PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has announced an increase in compensation for families of those killed in recent floods, raising the amount from Rs1million to Rs2million.
CM Gandapur visited the flood-affected district of Buner and chaired a meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office to review the situation and oversee relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The meeting was attended by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, provincial ministers, the chief secretary and district administration officials.
Prayers were offered in memory of those who lost their lives during the floods.
During the briefing, officials reported that cloudbursts had caused damage to 5,380 houses across seven village councils in Buner district. So far, 209 fatalities have been confirmed, with 134 people reported missing and 159 injured.
Relief and rescue operations involve 10 excavators, 22 tractors, 10 de-watering pumps, five water bowsers and 10 bulldozers.
A total of 223 rescue workers, 205 doctors, 260 paramedical staff, 400 police officers and 300 civil defence volunteers are engaged in the efforts, supported by units of the Pakistan Army.
Essential supplies including food, medical facilities, tents, blankets and mattresses are being provided to the affected population.
Road clearance work continues, with six kilometres of road at Pir Baba and 3.5 kilometres at Gokand reopened. Landslide debris has been cleared at 15 different locations.
An emergency relief operation has been declared in eight districts, including Buner.
So far, 3,500 people trapped by the floods have been rescued safely.
