PM briefed on Sindh flood situation; says rehabilitation of victim top priority
NAWABSHAH, Sept 17 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said that timely rehabilitation of the rain and flood people in Sindh was among the top most priorities of government.Following a briefing given to him here at Zardari House by officials of National Disaster Management Authority, the Prime Minister said that efforts were underway to provide all essential facilities at the relief camps established for the flood victims.The Prime Minister was briefed about the flood situation in Sindh as he started his two-day tour to supervise relief activities in the province.The officials of NDMA and provincial government apprised the Prime Minister of the situation of massive floods that had impacted scores of people in Sindh.
He was informed that 32,000 villages were submerged with 1.35 million houses damaged, 5.6 million people affected and 345 dead due to the floods in the province.
The Prime Minister was informed that NDMA and local authorities were busy in providing relief goods to the flood affected people.
The briefing also focused on assistance provided by the Jawans of Armed Forces and the distribution of relief material by Pakistan Air Force, dispatched from Chaklala on Saturday to the flood-hit areas.
The Prime Minister said that the government as its first line of action would ensure transportation of affected villagers to the relief camps and immediate availability of food as well as medical care to them.
On this occasion he announced to visit each and every flood affected district and to personally review steps taken for the relief and assistance of the sufferers.
“It was due to the gravity of situation and commitment towards the well-being of masses that I have cancelled visit to the USA,” said the Prime Minister.
He expressed his deep grief about the enormity of losses and devastation caused to the people due to rains and floods.
He said the government was fully conscious of its responsibilities towards the victims and besides expediting the ongoing assistance to them, a strategy was also being evolved for their proper rehabilitation.
MNA Faryal Talpur, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Governor Punjab Latif Khosa, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon and members of PM’s Flood Relief Committee Raja Pervez Ashraf and Nazar Mohammad Gondal also attended the briefing.
Later the Prime Minister also took an aerial view of Badin and Hyderabad. The Punjab Governor and Sindh Chief Minister also accompanied him.