Appeal to help flood affectees is getting a good response: COAS Qamar Bajwa

RAWALPINDI (92 News) - Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the flood-hit areas of Swat on Tuesday.

According to a press release issued by the ISPR, COAS met with women, children, elders and other people who were rescued today by Army aviation helicopters from Kumrat/Kalam to Kanju.

The COAS spent time with evacuated people who thanked the Pakistan Army for reaching out once they needed it the most and bringing comfort not only to them but their families back home who eagerly awaited their safe return.

The COAS also undertook aerial reconnaissance of the extent of damage caused by floods and relief efforts of Army troops at various locations including Kalam, Bahrain, Khwazakhela and Matta areas of Swat. The COAS appreciated Peshawar Corps for effective and timely response during crisis and saving precious lives.

Speaking on the occasion, COAS Qamar Bajwa said that the authorities had to yet assess the colossal losses caused by the floods.

"The district administration, provincial governments and the Pak Army will conduct the survey in the flood-hit areas. Kalam has suffered a huge loss where bridges and hotels have destroyed. There has been negligence in the construction and the action should be taken against the responsible people," he maintained.

He said that the appeal to help the flood affectees is getting a good response. "We are importing tents from abroad. Several tonnes of ration has been collected. The real problem is ration, but tents. The government will have to construct houses for the flood victims. There is not a big issue here. The problem is grave in Sindh where four-feet water has accumulated. The problem is in Balcohistan where the entire villages have been washed away," the COAS concluded.