SUKKUR, Aug 2: Sindh Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar has said the recent rains have affected at least 800,000 people and caused a damage of more than Rs2 billion.

Speaking at a press conference at the Sukkur Airport on Saturday, Mr Mahar said the aid announced by the federal government was not sufficient to rehabilitate the affected people but the prime minister had promised a package for Sindh.

He said he was informed by officials engaged in relief operation that about 145 people were killed in rain-related incidents in Sindh.

Answering a question, he said a comprehensive survey of the losses was in progress after which it would be possible to assess the extent of the damage caused by the rain.

He said hundreds of relief camps were established in the rain-affected 12 districts. He said food, medicines and other essential items were being provided at these camps.

He also appealed to philanthropists to help the government in providing relief to the affected people.

The chief minister was informed that Thul, Jacobabad, was the most affected area in upper Sindh where the Moosa Allah Yar Canal had developed a breach. He was told that knee-deep water was still standing in the town but no official had visited the area.

Mr Mahar said action would be taken against negligent officials and asked the DCO of Jacobabad to visit Thul and submit a report of the losses to the government.

He said the UN had given $1 million and US and Japan governments were also approached for assistance. He said the Karachi Stock Exchange had donated Rs5 million.

Replying to a question, the chief minister said on the complaint of Sindh Democratic Alliance chief Imtiaz Ahmad Shaikh, the staff of the Left Bank Outfall Drain was suspended.

Later, District Nazim Nasir Hussain Shah gave a cheque of Rs1 million to purchase medicines for rain victims.