G-B to assess flood losses

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government plans comprehensive assessment of losses caused by the recent flooding in the region, sources said on Wednesday.

“Initially, the plan will be implemented in Gilgit alone. For this purpose, Gilgit district has been divided into six regions. In each region a tehsildar, assisted by his subordinate staff, will collect the data,” an official told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity.

Heavy floods, triggered by torrential rains, swamped 350 villages in the region, killing nearly 200 people, sweeping away 184 bridges, 504 channels and 5,000 head of cattle. Hundreds of people were left homeless in Gilgit alone.

“In the first phase areas between Baseen to Bargo will be covered. The areas from Jagir-Basin to Thopchar-Amphary will be covered in the second phase,” the official said. “And the region between Amphary and Sonikot will be covered in the third phase.” Similarly, damages in the areas between Jutial and Sakwar will be assessed in the fourth phase, from Jutial to University in the fifth phase and in the areas between University and Jaglote Goru in the sixth phase.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2010.