DERA GHAZI KHAN: Chief Minister Parvez Elahi on Tuesday visited the flood-hit areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur and inspected relief activities.

He distributed cheques for Rs800,000 to each family of the persons who lost their lives in the deluge. He declared Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur a calamity-hit area on the demand of the local parliamentarians.

He directed all-out help to the flood victims and offered fateha for the departed souls.

The CM announced that hill torrents’ paths would be channelised to avoid damage. He also visited the rescue operation centre in Shahpur area of Rajanpur and held a meeting with the flood victims besides inspecting relief activities.

Distributes compensatory cheques in flood-hit areas

The Punjab government, he said, stood with the affected people and their early recovery and rehabilitation was a priority. He said the government had set up medical camps for vaccinating the people to prevent any epidemic.

Later, the CM also visited the flood-hit Chhatani area of Taunsa Sharif and consoled the victims.

MEDIA TALK: Parvez Elahi told reporters that he would leave no stone unturned to compensate the displaced. The NDMA, PDMA and line departments would start immediate work for short-term and long-term planning, he added.

The CM ordered construction of channels at an estimated cost of Rs20 billion. He said a probe would be conducted on inundation of Shadan Lund food centre.

Parvez Elahi also made an aerial visit to the flood-affected areas of Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. The irrigation secretary briefed him on the relief activities.

PROTEST: Soon after departure of the chief minister, residents of the flood-hit Ahmadani village blocked Indus Highway to register their protest for being ignored.

They threw traffic out of gear and chanted slogans against the chief minister.

He also did not order an inquiry in a case of breach at Kot Mahoi dyke which is said to be the main cause of the flood.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2022