DERA GHAZI KHAN: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Hajipur, a remote area in Rajanpur, to oversee relief operations for the flood affected people.

On her arrival, she had an aerial view of the affected area, including Fazilpur. During her travel, she observed the floodwater along the road, leading to Hajipur and made stops at key sites.

At the Hajipur Government Higher Secondary School where a flood relief camp was established, the CM inspected the medical facilities, ensured availability of medicines and checked the arrangements for the flood victims’ accommodation and food. She met with the affected families, inquired about their condition and noted their concerns. She sat among the people, consoled the women and distributed gifts among the children.

Maryam emphasised the need for effective flood prevention strategies and proposed the construction of a dam to conserve water from the Kaha hill torrent. Expressing gratitude that no lives were lost in the flood, she assured the victims of support until their full recovery, saying that she would personally monitor the rehabilitation efforts.

Hill torrents: Flood situation is likely to persist for the next few days in the hill torrents area of district Rajanpur.

This was stated by Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia in his briefing to Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique.

The minister said 57 places in Rajanpur were flooded till Aug 19 and 27 boats and 96 rescue workers were engaged in rescue activities.

The PDMA DG said the people should contact PDMA helpline 1129 in case of any emergency.

Meanwhile, in an extraordinary display of unity and bravery, the residents of Danda Kot village of Rojhan Mazari successfully averted a potential disaster when a breach occurred in the Qadra Canal during the flood season.

The Qadra Canal flowing at its maximum capacity due to heavy rains breached. As the villagers held back the water, others put sacks filled with stones to plug the breach. Their collective efforts proved successful as they managed to temporarily close the breach before the arrival of the irrigation department’s emergency response teams.

The timely action of the villagers saved their crops.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2024