August 11, 2003	Monday	Jumadi-us-Sani 12, 1424

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).

QUETTA, Aug 10: Over three dozen people were killed in the recent rains and floods in 14 districts of Balochistan.

According to data collected by the provincial relief commissioner’s office, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Lesbela, Khuzdar, Jhal Magsi, Sibi, Harnai and Ziarat districts were badly affected.

Sources said that around one million acres came under heavy floods while 400,000 acres of agriculture land was affected and crops damaged.

Reports submitted to the relief commissioner say that thousands of houses were swept away in flash floods and thousands others were damaged.

Most of the victims drowned while some died of snake bite, especially in Nasirabad, Jaffarabad and Jhal Magsi districts.

The death toll could increase after reports of losses are received from other districts, sources said.

Relief work has been launched in the affected areas. Army helicopters and troops also took part in the operation.

Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad Yousuf and Revenue Minister Mir Mohammad Asim Kurd visited the affected areas of the province with officials concerned.

The chief minister has directed the officials concerned to assess the human and property losses in their districts and submit their reports as soon as possible so that the government could provide funds for the rehabilitation of the victims.