LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has appealed to the people of flood-affected areas to cooperate with the administration and move to safe places.
According to an official statement, she assured the affected people that Punjab government is assessing the damage caused to their homes, crops and livestock, and all their losses will be compensated on a priority basis.
She outlined, “The foremost priority at this time is protection of the people’s lives. The citizens should cooperate with the administration as well as rescue and relief agencies.”
The chief minister said that by making a transparent assessment of the damage caused to the livestock and property, all the flood victims will be compensated for their losses.
She appealed to the people of flood-hit areas to prioritise protection of their own and their children’s lives at this critical time. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also praised the efforts of Punjab government departments resulting in saving hundreds of lives in Ferozewala and Sheikhupura tehsils by timely erecting embankments. Dozens of villages and hundreds of livestock, agricultural land and livelihood of people were saved owing to prompt action taken by the administration.
The chief minister appreciated the efforts for saving the lives of people from the dangers of flash floods by erecting embankments to protect the settlements of a large population. Santpura and adjacent settlements were saved from flash floods due to the embankments.
During a visit to the Sialkot-Sambrial Airport Chowk to review the flood situation, the chief minister appreciated the day and night efforts of the Sialkot administration to rescue the flood victims. She directed the authorities to ensure complete drainage by installing additional dewatering pumps in the low-lying areas.
She ordered distribution of food and ration among the flood victims until their rehabilitation.
During the visit, parliamentarians presented suggestions and recommendations for sustainable measures for the drainage of rainwater.
The chief minister sought an estimate of the damage caused due to the devastating floods at the earliest.
She said, “In times of trial and tabulation, the assembly members must always visit the affected areas and show their complete support to the people.”
She was informed in a briefing that approximately 20,000 people had been relocated to safe places during the recent rainfall in Sialkot.
Officials said 6,860 people stranded in the flood-hit areas had been rescued.
More than 300 villages and adjoining rural areas of Sialkot were badly affected by the flood.
The chief minister was informed that 38 relief and 18 food camps have been established in the district.
Regarding the situation in Shahdara, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said,”Safe evacuation from Theme Park, Mohlanwal, Mureedwal, Farrukhabad, Shafiqabad, Afghan Colony, New Meter City and Chung area has been completed, while rescue and relief operations are continuing rapidly in Talat Park Babu Sabu. Water entered four blocks of Park View Housing Society, but residents were evacuated safely in time.”
She added, “Most of the victims are staying in Chung Thokar relief camp, where best facilities for accommodation and food are available.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that the provincial ministers are present in their districts to help flood victims, where local legislators are also involved in relief activities.
