Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid Tuesday informed the National Assembly that Karakoram Highway (KKH) was still closed due to land-sliding and efforts were being made to clear it.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice raised by PPP’s Naveed Qamar regarding killing of hundred of citizens, collapse of houses and losses of standing crops due to heavy rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, he said before April earthquake, the Frontier Works Organization has informed that KKH would be cleared in few days. However, some more landsliding reported after the earthquake, he added.
The minister clarified that the Met office had issued seven weather advisory to all provincial governments and relevant agencies for abnormal rains in March and April.
He said that some 260 people had lost their lives and 220 sustained injuries in the recent rains and flash floods in KPK, GB and AJK, adding that 2670 houses were also damaged due to rain and floods, he added.
Regarding assistance, the minister said that the government had provided 2657 tents, 7760 blankets, 1856 plastic mats and 47 tons rations in the affected areas.
He said the provincial governments also contributed their share to the said relief package.
He said a survey was also being conducted to assess the damages.
Further compensation was under consideration after completion of the survey, he added.
