Planning Minister directs NDMA, provinces to expedite flood relief assessment survey

Islamabad: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has directed National Disaster Management Authority and all the provinces to expedite the relief assessment survey in flood-affected areas, particularly in Balochistan.

He issued these directions while chairing a Flood Relief Committee’ meeting to review progress over flood relief activities in Islamabad.

The representatives from all the provinces informed the meeting that soon after the flood, immediate measures were taken and further progress is underway in collaboration with NDMA.

The Minister directed the concerned stakeholders to expedite the relief activities while ensuring the completion of joint relief assessment surveys in flood-hit areas so the rehabilitation process could be started.

It was also decided to engage Benazir Income Support Program for the disbursement of cash to the flood-affected families.

The Minister for Planning said the most deserving people should be given a top priority.

It is pertinent to mention that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) informed that the death toll from recent monsoon rains and floods in different parts of Balochistan has risen to 182, including 81 men, 45 women and 56 children, while 75 persons have been injured.