July 20, 2003	Sunday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 19, 1424

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HYDERABAD, July 19: The additional relief commissioner of Sindh said on Saturday that 27 persons were killed and 29 injured in rain-related incidents during the recent downpour in Sindh.

Talking to journalists at his office here, the additional relief commissioner, Ali Nawaz Mallah, said according to information received from administrative authorities concerned till July 19, four houses were completely destroyed and 746 houses were partially damaged by the rains.

He said eight persons were killed and eight were injured in Karachi, three died and 10 were injured in Hyderabad, three each died in Dadu and Shikarpur and 10 died and 11 were injured in Larkana.

He said the most of the losses were reported in the Larkana district where 722 houses were partially damaged, affecting 5,828 persons. Similarly, 17 houses in Shikarpur, four in Karachi and three in Hyderabad were damaged partially. One house in Karachi and three in Hyderabad were completely demolished, he added.

Replying to a question, Mr Mallah said only one relief camp had been established in Tando Allahyar.

Responding to another question, he said the Hyderabad district administration had demanded Rs10 million, Thatta Rs5 million, Shikarpur Rs2 million and Mirpurkhas Rs5 million for relief measures.

He said other districts had also been asked to submit their demands as the Sindh government intended to announce a relief package for rain-affected areas.

He said a survey about the losses was being conducted which would be made public after it was completed.

WASA: The managing director of Wasa while responding to complaints of non-availability of water in some areas of Hyderabad, Latifabad and Qasimabad talukas, has clarified that the Wasa is supplying 55 million gallons of water per day to the residents from its seven water works and pumping stations.

He, however, said supply of water depended on regular power supply. He said diesel or gas generators should be installed to maintain regular supply of water.