Flood death toll in Rajanpur rises to 13

As many as 13 people died and 3,361 persons sustained injuries during floods in Rajanpur. This was stated in a briefing delivered to Punjab Health Minister Dr Akhtar Malik, during his visit to flood-hit areas in the district.

Officials stated that 58 health department teams were working in flood-hit areas to provide treatment facilities to flood victims. Dr Akhtar Malik instructed officials to employ all possible resources to provide relief to those affected.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the government will not leave flood victims alone at this critical phase and will continue working for the relief and rehabilitation of the people. Dr Akhtar also instructed the local administration to make arrangements on permanent basis to protect people of mountain areas from flooding in the future. He also reviewed anti-dengue and anti-polio campaigns in the deluged areas.

Additionally, officials were directed to drain stagnant water as early as possible to avoid further outbreaks of waterborne diseases. MNA Sardar Nasrullah Darishak, MPA Owais Darishak, Commissioner DG Khan Liaqat Ali Chathha and some other officers were also present on the occasion.

In August of this year, Rajanpur was among several areas in Punjab declared ‘calamity-hit’ by Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, after an unusually long monsoon triggered severe flooding across the country.

Given the damage done to peoples’ livelihoods, the government announced that land and water charges would be waived for flood victims. Additionally, the chief minister directed authorities to deliver financial aid as soon as possible, adding that damage to houses, crops and livestock would be fully compensated.

An emergency plan was also devised to restore road networks in flood-hit areas and all arrangements in this regard should be completed in DG Khan, Taunsa and Rajanpur, the CM said.

Essential equipment and food hampers would be delivered in large numbers to the affected areas, he added, asserting that the Punjab government stood with flood-affected people.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2022.