Maryam Nawaz reviews flood situation, orders resource mobilisation in Punjab

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered the utilisation of all available resources for the flood victims in the province.

She was presiding over a four-hour meeting in which the situation of all flood-affected areas across Punjab was reviewed. Reports regarding relief and rescue activities in the affected districts were presented and reviewed in the meeting.

The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to adopt emergency measures in the hospitals in view of the flood situation in all districts of Punjab.

She also visited Shahdara to review the flood situation in Ravi River. She observed the water level at the Shahdara Bridge, the safety dam and other protective measures. She was apprised of the possible flow of water in the river.

The chief minister directed the administration and departments engaged in the rescue and relief activities to complete the evacuation of the population and livestock from the river crossings at the earliest.

The Lahore deputy commissioner gave a briefing about the situation in the river and the affected areas.

The CM was informed during the meeting earlier in the day that all relevant departments of the Punjab government were monitoring the flood situation round the clock. Services of the army were called in for seven districts — Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Okara and Sargodha.

Also Read: Punjab floods worsen after Indian water release, 210,000 evacuated so far

The district administrations, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122, civil defence and police are engaged in carrying out rescue and relief operations on the front line.

The districts of Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur were declared affected due to flooding in Sutlej River.

At least 72 villages and 45,000 people in Kasur district have been badly affected by the high level of flooding in the river, the chief minister was informed.

She was informed that 12 villages in Pakpattan, 23 in Vehari, 75 in Bahawalnagar and 15 in Bahawalpur had been affected by the floods. To cope with the situation, 130 boats, out board motor vessels, bikes, 1,300 life jackets and 245 life rings have been delivered to the affected districts.

More than 150,000 people and 35,000 livestock have been shifted to safe places and relief camps along with medical and veterinary services have been established. More than 2,600 flood victims are being treated in the medical relief camps.

Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the chief secretary and other senior officers attended the meeting.

Also Read: Sikh religious sites at risk in Pakistan, India as Ravi River

Maryam also expressed gratitude over safe evacuation of 25 people trapped in floodwater in the Shakargarh area. “Every life is precious. Those who rescued the 25 people are national heroes,” she stated.

She paid tribute to the Shakargarh administration and rescue team for conducting timely rescue operation. The chief minister said, “Flood is a natural disaster, but safety of people’s lives and property will be ensured at all cost.”

She appealed to the people to stay away from the river and stream courses, stressing the need of moving to safe places well in time.

Read: Gates Foundation donates $1m to WHO for Pakistan flood relief

Provincial Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management’s Chairperson Khawaja Salman Rafique said during a visit to Ravi River to review the situation that instructions had been issued for the immediate evacuation of citizens from the riverbed in Lahore, Sheikhupura and Nankana.

Arrangements to deal with the high-level flood in the river at Jasar were reviewed on the occasion.

The minister said all rescue and relief agencies should remain on high alert and there was no room for negligence. He said residents of affected areas should be shifted to safe places and provided all facilities in relief camps.

The PDMA is ensuring continuous coordination across the province and the district administrations have been directed to remain active. The minister urged citizens to remain at home and avoid unnecessary travel.