KARACHI, June 29: The Sindh Chief Minister, Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, telephoned Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mohammad Yusuf on Friday to express sorrow over the storm-related devastation caused in the province. Conveying the sympathies of the people of Sindh, Mr Rahim announced a Rs50 million grant for the relief and rehabilitation of the rain victims.

During a visit to the storm-affected areas in Gadap town on Thursday, Dr Rahim distributed relief goods and announced the inclusion of Mulla Hussain Goth and Mulla Esa Brohi Goth in a village improvement programme that would provide amenities such as parks, schools, roads and gas.

Accompanied by City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, the chief minister visited Mubarak village in Keamari town and directed the administration to expedite relief work for the rain victims.

Addressing a public meeting at a relief camp, Dr Rahim stated that contrary to some reports, only 83 people had died during the June 23 thunderstorms.

He said that even developed countries could not prevent natural disasters and expressed thankfulness for the fact that the cyclone had bypassed Karachi by some 50 kilometres.

The chief minister claimed that Karachi’s efficient administration had prevented the looting that often followed natural calamities.

Dr Rahim also announced the construction of a dam in Mubarak village and said that the area would be developed under the village improvement programme, to which end he directed the immediate initiation of a survey. He added that while the village had suffered no casualties, the owners of damaged houses would be compensated.

Karachi Nazim Mustafa Kamal reminded the audience that the city government and town administrations had launched relief efforts immediately after the June 23 tragedy and the inhabitants of Mubarak village had been shifted to safer places, thereby preventing the loss of life.

A number of relief and medical camps were set up in the area, he said, where staff had been taking care of the storm victims. The nazim added that usually, people united in the face of tragedy but he had not received even a single offer for assistance from the people who held the government responsible for the tragedy, add agencies.