The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has so far released Rs8 billion for flood-affected areas, confirmed provincial finance adviser Muzammil Aslam.In his statement, he said Rs1.5 billion was released yesterday (Monday) alone for relief activities, while Rs1 billion has been allocated for food stamps. Each flood victim has also been provided Rs.15,000 for dry ration. He added that Rs. 500 million has been set aside for flood relief in merged districts.

Moreover, the C&W Department has been given Rs1.56 billion for road clearance and repairs, while Rs61 million has been disbursed to Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) as financial support. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday directed authorities to expedite the disbursement of compensation to flood victims and accelerate the rehabilitation process across affected districts. 

Chairing a video-link meeting with officials from flood-hit areas, the Chief Minister reviewed relief and recovery efforts. The meeting was attended by the Finance Advisor, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Relief Secretary, DG PDMA, and Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts. Officials briefed the meeting that the recent floods claimed 411 lives, with compensation already disbursed to the families of 352 victims. 

Data collection of damaged homes has also been completed. Compensation has been provided to the owners of 367 fully destroyed houses and 1,094 partially damaged houses. CM Gandapur instructed officials to initiate rehabilitation immediately after completing compensation payments. He emphasized that Deputy Commissioners must personally oversee the restoration of damaged infrastructure.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)