Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over measures taken by the local administration for rescue and relief work carried out in the flood-hit areas during a visit to the affected areas in Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan district on Friday.
While addressing a gathering in Chachran, Sharif directed the administration to take precautionary measures in case of more rains in the district. He told the officials concerned to employ more helicopters and boats in case of emergencies during rescue operations.
During the PM’s visit to a relief camp in Chachran, RY Khan District Coordination Officer Capt (r) Zafar Iqbal informed Sharif that 556,000 cusec water in River Indus is passing through the district due to which 66 mauzas of the area are under water. He added that over 41,396 acres of crops have been affected while 34,715 locals have been rescued and taken to safer areas. Furthermore, he said 53,809 cattle have been vaccinated against the spread of waterborne diseases.
The premier also inspected the medical facilities provided to those affected by the floods. He instructed that items of everyday use should be provided to the affectees. Sharif added that all resources should be mobilised to provide relief to the people and no negligence on the part of any official in this regard will be tolerated.
The premier was informed that 21 flood relief camps have been set up in the district to cater to the needs of 56,000 affected people. He was further briefed about the vulnerable areas in the district and measures that have been taken to control erosion of embankments by reinforcing existing structures.