CM briefed on rain relief efforts

Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah was briefed on relief efforts in Sindh by deputy commissioners of Umerkot, Sanghar, Badin, Mirpurkhas and Tharparkar districts on Thursday.

Shah directed the provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) to arrange remaining essential items and assist in the drainage process along with the irrigation department.

According to Umerkot deputy commissioner, around 697,000 people were affected by the recent rains.

Rainwater had accumulated on around 166, 521 acres of land and some 29, 885 acres remain inundated still, he said. After drainage of water, 11, 285 families are still in tents, said the DC, adding that 12, 699 tents were provided but 3,000 are still needed.

Besides, 24, 700 ration bags were distributed. Mosquito nets were also distributed for livestock but so far only 2,000 animals have been provided cover, 13,000 remain yet.

Meanwhile Sanghar DC said that 176, 271 people - 35,225 families - were affected in his district.

In Sanghar, the DC said, 17, 549 tents, 26,510 ration bags, and 21,400 mosquito nets, including coverage for 700 animals, have been distributed.

The Mirpurkhas DC apprised the meeting that 155, 976 people in his district were affected and of them 103.

According to the DC, 18, 609 tents, 38, 704 ration bags, 51, 589 mosquito nets were distributed while around 10,000 of each as well as around 15, 000 animal mosquito nets are needed still.

Meanwhile, the Badin DC informed the meeting around 50, 000 families have been affected.

In Badin, said the DC, 13, 470 tents, 37, 100 ration bags, 20, 600 mosquito nets, and 2,000 animal mosquito nets were provided but 1,500 tents, 12,900 ration bags, 10,000 mosquito nets and 18,000 mosquito nets are needed still.

According to the district DC, the worst-hit area in Tharparkar is Kaloi taluka. Around 27,851 families were affected.

According to him, 8,557 tents, 27,152 ration bags, 10,000 mosquito nets were distributed while 440 tents, 850 ration bags, and over 15,000 mosquito nets, including human and livestock both, are still needed.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2020.