No shortage of resources for the rehabilitation of flood affectees: Punjab Government

Lahore: There is no shortage of resources for the relief and rehabilitation of flood affectees and Chief Minister Punjab has increased the amount of the first installment of financial compensation to the calamity hit people from Rs.20 thousand to Rs. 25 thousand. Rehabilitation work has been started in all affected areas including Sialkot, Gujranwala and Faisalabad. All rivers are normal while the flow of water in river Chenab is 1 lakh 70 thousand cusec at Trimu. Six lakh cusecs water is likely to pass from Panjnad, however, there is no threat.

This was stated by Chairman Cabinet Committee on Flood and Provincial Minister Environment Col. Retd. Shuja Khanzada and spokesman Punjab Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri while addressing a press conference at Civil Secretariat today.  Col Shuja Khanzada said that 232 persons have died due to flood so far, out of which, the families of 152 victims have been paid cheques of 16 lakh each. He said that 5 lakh 50 thousand flood affectees have been rescued and shifted to safer places so far while treatment facilities have been provided to one lakh 23 thousand patients.

He said that Punjab government is engaged in relief and rescue of the flood affectees through 17 helicopters of Army and 300 boats. He said that one lakh 85 thousand 700 kilograms relief items have been provided to the marooned people through army helicopters. He said that out of 38 important link roads affected by flood, 31 have been restored. Col. Shuja Khanzada further said that 1.5 lakh food hampers have so far been distributed among the calamity hit people. He said that mechanical tandoors have been set up in all districts and children are also being provided packets of juice and milk.

Spokesman Punjab government Zaeem Hussain Qadri said that Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has provided a sum of 10 crore rupees each to the DCOs of all affected districts while a fund of 50 million rupees has been allocated for the calamity-hit people. Moreover, he said that Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has also announced financial assistance for the provision of relief to flood affectees of Punjab and Sindh.

He said that Chief Minister is visiting four affected districts daily. He said that Chief Minister’s Relief Fund has been set up for the flood affectees while donors’ conference can also be arranged if needed after assessment of flood losses. Member Provincial Assembly Uzma Bukhari said that Punjab government has sent lady health visitors, doctors and mobile units to flood hit areas for the treatment of affected women. Col. Shuja Khanzada said that 21 districts have been affected by flood. He said that NGOs and all members of the society should take an active part the relief activities in flood hit people.