Army rescues 58,000 in flood-stricken areas

HYDERABAD:

The Pakistan Army has rescued 58,000 people trapped in flood water in Badin, Pangrio, Mithi, Umarkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Nawabshah and Tando Allahyar. They have used boats, divers and heavy vehicles to help shift the people to relief camps where they are being provided with food and medical care. So far, they have distributed 885 tonnes of ration goods among the flood survivors. Nearly 50 medical camps have been set up in the flood affected areas to prevent an outbreak of waterborne diseases.

The army is also using mobile medical units to provide medical assistance to people. Mobile medical units have been created in boats which continue to provide medical aid around the clock. They have also set up six water filtration plants to ensure that the flood survivors drink clean water.

The Hyderabad Garrison General Commanding Officer Major General Anwar Ali Hyder took an aerial tour of the flood affected areas which included Pangrio, Khoski, Sangrio and Sanghar. He also reviewed the arrangements made by the army for the people. The operational commanders of Badin and Sanghar Brigadier Javed Iqbal and Ghaus-u-din briefed Major Hyder about the relief and rescue operations in their areas. He appreciated the efforts made by the army officers and jawans. The major interacted with the flood affectees and assured them of the army’s full support and cooperation.

A Special Control room has been set up at the Hyderabad Garrison which will monitor the rescue and relief operation in the flood affected areas of the province. So far more than 3,000 army troops are working in flood affected areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 17^th,  2011.