Punjab government declares flood emergency
Date
9/8/2014 11:29:42 PM
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Punjab government on Sunday imposed flood emergency across the province to deal with heavy rains and floods that have claimed at least 160 lives in the country.The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in the meanwhile also warned of very high floods in the country after four-days of incessant rains left a trail of devastation.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a letter to district commissioners and military agencies that accumulated water from rivers would evolve into “high to very high” floods after joining the mighty Indus River. “River Indus at Guddu and Sukkur is likely to attain exceptionally high flood level by 13th September” it said. According to a handout issued in Lahore Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif directed concerned authorities and departments to speed up the relief work for the flood and rain-hit people.
The chief minister also directed provincial ministers commissioners and DCOs to remain in the field to facilitate the flood victims. While heavy rains have eased in Punjab the Meteorological Department has cautioned that the respite is temporary and more rainfall is expected later.
It further warned that with rivers swelling steadily in water level Sindh and Punjab are expected to face severe flooding in the coming days.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also visited the flood-affected areas of Sialkot and Narowal districts to review the situation. He assured affected people that the government would extend every possible assistance to them.
Officials said hundreds of villages in central Punjab have been submerged besides uprooting thousands of people.
A Pakistan Army spokesman said the army continued its relief work in Sialkot Mandi Bahauddin Gujranwala and Qadirabad areas in central Punjab. He said that with the help of 300 boats and five helicopters the soldiers have so far rescued 3000 people from the flooded areas.
Business tycoon Malik Riaz of Bahria Town has announced financial assistance of Rs885 million for the affected families.
(With inputs from agencies)
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