Sialkot:
The Punjab Minister of Local Government Mian Zeeshan Rafique visited the low-lying areas of Sialkot and underwent the relief measures that were performed in the wake of record rainfall that immersed parts of the city.
In a speech with the media in Rangpura Chowk, one of the worst affected sites, the minister said Sialkot had witnessed unprecedented rain in his history, with 405 millimeters registered in a single day, followed by another 110 millimeters during the night.
“This created an emergency, but the government’s highest priority is to ensure the security and relief of citizens,” he said.
The Minister assured that residents of flooding areas were moved to safe locations and that the provincial government would compensate for those who suffered losses.
“Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif always stands with the people of Punjab in difficult times,” he said, adding that there would be no shortcomings in the government’s reaction to the crisis.
Rafique said that a control room created at the Deputy Commissioner’s office worked around the clock to tackle public complaints. He added that drainage and relief operations would continue until the water flow in the Nullah AIK is normalized.
He also said that the district administration, WASA and the Municipal Corporation Teams were in the field and distributed clean drinking water and basic necessities.
“Government departments have been working non-stop for the past 48 hours, and I personally monitor the operations to ensure no negligence arises,” the minister said.
