KARACHI, Aug 9: Sindh Chief Secretary Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi on Thursday directed the relief commissioner and all other departments and officials concerned to provide relief to the rain-hit people on a priority basis, and shift people to safer places.

He also called for the provision of life-saving medicines and food, besides ensuring the availability of other relief goods.

Regarding complaints at the monitoring and control rooms, the chief secretary said no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.

If necessary, the services of the Rangers could also be sought with the cooperation of the home department.

The CS called for round-the-clock monitoring of the staff engaged in relief work and activating all 14 control rooms set up in the province to facilitate the masses.

Meanwhile, in view of the prevailing situation, rain emergencies were declared in several towns on Thursday.

The administrations of Saddar, Korangi, Landhi, Gadap and Lyari towns all initiated efforts to drain out rainwater from their respective areas while town officials cancelled the leaves of relevant staff to tackle the situation.

The municipal administration of Saddar Town started work for draining out rainwater from M.A. Jinnah Road, Abdullah Haroon Road, Talpur Road, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road, Kharadar, and Ranchore Line, the areas around Bath Island, the Clifton Bridge and Frere Hall.

Besides, the Korangi town nazim said that the town complaint cell could be contacted at 507-5522, while the Lyari TMO advised people to lodge their complaints on telephone no. 251-1251.—PPI