Khuzdar: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited flood-hit areas in Balochistan and directed urgent steps for discharge of floodwater to prevent outbreak of water-borne diseases. PM visited flood-hit areas of Sohbatpur as he arrived in district Khuzdar on a day-long visit to review arrangements for relief and rehabilitation. He took an aerial view of inundated areas of Balochistan and Sindh.

PM proposed taking on board water engineers and hydrologists to recommend suggestions in line with post-flood studies. PM Shehbaz feared that epidemics and communicable diseases could become a big challenge if water took months to recede. He directed to ensure availability of drinking water among flood-affected people. He mentioned that Rs five billion had been disbursed among flood victims of Balochistan under Benazir Income Support Programme, as each household was given Rs 25,000 to meet their needs. He said to facilitate flood-struck population, government had exempt charging of 300 units in electricity bills during August and September.

He interacted with patients at a medical camp set up for flood victims and inquired staff about availability of medicine including anti-malaria vaccine. He mingled with students at a makeshift school and assured them that government would construct a model school for them in two months equipped with modern facilities.

Chief Secretary Balochistan briefed Prime Minister about ongoing relief and rehabilitation activities carried out in flood-hit areas of province.

He said heavy machinery was at work in five districts of Balochistan to rebuild infrastructure and clear pathways damaged by floods. It was told that regular sprays were being carried out to contain any possibility of epidemics in flood-affected areas.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 18 2022

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