Peshawar, In response to the devastating impact of torrential rains and snowfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts for the affected residents. During a meeting held in Peshawar, the Prime Minister instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to collaborate closely with the provincial administration to expedite rescue operations and aid for families impacted by the recent severe weather conditions.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of quick compensation for the victims, mandating that the provision of compensation amounts to the affected people should be completed within the next five days. He assured that the federal government would provide all necessary support to the victims during this critical time and called for a unified effort from all institutions to participate in the rescue and relief activities.
The meeting shed light on the casualties and damage caused by the rains and snowfall, reporting that forty individuals had lost their lives and sixty-two others, including twenty-seven children, had been injured. Additionally, six hundred and thirty-five houses were reported as either fully or partially damaged. In terms of financial assistance, family members of those who perished in the rain-related incidents will receive two million rupees each, while the injured will be granted five hundred thousand rupees each. Owners of fully damaged houses are set to receive seven hundred thousand rupees, and those with partially affected homes will get three hundred and fifty thousand rupees.
The Prime Minister was informed that major highways in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been reopened, with ongoing work to repair roads blocked by snowfall and landslides. The authorities assured that the NDMA, along with provincial and district administrations, are well-prepared to address any further emergencies that may arise due to the expected snowfall in the coming days.
Later, at a cheque distribution ceremony for rain-affected people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Peshawar, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the federal government’s commitment to assist the affected individuals. He highlighted the need for preparedness against the effects of climate change, noting Pakistan’s vulnerability as one of the seven countries severely affected by climate change. The Prime Minister called for effective coordination and training among all stakeholders to manage natural disasters efficiently.
Moreover, Prime Minister Sharif directed the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough assessment of the damages and ensure compensation is provided to the affected people within five days. He also expressed his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to the rain-related incidents, underscoring the government’s resolve to support them through these challenging times.