Pak Navy to the rescue

SUKKUR: Pakistan Navy’s search and rescue teams deployed in Sindh evacuated the areas under threat due to the rising water level at Mithan Kot and Guddu Barrage. Over 3,500 people were relocated to safer places on Thursday from the low-lying areas of Kashmore, Ghotki, Pannu Aqil, Sukkur and Rohri, according to a navy press release.

The navy has deployed nine search and rescue teams in Sukkur, three in Kashmore, four in Ghotki and one in Pannu Aqil. Additionally, three teams are being deployed in Khairpur district.

PN Sea King and Alouette helicopters have also been stationed at Sukkur for rescue operations. Medical teams, medicines, 45 rescue boats and other relief goods were sent to Sukkur on Thursday morning.

Captain Shahabud Din and Commander Zulfikar Ali told the Daily Express that five navy helicopters are busy in the rescue and relief efforts.

Doctors have also formed three teams for the flood-affected areas in Sukkur where they fear gastroenteritis and other waterborne diseases will spread.

The navy also conducted an aerial survey of the affected area to assess the damage.

Separately, Karachi Corps established a relief camp for flood-affected people near the Transit Camp (old race course ground), according to an ISPR press release issued on Thursday.

Relief goods including packets of 10 kilogrammes each containing dry ration, tents, a water cooler, medicines and blankets can be deposited to the Karachi Corps Relief Camp. Non-governmental organisations and philanthropists may contact on 0344-5784638 or 0333-3776561 for donations, according to the press release.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2010.

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Security measures are being taken to minimise damage in Sindh, said National Assembly speaker Dr Fahmida Mirza during a visit to the Kotri Barrage.

According to the irrigation department, the Kotri Barrage has been compromised in 26 areas, including the Malakatyar bund in the Sajawal area which has been declared “extremely sensitive”, said Mirza, who added that the district administration has initiated repair work in the affected areas.

The irrigation department claims that Sindh will not suffer big losses, said Mirza. She added that the authorities are taking measures to transport residents of Latifabad and Qasimabad to safe locations.

Provincial interior minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, ministers Zahid Bhargari, Ali Nawaz Shah and other officials from the irrigation department were also present at the occasion.

Addressing flood-related complaints

The health department’s central control room has started work in the Sindh secretariat Block 94 where health officials have been directed to address flood-related complaints round the clock.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP/PPI

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2010.