- Says financial assistance to be disbursed to affectees within four days
- Family of each deceased person to get Rs2m, injured Rs0.5m and Rs0.75m for each family whose house damaged in rain
ISLAMABAD/QUETTA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced an extensive relief package for the rain-flood-affected people of Gwadar during a visit to the calamity-hit coastal town.
The newly-elected premier announced financial compensation for the affectees, including Rs2 million each for the families of the deceased, Rs0.5 million for the injured and Rs0.75 million for families whose houses were damaged in the torrential rainfall.
The prime minister said the package would be disbursed within four days. “This is not a favour. This is the duty of the newly-elected government and it is my duty as the prime minister. This is neither any favour nor anything else,” he maintained.
He also distributed cheques and relief goods including food items, blankets, water coolers and others necessities to the affected people.
The prime minister was accompanied by Chief Minister Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti and other lawmakers.
Earlier, during the flight to the disaster zone, the premier was briefed by the chairman of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) regarding the damage caused by the flash floods in the town and southern Balochistan.
The floods were triggered by relentless rainfall on February 28.
Shehbaz Sharif was also updated on the ongoing rescue and relief operation in the affected areas.
PM Shehbaz also directed authorities to form a robust system for advanced detection of natural calamities using modern technology and satellites. He ordered the prompt restoration of communication infrastructure in the flood-stricken areas and tasked a detailed assessment of the damages caused to private properties.
Shehbaz, on his first visit as a newly-elected PM, urged the authorities to develop a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation plan for the flood victims. “No effort should be left in the assistance of the victims”, he emphasized.
Last week, Gwadar was declared a ‘disaster zone’ by the Balochistan caretaker government following a devastating spell of rain which triggered flash floods in the area.
“I took oath as the PM yesterday and came here today not to show off but to sympathise with you from the bottom of my heart and assure you that we are standing with you,” the premier added.
Meanwhile, Gwadar Development Authority Director General Dawood Khilji told the media that 80 per cent of rainwater in the city had been drained.
On the other hand, the death toll from rain-related deaths in KP surged to 40. According to the PDMA, 62 people suffered injuries, 80 houses were completely damaged and 555 reported partial damages.
It said nine cattle also perished in the long spell and over 20 government buildings were damaged due to landslides.
PDMA spokesperson Taimoor Khan informed the media that relief items including tents, food, and blankets had been provided to the affected families in 14 districts across KP.
He said a majority of rain-related incidents were reported in Bajaur, Mohmand, and Dir districts.
Separately, Diamer Deputy Commissioner Capt (retd) Muhammad Arif said the Karakoram Highway had been opened for traffic after a four-day closure and was now closed at Kohistan.
Fuel shortage in GB
Meanwhile, GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq told Dawn.com that the transportation process in the region had been severely affected due to a shortage of petroleum products.
“The continuous closure of the Karakoram Highway for five days resulted in a severe shortage of petroleum products in various districts including Gilgit,” he said.
Locals told Dawn.com that the KKH closure had resulted in a 20 to 25pc increase in the prices of vegetables and fruits in GB. Naeemullah, the owner of a fruit shop, said the surge in prices was mainly due to the closure of the main thoroughfare connecting the region with the rest of the country.
More rains forecast
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, “continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country” and a westerly wave was likely to enter Balochistan today.
In its daily weather forecast, the Met Office said dry weather persisted in most parts of the country while very cold temperature was recorded in the upper areas.
It added that lowest temperatures were recorded in Kalam, Astore, Skardu, Kalat, Dir, Malam Jabba, Chitral, Murree and Mirkhani today.
The PMD said the new spell in Balochistan was likely to affect 16 districts including Khuzdar, Nokundi, Turbat, Chagai, Panjgur, Washuk, Dalbandin, Kharan, and Gwadar.
Meanwhile, light snowfall on mountain peaks was predicted in Chaman, Pasni, Quetta, Kalat, Ziarat, Zhob, and Kila Saifullah.
