December 9, 2002	Monday	Shawwal 4,1423

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PESHAWAR, Dec 8: The NWFP government distributed over Rs13.7 million among the families that had suffered casualties and financial losses because of flash floods that hit parts of 11 districts recently, according to official sources.

A total of 23 people were killed and 17 injured as a result of the floods caused by overflowing of canals and torrential rains in August and September.

Of the relief funds, over Rs6.3 million was distributed among the victims in Peshawar.

Around 500 mud houses collapsed and 930 were partially damaged by the floods that lashed several villages falling under the jurisdiction of Kafoor Dehri, Mathra, Shahi Bala, Panam Dehri and Ghari Sher Dad union councils.

The Swabi district government received Rs3.27 million for distribution among the flood victims. A sum of Rs3.74 million was distributed among the victims of Mardan, Rs157,000  in Lower Dir, Rs136,000 in Shangla, Rs60,000 in Charsadda and Rs5,000 in Nowshera.

The funds were distributed under the West Pakistan National  Calamity Prevention and Relief Act, 1958, sources said.

Initially, the last provincial government had earmarked Rs200,000 for flood relief activities for the 2002-03 financial year.

However, later the fund was increased to Rs15 million in view of the greater requirements when several areas in the province were struck by flash floods and heavy rains.

In accordance with the rates of compensation determined in 1997, family of every ‘breadwinner’ who expired due to floods was extended Rs50,000. Those who lost a family member got Rs30,000.

The authorities concerned withheld Rs300,000 in their bank account to meet future requirements if emergency arose, sources said.