Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir recently visited the flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Heavy rains and flash floods have caused massive destruction in Swat, Buner, Shangla, and the surrounding districts.
The purpose of this visit was to take stock of the situation and ensure that relief and rescue work are progressing rapidly.
PM Shahbaz first conducted an aerial survey of Buner and Shangla. It was visible from above that many roads have been damaged, bridges have been washed away, and hundreds of houses have collapsed completely or partially.
The Prime Minister then reached Swat, and there he met the local people. He listened to their problems and also distributed relief cheques to the affected families. During this, Field Marshal Asim Munir and several federal ministers were also present.
PM Shahbaz said, “This is a time of national crisis. We will use every possible resource to help the people.”
According to the report of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), more than 385 people have died so far in KP alone, and more than 180 people have been injured. The dead include women and children. The highest number of deaths has occurred in Buner district, where more than 200 people lost their lives.
Talking about houses alone, about 1,398 houses have been destroyed – some partially and some completely. Schools, hospitals, and roads are also badly damaged.
A major landslide occurred in the Swabi district, in which 41 people died. All the bodies were recovered after a four-day rescue operation. More than 700 deaths have occurred so far across Pakistan.
Government and Army action
During the visit, the Prime Minister made several announcements.
Affected households will receive free electricity for 7 days. Repair work on damaged roads and bridges will be finished within a week. Compensation and relief supplies will be provided to each family without delay. Tents, medicines, and food will be delivered continuously.
The repair of damaged roads and bridges will be completed within a week.
Compensation and relief material will be given to every family without delay.
Tents, medicines, and food items will be delivered continuously.
The Pakistan Air Force has already delivered relief material to Gilgit-Baltistan, and many people have been evacuated safely by helicopter.
Field Marshal Asim Munir praised the soldiers and rescue teams engaged in relief work and said that “no stone will be left unturned.”
Strict warning from PM Shahbaz
PM Shahbaz also made it clear that the devastation was not caused only by natural causes. He said that illegal construction, including building hotels and houses on the riverbank, increased the impact of floods. Wood smuggling and mining have weakened natural protective walls due to deforestation. Wrong planning – Water flow was blocked due to unplanned construction. He directed the officials to take strict action against these irregularities.
Additional help from the KP government
The KP government has also given a big package to the victims. A cabinet meeting was held under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, in which an additional Rs 2 billion was approved.
Earlier, Rs 3 billion had been released; that is, a total package of Rs 5 billion has been given so far.
The CM ordered that –
- Hospitals should be started immediately, and mobile hospitals should also be sent.
- A cleanliness campaign should be started to prevent diseases.
- Water supply and tube wells should be repaired quickly.
- Repair of roads and bridges should be expedited.
The NDMA has warned that another heavy rain system may come in Punjab and KP from 23 August. There is a danger of a further rise in the water level of rivers. The administration of all the districts has been alerted and asked to be prepared.
Effect of climate change
The key takeaway from this situation is that Pakistan is significantly impacted by climate change. Pakistan is among the 10 most affected countries in the world.
Deforestation, haphazard construction, and poor planning have made the situation even worse. PM Shahbaz said that such devastation can be prevented in the future only by saving forests and enforcing the law.
The floods in KP have once again proved that Pakistan is in dire need of long-term planning. Right now, it is crucial to provide immediate relief, but if the right steps are not taken in the coming years, such devastation will recur.
For now, districts like Swat, Buner, and Shangla are waiting for relief and help. Only in the coming weeks will it be known how fast the government and administration work.
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
