Provincial Minister & Chairman Cabinet Committee on Flood Col. (R) Shuja Khanzada has said that emergency has been declared in 21 districts of the province and the entire government machinery is engaged round the clock in providing relief to the calamity-hit people. He said that relief operation is being carried out in 1420 affected villages through 12 helicopters and 250 boats. He said that most of the machinery present in Lahore has been shifted to calamity hit areas. He said that a sum of 1800 million rupees has been provided to the DCOs of the affected districts for relief activities.
This was stated by him in a briefing to media-men at Civil Secretariat, here today. Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin, Spokesman Punjab government Zaeem Qadri, Advisor Chief Minister Punjab on Livestock Muhammad Arshad Jatt, Senior Member Board of Revenue Nadeem Ashraf and other senior officers were also present. The Minister said that 156 persons have died so far due to rains and floods while 256 have got injured. He said that government has abundant resources and more funds will be released in case of need.
Col. Retd. Shuja Khanzada said that 466 mobile teams of Health Department are present in the field and treatment facilities have been provided to 13 thousand patients so far. Moreover, arrangements have been completed for the provision of medical assistance at the relief camps. He said that vaccine against snake and dog bite has also been made available at the relief camps. The Minister informed media-men that River Chenab and all the rivers are normal at present however there is a threat of worsening of the situation due to River Chenab. He said that in case of threat to Trimu Head a breach will be caused to save the headwork. He said that services of police have been acquired for evacuating the people from the areas in case of need. He said that Pakistan army, air force and navy are helping Punjab government in relief activities and their helicopters and personnel are engaged in relief operation,.
Spokesman Punjab government, Zaeem Qadri informed the journalists that government has arranged 10 thousand blankets for the flood affected people as the weather is likely to change after two weeks. He said that federal government is providing all out assistance to Punjab government for the relief of flood affectees which is commendable. Minister for Food Bilal Yasin and Advisor to CM Muhammad Arshad Jutt told that four lakh cattle have been affected by floods. He said that 89 mobile dispensaries have been set up for the treatment of livestock while four lakh cattle have been rescued from the flood-water.