Steps are being taken for better weather forecast:Maj Gen Asghar Nawaz

Lahore: Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Maj. Gen. Asghar Nawaz has said that a comprehensive mechanism is being evolved for the monitoring of water in rivers from cross border so that losses of flood could be minimized. He said that steps are being taken for setting meteorological department on modern lines and improving its performance so that it could make better weather forecast.

He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting in the office of Provincial Disaster Management Authority, here today. Provincial Minister for Environment and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Flood Col. (R) Shuja Khanzada, DG PDMA Jawad Akram, Secretary Information Momin Agha, DG Health Dr. Zahid Pervaiz and officers of other departments were also present on the occasion.

Giving a briefing, DG PDMA Jawad Akram told that PDMA has set up helpline 1129 on which flood affectees can lodge their complaints which are transferred to DCO and district emergency officer of concerned district and are redressed immediately. He told that DG Khan, Layyah, Mianwali, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur districts have been affected due to flood while crops of sugarcane, rice, pulses, fodder on 228919 acres and 551 houses have been damaged. He said that 13 persons died due to flood and five lakh rupees each have been paid to the families of the deceased.

He said that 17600 tents, 101000 food hampers, 72000 mineral water bottles and 8500 mosquito nets have been provided to flood affectees while 501130 kg wanda and fodder have also been provided for cattle of flood-hit people. He said that three time meal is being provided to the persons residing in 135 relief camps while 40050 affectees have been provided medical facilities. He said that 132825 marooned people have been rescued and 250 boats took part in this operation. He further said that 632200 cattle have been vaccinated.

Chairman NDMA Maj. Gen. Asghar Nawaz appreciated dashboard of Punjab and said that Punjab is the only province on the window of which common man has access. He lauded the performance of Rescue 1122 and praised the braveness of rescue teams for disposal of floodwater.

Col. (R) Shuja Khanzada said that Punjab Chief Minister is personally supervising the relief operation and on his instructions, all out facilities are being provided to flood affectees. He said that relief operation will be continued till the rehabilitation of flood affectees.