An amount of Rs 450million has been released to the Sindh Irrigation Department to handle emergency situation in the backdrop of possible heavy rain fall and floods in the province, said provincial Chief Secretary, Muhammad Siddiq Memon. Chairing a meeting, he said 50% of the allocated budget has also be released to the Deputy Commissioners for the purpose and all concerned sections are expected to be well prepared in handling the issue of evacuating population in inundated areas.
Provision for diesel, machinery and gadgets along with other needed relief measures must be kept in hand as complacency in any manner is not to be accepted by the government at any level, he said. The Chef Secretary directed the deputy commissioners to ensure adequate arrangements so as to combat possible emergency situation in the backdrop of weather forecast.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Relief Commissioners and other concerned institutions were urged to prioritise the protection and safety of the people, livestock and properties in co-ordination with irrigation, health and local government departments. Muhammad Siddiq Memon also asked the secretary for food department to immediately develop liaison with floor mills and also with other relevant sections to help food needs of affected people as well as their livestock. Secretary for health was directed to ensure presence of mobile health teams in the vulnerable areas with fool proof arrangements for medical aid services. Rain drains in all cities must be cleaned in minimum possible time, said the chief secretary.