CM directs to accelerates rescue and relief operation in flood hit areas

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that rescue and relief operation in the flood hit areas should be further accelerated and all necessary measures should also be taken for the protection of life and property of the people. He directed that wherever required, helicopters and boats be used for evacuation of people from the affected areas and close contact should be maintained with the concerned departments in this regard.

He was presiding over a high level meeting here today. The meeting reviewed in detail, rivers and flood situation in the province.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the number of relief camps should be increased in flood hit areas and food, medicines, drinking water and other essential items should be available in abundance in the relief camps. He directed that rescue and relief operation with the help of helicopters and boats should be ensured in those villages and towns which were disconnected due to flood.

The Chief Minister said that all concerned departments should work day and night for mitigating the sufferings of the people and spare no effort in helping the brothers and sisters in this hour of trial. He said that all concerned departments should discharge their responsibilities efficiently and no negligence will be tolerated in this regard. Shahbaz Sharif directed that provision of food and mineral water to the affectees should be ensured at every cost. He directed concerned authorities to immediately send mobile filtration plants to affected areas. He said that Ministers, Commissioners and DCOs should remain present in the field. Meanwhile, Punjab government, in view of the heavy rains and flood situation, has decided to enforce flood emergency in the province.

Meanwhile,Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif visited flood-hit districts of Punjab for 12 hours today. He visited Zafarwal, Dehaat Terah, Baddu Malhi, Bhangalah Maalian, Khanki Headworks, Qadirabad, Gujrat and Jalalpur Bhattian (Hafizabad) and personally reviewed the whole situation.

The Chief Minister reached flood hit areas of Baddu Malhi by passing through flood water. Later, the Chief Minister reached Bhangala Maalian, village of Baddu Malhi by a boat. Despite stopping by the administration, the Chief Minister insisted to dangerous journey of boat and took along him Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal. He travelled by boat in flood water for one mile. On arrival at village, the affectees warmly welcomed the Chief Minister and they raised slogans of Shahbaz Sharif Zindabad. The people expressed their joy over visiting affected areas again by the Chief Minister and taking personal interest for resolving their problems. They expressed the hope that due to personal interest of Chief Minister Punjab, this difficult time will be over and the life will again become normal in affected areas.

The Chief Minister directed villagers to inform about the real facts regarding relief activities and not fear of the administration as he has reached here to resolve their problems.

Shahbaz Sharif also paid a surprise visit to Bhangala Maalian by boat for reviewing the facilities being provided to the affectees. Food, drinking water, doctors and medicines were available for affectees in the village. The Chief Minister said that public representatives of PML-N have come up to the test. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that PML-N will continue to serve the masses. Shahbaz Sharif and Ahsan Iqbal appreciated performance of administration and public representatives of PML-N.