Encroachments to blame for casualties, destruction during floods: K-P CM

Said notices have been issued asking residents to evacuate affected areas

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak on Monday blamed encroachments for widespread damage and casualties during the floods in the province.

“A law would be passed that would hinder and punishment anyone who builds their house on drains as this poses a danger to lives and properties during the floods,” he said, while speaking to the media in Peshawar, Express News reported.

Read: Raging catastrophe: Floods continue to wreak havoc across country

To a question about compensation to the victims of the floods, the CM said those who were owners of houses built as encroachments in Chitral would not be paid anything.

“Residents of these areas had already been warned to evacuate in view of the impending danger; we have issued further notices,” he maintained.

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

Khattak said that the federal, provincial governments and Pakistan Army are working in unison to rescue stranded people and provide them with the relief.

“Pakistan Army is actively reaching out to stranded people and are providing them with relief goods.”