SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
As the devastating floods move towards south after claiming more than 250 lives, Multan is under serious threat of flooding in the next 24 hours, Express News reported.
To save the city from the swollen Chenab River, explosives have been planted at Sher Shah dyke to divert the floodwater away from the populated areas.
The army is monitoring important installations and headworks in the city while Corps Commander Multan is directly overseeing the situation.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also visited flood-hit areas of Forward Kahuta in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where he was informed that rainwater has not cause any damage to basic infrastructure of Neelum Jhelum hydel project, however, trade and bus service to Indian-administered Kashmir is suspended due to the calamity.
The premier was informed that floods have destroyed 15 big and 175 small bridges in the area while Muzaffarabad-Chakothi road is temporary closed. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Dawood Oglu also spoke to PM Nawaz and expressed grief over the losses caused by floods.
Announcing the release of relief packages worth Rs100 million to each district affected by the monsoon rains, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that it was the government’s prime responsibility to evacuate stranded people. He said around 90% flood-hit areas people had been evacuated before the flood or from the flood water.
The provincial chief minister, while speaking to media in Chiniot, said three helicopters were being used for carrying food and medicines to flood victims.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also directed National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to start assessment of damages in the flood-affected areas and told all concerned authorities to provide realistic estimates of the damage caused before any rehabilitation work is undertaken.
He further told NDMA to inform the public about losses caused to life and property in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) and Punjab to direct relief efforts to places where it is most required.
Pak Army’s rescue efforts
Around 4,000 flood-affected people have been evacuated by the Pakistan Army from different areas, Radio Pakistan reported, quoting Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
ISPR reportedly said that the army is continuing with it’s relief work in Athara Hazari, Jhang, Chiniot, Ahmadpur Sial and Pir Kot, adding that the army is using seven helicopters and 100 boats for rescue operation. Further, the army has distributed 35 tonnes of food among the flood victims.
pakistan.shafaqna.com
