PM turns up the pace on relief for flood-hit G-B
The prime minister visited G-B to take stock of the devastation caused by persistent heavy rainfall, landslides, and flooding. During his visit, he chaired high-level meetings and also discussed the status of ongoing development projects with the local leadership.
The country's northern and central regions have witnessed heavy rains since the monsoon season began in the last week of June. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), these rains and subsequent flash floods have resulted in 299 deaths nationwide.
Last week, the G-B government declared a state of emergency in 37 flood-ravaged areas across the region. The catastrophic flash floods have claimed at least 10 lives, left several tourists missing, and caused an estimated Rs20 billion in damages.
G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq had appealed for federal support in the wake of the massive devastation, expressing hope that the national leadership would step in to assist the victims and help heal their wounds.
Speaking at a ceremony in Gilgit on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced the Rs4 billion package for relief and rehabilitation in the flood-hit areas. He also distributed cheques among the families of those who were killed in the recent floods and rains.
Shehbaz directed that work on repairing damaged roads, infrastructure, and other development projects in the area be accelerated. He assured that the federal government would continue to collaborate with the G-B government in its relief efforts.
Meanwhile, chairing a meeting on rehabilitation work, the prime minister emphasised the need for early warning systems, preparedness for relief operations, and the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable areas, keeping in view the challenges of climate change.
"The NDMA and the Ministry of Climate Change should jointly establish a forecasting and monitoring centre for Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming months," the prime minister told the meeting. He added that a comprehensive system must be developed for immediate rescue and assistance in emergencies.
During the meeting, the provincial administration and the NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the losses caused by the heavy monsoon rains, the expected weather conditions, and the actions taken so far.
The Ministry of Climate Change informed the meeting about the progress on installing an early warning system for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), while the Ministry of Communications provided a briefing on the damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
The prime minister instructed that all damaged infrastructure should be rebuilt with climate resilience in mind. He directed the NDMA to cooperate with the Ministry of Climate Change to complete the installation of the early warning system within the next two months.
Regarding development projects, the prime minister announced that Daanish Schools would be established in Gilgit-Baltistan. He also mentioned that he was personally overseeing the solar power project approved by the Central Development Working Party for the region.
During his daylong visit, the prime minister met with G-B Governor Mehdi Shah, who apprised him of the post-flood situation. Separately, G-B Chief Minister Gulbar Khan also called on the prime minister to discuss key local issues.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
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