QUETTA: The heavy monsoon spells have wreaked havoc across Balochistan calming at least 136 people’s lives so far in flood-related incidents.
According to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) report, around 13,000 homes have also been damaged in the flash floods, while nine more people died in the province during the last 24 hours.
However, in the Sindh province, several villages near Gambat have been flooded and the road link between Khairpur and Gambat and Kangri was lost.
Another bridge linking Sindh, Balochistan collapses
A 300-feet section of a bridge connecting Sindh with Balochistan has been washed away by the floodwaters.
According to the National Highways Authority (NHA), it may take at least two days to repair the bridge.
The affected bridge is located in Band Murad Goth, a few miles from Hamdard University in Karachi.
Earlier on July 30, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the inundation-affected areas of Balochistan and ordered officials to expedite relief work.
The premier also announced a relief package of Rs500,000 for those who lost their house in the floods, while those who suffered due to partial damage to their residence will be awarded Rs200,000 or more per family.
To compensate for the loss of lives, Shehbaz promised each family to receive Rs1 million on account of each flood casualty.
On the other hand, Punjab’s Jhang and Ranjanpur districts reeled under flood waves. The River Chenab overflowed near Jhang and water entered the populated areas.
Sargodha Road has been inundated and the flood has affected several villages, it said.
Officials feared overflowing Chenab could also cause floods near Gujranwala.
In Rajanpur, which was hit by floods earlier this week, the Pakistan Army continues to carry out rescue operations. It has also set up medical and relief camps.
In Dera Ghazi Khan, the flood water was receding and people who had migrated from the area were returning homes on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the federal government on Sunday decided to run special trains to supply relief goods to the flood-affected areas.
Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has issued an order to Pakistan Railways (PR) to ensure that relief items are swiftly provided to the flood-stricken masses.
Relief items will be offloaded in Sibi for Balochistan flood victims and Rajanpur for South Punjab affectees.
The donors or their representatives will also be allowed to board these trains to volunteer in the inundated areas of the country.
Moreover, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had scheduled a visit to the flood-affected Tank district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa today which was postponed owing to poor weather.
Officials said the premier had planned to announce a relief package to the victims of the terrible floods during his visit.
