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Pakistan facing the biggest flood in history, says Ahsan Iqbal

Pakistan facing the biggest flood in history, says Ahsan Iqbal
September 20, 2022 Web Desk

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan is facing the biggest flood in history.

Briefing media persons in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said that the number of people killed in the flood has increased from 1500. “More than 30 million people have been affected. There is still water in Balochistan and Sindh. Many planes are bringing relief goods from different countries. The flood victims still need more help.”

He said that the government is working to establish mobile clinics and maternity hospitals in the affected areas keeping in view the health needs of women there. “I also appealed the religious scholars to encourage the people in their Friday Sermons to extend a helping hand to the flood victims.”

Besides this, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has announced to launch 'Adopt a District' program with the cooperation of provincial governments to lend a helping hand to the districts worst affected by the catastrophic flooding.

Under this program, the administrative, human and health sector resources of major districts especially in Punjab which have not been damaged by the floods will be left at the disposal of those affected by the calamity. “It is time to express complete compassion and solidarity with the people of flood affected districts and this will be a great service to this country.

“Two million mother and child nutrition packs will also be raised with the support of university students. Vice Chancellors of each university will task every student to prepare this nutrition pack individually or with the support of community to help those women and children whose lives are at stake in the flood hit areas.”

In his remarks, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority Lieutenant General Akhtar Nawaz said that Pakistan has so far received one hundred and fourteen relief flights from twenty countries. “Turkiye is also sending relief trains to Pakistan. The relief goods sent by different countries include tents, tarpaulin, blankets, food packs, medicines and boats.

“Sindh is the most affected province. Hence, 55 to 60 percent relief goods have been sent to the province followed by 15 to 20 percent to Balochistan. Relief goods have also been provided to Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan. A complete record of relief goods is being maintained to ensure transparency,” he added.

Moreover, Coordinator National Flood Response and Coordination Center Major General Muhammad Zafar Iqbal said that connectivity with Balochistan has been restored while trains are also plying on ML-1. “Provision of food to the flood affected areas is being ensured. The country has sufficient stocks of wheat and the government will take action against those involved in hoarding.”

“Draining the water out of agriculture land in Sindh is continuing, expressing the confidence that most of the land there will be available for the cultivation of wheat crop. Sunflower will be grown in the land where water will be standing,” he concluded.