Lahore: In response to recent severe flooding, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited Rajanpur, one of the hardest-hit districts, to personally oversee relief operations and ensure the well-being of the affected communities. During her visit on August 20, 2024, she conducted an aerial survey and engaged directly with flood victims to assess and expedite recovery measures.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Chief Minister Sharif began her visit with an aerial inspection of the impacted areas, focusing on the town of Fazilpur. She observed the conditions along the road to Hajipur and visited a flood relief camp established at the Hajipur Government Higher Secondary School. There, she inspected the food and shelter arrangements and interacted closely with the displaced families, inquiring about their needs and the adequacy of the facilities provided.
During her visit, Chief Minister Sharif also reviewed the operations of a medical camp set up for the flood victims, ensuring that there was a sufficient supply of medicines and medical personnel. Her involvement extended to addressing individual cases, as she directed aid for a sick woman and engaged compassionately with other residents, offering consolation and gifts to children.
Highlighting her commitment to long-term solutions, Chief Minister Sharif discussed initiatives including a proposal to build a dam on the Kaha River to prevent future flooding and conserve water for Rajanpur District. She emphasized the need for a robust annual plan to prevent displacement from floods and to safeguard the region against potential epidemics and diseases.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, along with other provincial ministers and local officials, joined the Chief Minister, underscoring the government’s collective effort to address the disaster. The Chief Minister’s proactive measures and personal monitoring of the relief efforts aim to ensure a swift and effective response to the crisis, reflecting her directive that negligence will not be tolerated and asserting that “There should be no flood in Rajanpur next year.”