I am deeply grieved at the losses due to recent rains and floods:Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that he is deeply grieved at the losses due to recent rains and floods in the province. He said that relief and rehabilitation of flood affectees is the top priority of the government and all out resources are being utilized for this purpose. He said that government is standing with the calamity-stricken brethren in this hour of trial and this challenge will be countered with the same spirit as was displayed in 2010.  No effort will be spared for the complete rehabilitation of the flood-hit people, he added.

He was presiding over a high level meeting to review the situation arising out of heavy rains and floods and relief activities for the affectees. Provincial Ministers, Special Assistants, Chief Secretary, Senior Member Board of Revenue, concerned provincial secretaries and senior officials of PDMA, Rescue 1122 and other departments were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister directed that that all divisional commissioners, district administration and concerned departments should remain on high alert and the situation of the rivers and water channels should be monitored round the clock while concerned institutions should immediately be informed in case of any emergency. He said that elected representatives should work with the district administration and take necessary measures to meet flood and rain situation. He said that in view of heavy rains and water situation in rivers, protective spurs of rivers, canals and water channels should be strengthened and all necessary measures should be taken in this regard.

He said that district administration, police authorities and concerned departments should keep a watchful eye on the flood situation. He said that tents, food items, dry ration, medicines, mineral water and other essential commodities should be provided in abundance for providing relief to the affectees. He said that government is accountable to the people and will fully help and support flood victims at this time of difficulty.  He assured that Punjab government will provide all necessary resources in this regard.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also visited flood-hit areas and announced assistance on behalf the federal government. He said that masses gave a historic mandate to Pakistan Muslim League-N in general elections and now it is the duty of elected representatives to stand with the people at their time of need and work with the administration to resolve their problems. He said that he spent Eid day with calamity-stricken people and assured them that they will not be left alone at this difficult time. He said that relief activities have been started in the areas devastated by floods in Rajanpur, Mianwali, Jhang, Faisalabad, Kamoke and Sialkot and rehabilitation work for the affected people is in full swing. He said that every effort will be made for the rehabilitation of flood affectees and they will soon be rehabilitated in their houses. He warned that no laxity or negligence will be tolerated in the relief and rehabilitation activities for the flood affectees.

He said that a sum of Rs.10 crore has been released for relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by flood. He said that recent heavy rains and river situation is a challenge which will have to be dealt with as a national responsibility. He said that people of the villages threatened by flood should be immediately evacuated while every effort should be made for saving livestock and crops.

The Chief Minister also issued instructions for immediate disposal of floodwater and said that administration and concerned institutions should utilize all out resources for this purpose. He said that special teams of Health Department should set up medical camps in the flood hit areas and provide free medicines and health facilities to the affected people. He said that protection of life and property of people should be considered as top priority.

A detailed briefing was also given to the Chief Minister on the measures taken for coping with the flood situation and relief activities for the affectees.