Floods 2015: Govt drags its feet as provinces drown

PM calls CM Sindh, assures federal govt's support to province in tackling flood situation

As the flood situation in the country worsened with every passing hour, the government seemed to be busy in bureaucratic huddles. 

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday called Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and inquired about the measures taken by the provincial government to address the situation created due to flood conditions in River Indus, while Punjab Chief Minster directed authorities to step up relief efforts in flood-hit areas.

Talking to CM Sindh, the premier assured that the federal government will provide all required support to the province for relief and assistance activities.

Punjab CM wants to step up relief efforts in flood-hit areas

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday directed authorities to step up relief efforts in flood-hit areas.

"I am monitoring the relief and flood situation myself," Shahbaz said, while speaking to the media in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Read: Monsoon rains: Urgent steps must be taken to deal with flood threat, says CM

The provincial chief minister was briefed about rescue activities in the flood affected areas of the district and he personally inspected the breach at the Jakhar Imam Shah Embankment.

"No negligence by officials in this regard will be tolerated," CM Shahbaz said, adding that all possible help will be extended to those affected and their losses will be compensated for.

Read:Raining death: Flash flood rampage continues on sixth day

CM Balochistan directs authorities to prepare for possible floods

Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has directed concerned authorities to take measures to cope with possible heavy monsoon rains and floods in the province. “Escaping from natural disaster is though not possible but through better strategy and well planning their damages can be reduced,” he added.

Chief Minister Balochistan expressed these views on Thursday while addressing to a meeting at the Chief Mnister’s Secretariat to review arrangements for monsoon rains and floods in the province.

Secretaries of various concerned departments, DIG Frontier Corps (FC), Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), representative of Commander Southern Command and other high ups also attended the meeting.

Briefing the meeting, Director General PDMA said that more monsoon rains are expected this year that may affect over 20 districts of Balochistan. “Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Subatpur and Jhal Magsi are high sensitive while Sibi, Zhob, Musakhel, Loralai, Barkhan, Kohlu, Harnai, Kachhi, Gwadar, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Sherani and Kalat are sensitive,” he added.

DG PDMA informed the meeting that six relief centres have been established to provide immediate relief to flood affectees, adding that Rs1 million and Rs0.5 million each have been allocated to all concerned Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners.

So far in Balochistan at least seven people have died in rain related incidents.