ISLAMABAD: Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that military forces, rescue teams and Army Aviation are helping the victims in the flood-affected areas on the instructions of the Field Marshal and so far, more than 6,000 people have been provided medical assistance, while special teams of doctors from the Medical Battalion and CMH have also been sent to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The recent rains and flash floods in the country have caused massive loss of life and property. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, DG ISPR and Chairman NDMA briefed the media about the relief operations and the current situation in a joint press briefing.
DG ISPR said that urban flooding has caused severe damage to human lives and property. Relief activities have been intensified on the instructions of the Prime Minister and so far 25,000 people have been shifted to safe places. He said that the power system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Shangla, Bajaur and Swat, was badly affected, but 70 percent has been restored, and the Energy Minister himself is in the field.
He said that Malakand and Bisham roads have been restored, while the N-90 highway has also been opened for traffic. So far, 1,200 tents have been sent to the affected areas and a special medical team has also been dispatched from PIMS Hospital. All institutions have been instructed to remain alert in view of more rains.
Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik said that the flood situation has arisen in the northern areas due to melting glaciers and cloudbursts. 670 deaths and more than 1,000 people have been injured in the recent rains and floods. Since August 17, 25,000 victims have been rescued and provided medical assistance.
He warned that a new and intense spell of rains is expected by August 23, in view of which all arrangements are complete. According to the NDMA, the third batch of relief goods, including medicines and rations, is being sent to 5 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the PM Ration Package.
The NDMA Chairman said that 50 percent of the work of restoring highways has been completed and a report will be sent to the government after a complete survey to estimate the losses.
The Federal Information Minister said that the NDMA, Pakistan Army and the federal and provincial governments are dealing with the situation together under a better strategy. He said that the Prime Minister has made it clear that in this difficult time, we are all one, we will overcome this disaster under the National Response.
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