JHANG, April 6: People affected by the recent flash flood in the river Chenab have ripped to shreds the authorities concerned for showing indifferent attitude. They said neither any precautionary measure had been taken before the natural calamity nor any relief nor rehabilitation work could be launched after the flood devastation.

Dr Sher Muhammad advocate of Sheikhan village said the recent un-seasonal high flood, caused by heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, took residents living close to riverbanks by surprise.

He said that rivers were usually dry during these months of the year and farmers fearlessly sowed the Rabi crops, wheat and fodder, nearby banks in much advance to the flood season.

They were also able to reap the crop, harvest and sell out or store at safer places before the rainy season. He said not only thousands of acres of standing crops were devastated by unexpected floods but scores of cattle heads and mud houses were also washed away by the gushing water.

He said that authorities could have saved animals and other valuables of villagers through an effective early warning system for the floodwater took 72 to 96 hours before reaching Jhang district from Marala in the Sialkot district.

Requesting anonymity, a district government source, said that the Jhang tehsildar had the responsibility to take flood combating measures and relief activities, but he never paid a single visit to the affected villages.

The tehsildar was not available for offering his comments as he had gone for training.

On behalf of the tehsildar, deputy district officer (revenue) Haroon Rasheed termed the allegation of absence against the tehsildar baseless.

He further claimed that figures relating to the loss of cattle and property quoted in the press were exaggerated.