November 03, 2008	Monday	Ziqa'ad 4, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Nov 2: The government has decided to provide an amount of Rs25,000 and 15 CGI sheets to each family in Balochistan’s quake-hit areas for reconstruction of mud-houses because tents would not protect people from the snowstorm likely to hit the area in a few weeks.

Briefing Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on the relief and rehabilitation work here on Sunday, National Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Farooq Ahmed Khan said that blankets, quilts, tents, warm jackets, plastic bags and food items were being provided by the NDMA.

Taking notice of reports about delay in providing relief goods to the quake-hit people, the prime minister directed the authorities concerned to gear up relief and rehabilitation efforts.

He said there should be no shortage of foodstuff in the areas.

The meeting expressed gratitude to the donor agencies, NGOs and international community for providing help to the affected people.

The meeting was informed that medical teams were working round the clock in the areas.

The prime minister directed the authorities to keep an eye on unscrupulous elements involved in selling relief goods.