Army has completed its first phase of restoration of national highways and railway as the train "Thal Express" left for Rawalpindi via Muzaffargarh, Mehmood Kot and Kotadu, said corps commander Multan Lieutenant General Shafqat Ahmed while briefing the mediamen, here on Thursday.
He said, "we have completed the first phase of relief operation by constructing bridges, roads and railway tracks, and in the second phase, return the affectees till September 15. However, he added, the third phase, including complete rehabilitation of affectees, construction of homes and infrastructure, would take one year's time." The corps commander said water has dried up in 85 percent of the flood-hit areas and people are returning homes. We have planned to distribute 1,10,000 Eid-packages among the affectees today and tomorrow, he informed.
Briefing about flood damages, he said more than 2,000 villages with population of 2.6 million had been inundated, 0.5 million homes damaged and 70 people died. However, only nine persons were swept away by floods and 2,500 people injured. Also, 1616 kilometre long roads had been submerged and 29 bridges and 100km long railway track hit and 70,000 people marooned by floods.
Lieutenant General Shafqat said army rescue teams evacuated 1,85,000 marooned people with the help of boats and 3500 people were evacuated through helicopters. A lady delivered twins in helicopter during rescue operation, he added. Army established 16 relief camps, 14 medical camps where 65,000 patients were treated. He admitted that 19,465 people are still marooned in Rajanpur and Alipur who could not be evacuated due to disconnection of road link. However, he added, food was being provided to them through helicopters.
"We have started relief activities in South Punjab from July 31, which continued till August 22. During this time, more than 7,000 relief teams were sent to the affected areas under the supervision of army. We have provided cooked meal to two million people and 1,000 tons of dry food to affectees. Corps commander said 11,000 tons of food worth Rs 1200 million was provided to the affectees who have now returned to their homes. He eulogised the people of Lahore who provided 61 percent of total relief goods for the affectees.