ATHARA HAZARI (Jhang): Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday the flood-hit areas had been declared calamity-hit zones and the affected people would be paid compensation once the damages had been assessed after the floodwaters had receded.

Addressing a gathering of affected people at a relief camp during a visit to the flood-hit Athara Hazari town, the prime minister said he would not rest until rehabilitation of the displaced people.

The federal and provincial governments would continue to help the people in this hour of need.

Mr Sharif said it was the government’s responsibility to help the displaced people to cope with the difficulties they were facing.

He said an unprecedented flood was being witnessed in Chenab river and praised the courage of the affected people in coping with the situation.

“It is laudable that the affected people are raising the slogan of ‘long live Pakistan’ even in this hour of distress.”

He praised the services rendered by administration officials, police and armed forces personnel and civilians in rescuing stranded people and distributing relief items among them.

“This passion for public service is appreciable. I hope they will continue demonstrating this spirit,” he remarked.

He said the displaced people were being provided food and medicines and fodder for their cattle.

The prime minister claimed the government had warned the area people about the flood three to four days before it hit, and then evacuated them by boats and helicopters.

He expressed sorrow over the death of two persons in Athara Hazari.

Mr Sharif recalled that he, Shahbaz Sharif and Ghulam Haider Wyne had visited the area during the 1992 flood also.

Earlier, the district coordination officer of Jhang briefed the prime minister about the relief operation and an estimate of damage caused to houses and crops.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2014