Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan undertook a day long visit to the flood hit areas of the province where apart from inspection of the relief and rescue activities, also distributed cash cheques and announced a number of packages for rehabilitation of the devastated infrastructure. The Chief Minister visited Yarkhoon area in District Upper Chitral and Shashikoh valley in Drosh area of District Lower Chitral. He also visited Patrak area in District Upper Dir.
In District Lower Dir, the Chief Minister visited Khal and Temergara where the locals welcomed Mahmood Khan vehemently. Provincial Minister for Labour, Shaukat Ali Yousafzai also accompanied the Chief Minister during his day long visit. Chief Minister clarified that the recent floods have wreaked havoc on the lives of people. Damages to infrastructure accompanied with loss of lives has proven to be a colossal catastrophe. He reiterated that saving the lives of people is the primary focus in all relief and rescue operations which will be followed by a detailed assessment of all the damages in order to enable the government to carry out rehabilitation efforts effectively.
Speaking with media persons in Shashikoh Valley of District Lower Chitral, the Chief Minister announced a package worth Rs 500 Million each for District Upper and Lower Chitral under the District Development Plan adding that the provincial government will undertake a detailed assessment of the damages to crops and homes after which funds will be released accordingly. The Chief Minister reiterated that the provincial government has two helicopters at its disposal which are not fit for relief activities. He however added that one of the larger aircraft was modified recently to participate in relief and rescue operations in the flood hit areas.
Briefing the Chief Minister regarding the damages, the District Administration in Lower Dir informed that a total of 11 lives were lost to the floods. 16 homes have been destroyed completely whereas 202 sustained partial damages. One bridge and six government schools have been destroyed completely whereas eight bridges, 32 roads, 78 schools and 30 water supply schemes have also been damaged partially.
