‘Response should be fast and effective’

Zardari asks officials to develop a system to drain flood water into the Arabian Sea.

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari directed the federal and Sindh government departments on Wednesday to jointly work for a new system to drain out the flood water from Sindh and Balochistan into the Arabian Sea.

While chairing a meeting at Bilawal House, the president asked officials to consult different stakeholders and environment experts before planning the system.

Zardari said that along with relief activities, comprehensive plans should be chalked out immediately to provide necessary assistance for rehabilitation of the affected people, especially farmers.

The officials were told to use all resources available to provide relief in flood-hit areas and also keep a check on the possible outbreak of waterborne diseases by setting up medical camps.

Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah briefed the president about the devastation caused by floods in Sindh districts - Sukkur, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore and Shikarpur. The National Disaster Management Authority chairperson, Dr Zafar Iqbal Qadir, informed the meeting about the preparations undertaken by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority for emergency situations.

Basic necessities, including tents, ration and transportation to safer places, are being provided to the people, said Qadir.

Utility Stores Corporation Managing Director Major Gen. (r) Muhammad Farooq updated the meeting about the availability of food and other items.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2012.