PM Nawaz promises optimum relief for ‘calamity-hit’ areas

Premier says both the federal and Punjab governments are utilising all their resources to provide timely relief

FAISALABAD:

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday declared flood-ravaged areas as ‘disaster zones and pledged to provide ‘optimum relief’ to people affected by the disaster.

“I appreciate the patience and courage of people affected by the flood. The government will conduct an immediate survey of areas declared ‘calamity-hit’ so that steps can be taken to compensate flood-affected people without any delay,” he said, following a visit to flood-hit areas in Jhang district.

Speaking to flood victims at the Athara Hazari village following the visit, he said both the federal and Punjab governments are utilising all their resources to provide timely relief.

“This was the worst torrent to hit most parts of Punjab. The government will not leave any stone unturned while ensuring those hit by the calamity are rehabilitated,” Nawaz said. “The government will try to compensate flood-affected people to the maximum extent within available resources.”

As part of rehabilitation efforts, he said, the government will provide financial assistance for reconstructing houses destroyed by floods. In the meantime, relief camps have also been set up under the supervision of local district and divisional administrations, he said.

The premier said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was visiting flood-hit areas to supervise rescue and relief activities throughout the province.

Prime Minister Nawaz said the devastation caused by the floods ‘could not be imagined’. He expressed sorrow at the loss of livestock and millions of acres of crops. At the same time, he urged flood survivors to be “patient and brave”.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 14^th, 2014.