Number of flood-hit people may rise, says Sherry
Islamabad: Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman warned on Sunday that the number of people affected by floods in the country could rise from 33 million if devastating floods continue.
“Humanitarian action is now government-led and supported by the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations. [Total] 1,033 people were killed and more than 1,500 injured. , there are still very high flood levels in Nowshera and [this is] why residents in some areas are not allowed to return to their homes,” they said in a statement.
“The Indus River water levels in Thonsa, Sukkur and Chashma are at storm surge levels since exceeding 500,000 cusec, while Guddu and Kotri are at intermediate high tide levels,” she added.
The minister said the rain disrupted critical communication systems, which are now being rebuilt by the National Highway Administration (NHA) and others. Kalam received the most rainfall at 41.5mm and Bagrot at Gilgit-Baltistan experienced up to 21mm. More rain is expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the Pakistan Army increased the number of rescue helicopters in use as the rains eased in some areas. The Pakistani Navy has also deployed in terrain where it would not normally deploy boats.
Fate of thousands in Sindh
The Minister said the Ministry of Economy (EAD) and other ministries are working around the clock with some 35 multilateral and bilateral donors to assess needs and fill gaps in relief efforts. . The Benazir Income Assistance Program (BISP) has launched the deployment of Rs.35 billion in relief tranches of Rs.25,000 for the most vulnerable.
She added that 218,112 beneficiaries received immediate cash assistance.
The government is offering voluntary compensation of 1 million rupees to her close relatives who have lost loved ones and 250,000 rupees to her injured family members.
Sherri said a total of Rs.500,000 will be offered for each completely destroyed house while she will be offered Rs.250,000 for a partially destroyed house.
However, hygiene kits and waterproof tents for isolated families are still in short supply. Many people are put in empty schools because the ground is too wet.
“Just as more than 72 disaster-hit districts in southern Pakistan have suffered from incessant rainfall, flooding of the Indus River from the north has increased the number of disaster-affected districts, leading to an increase in the number of disaster-hit districts in Gilgit-Baltistan province. We have also received reports of flooding in ..a perfect storm,” the minister said.
The minister said he regretted that during the national emergency, opposition leadership and grassroots movements were more busy raising issues than helping those in need.
“PTI’s toxic narrative puts Pakistan’s relief efforts at risk,” said social media activists urging local and international donors not to help Pakistan’s vulnerable and more than 33 million affected people. “This is a very irresponsible action at a time when the country is going through an unprecedented shock,” she added.