relief goods, received from PDMA and others, have been provided to the people of the flood-hit areas by the Pakistan Army through helicopters, he said.

DC Mengal said, “Pakistan Army, Edhi Foundation and Lasbela Welfare Trust have been playing a key role in the areas for six days and have saved several precious lives of people trapped in the flood-hit areas during the rescue operation.

“Heavy machineries are being utilised to restore communication in villages to help in the rehabilitation process.”

He said floodwater damaged agriculture, livestock and markets, adding that teams were formed to estimate the loss in the areas after conducting a survey.

“Reports will be submitted to the Kalat commissioner and the provincial government,” he added.

Both the officials appreciated the DC, other relevant officials and non-governmental organisations, including the Edhi Foundation, for their efforts in helping the people of the flood-hit areas.

Minister, PDMA DG donate one-month salaries

Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Ziaullah Langove and Provincial Disaster Management Authority Director General Imran Zarkoon have donated their one-month salary to the victims of the recent floods.

In a statement, the home minister said, “The government is utilising all available resources for rehabilitation of the flood-affected people and will not show any slackness in providing help. The people affected by floods are our brothers and will not leave them alone in this critical situation.”

[WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT FROM QUETTA]