Sialkot:
The Punjab Minister for the local government, Mian Zeeshan Rafique, visited the low areas of Sialkot and reviewed the help measures that are carried out following the record rains that submerged parts of the city.
In statements to the media of Rangpura Chowk, one of the most affected localities, the minister said that Sialkot had witnessed unprecedented rainfall in its history, with 405 millimeters recorded in a single day followed by another 110 millimeters during the night.
“This created an emergency situation, but the main priority of the government is to guarantee the security and relief of citizens,” he said.
The minister said that residents in areas affected by floods were being transferred to safe places and that the provincial government would compensate those who suffered losses.
“Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif always meets the people of Punjab in difficult times,” he said, added that there would be no deficiencies in the government’s response to the crisis.
Rafique said that a control room established in the deputy commissioner’s office was working 24 hours a day to address public complaints. He added that the drainage and relief operations would continue until the water flow in Nullah Aik was normalized.
In addition, he declared that the district administration teams, WASA and the Municipal Corporation were in the field, distributing drinking water and basic needs.
“The government departments have been working without stopping during the last 48 hours, and I am personally monitoring the operations to ensure that negligence is not produced,” said the minister.
