Rain losses will be compensated, says CM

At least 80 people were killed during the recent rain spells in Sindh, from July 6 to August 28, said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday. Acknowledging the heavy losses to life and property across the province, he said they would be compensated accordingly.

Announcing the fatalities at a press conference, Shah said incidents of drowning, electrocution and roof collapses caused the deaths of 47 people in Karachi, while in Hyderabad lightning and drowning led to the deaths of 10 people, five persons died in a roof collapse in Shaheed Benazirabad, lightning and wall collapse resulted in the deaths of 11 people in Mirpurkhas, one person was killed after being struck by lightning in Sukkur, and six persons were electrocuted to death in Larkana.

"This is unprecedented [rain] and has broken all previous records, '' said the CM, adding that the intensity of the rain could be gauged from the fact that his vehicle gave way during his visit around the city last night [Thursday] and he had to step out. "When [I] stepped in the water on the road, I found it was over four feet deep and I could not visit Nursery," he said.

"I have directed the chief secretary to start a survey of all the losses so that they can be compensated accordingly," he said, adding that losses including damage caused to life, buildings, standing crops, and houses - katcha and pakka - would all be documented.

"Once the losses are assessed and estimated, a report will be sent to Prime Minister Imran Khan who has assured me of his support. I am sure he will help us," he said, adding that the PPP-led Sindh government would be forming a committee to assist citizens.

A report had been submitted by local bodies regarding houses that were inundated during the rain so that necessary planning could be undertaken to prevent this in the future, said Shah, adding that a survey of losses to business activity was also being conducted.

He assured that all encroachments would be removed from stormwater drains, nullahs and government lands without discrimination. Not only small structures, but petrol pumps, plazas and commercial buildings would also be razed, he claimed.

The names of buildings and establishments constructed illegally will be made public, said the CM, insisting that those involved in China cutting and illegal allotment of land would also face the music.

In response to a question, the CM said that the appointment of a Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) administrator fell under the ambit of the provincial government. While the Centre may be consulted, it would be the Sindh government who would appoint an administrator in Karachi, he said, adding that rumours in this regard would be quelled within the next two days.

According to Shah, the problem in the metropolis was the existence of multiple authorities exercising municipal and building control powers. "KMC and the district municipal corporations have to perform within their respective jurisdictions."

Detailing his visits across the city in the wake of Thursday's devastation, Shah said he went to Yar Muhammad Goth where people had constructed houses on the bed of Malir River, blocking the flow of rainwater. The villagers complained about the non-availability of civic facilities, but the CM also had a complaint - he said that they had occupied a stormwater drain, contributing to the city's flooding. In Nursery he assured shopkeepers that all buildings blocking the flow of nullahs would be razed.

With regards to the inundated Yousuf Goth in West district, Shah said that people had been shifted to camps and safe places where the government is providing water, food and medical facilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2020.