GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman and Commander FCNA Maj-Gen Ehsan Mehmood Khan visited the quake-hit areas in Astore district the other day to review relief and rehabilitation activities.

They met with local residents and assured them of providing them with relief and carrying out their rehabilitation.

The top officials reviewed the damage caused by the earthquake to the houses and the ongoing relief activities in the affected villages.

Landslides after the earthquake, which struck the region on Dec 30, last year, damaged large portions of Astore valley road, disconnecting the district with other areas.

Pakistan Army, Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority and district administration officials with heavy machinery continued their efforts to clear the road of landslides.

Meanwhile, the army also organised medical camps at Doiyan, Shalter and Harchu villages of Astore district. It also distributed ration and tents among the affected people.

According to the district administration, the stretch of Astore road from Zero Point to Doya checkpost had been cleared on Saturday. They said it would take some more days to restore traffic on the road as debris and heavy rocks had buried it at several points.

Addressing affected people in Astore, Chief Minister Hafeezur Rehman said rehabilitation work in the areas was underway. He said food items, tents and medicines were being sent to the affected areas.

He lauded the role of Pak Army in assisting the civilian government in relief and rehabilitation work.

The chief minister directed to establish tent villages in the affected areas. He said assessment of the losses was being carried out to compensate the affected people.

He said Rs150,000 would be paid to those whose houses had been destroyed, while Rs30,000 to the owners of damaged houses.

Meanwhile, Governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon has asked the government to take every step to provide relief to the affected people, according to a press release.

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2020