Monitoring Desk:
GENEVA: Chief Secretary Balochistan, Abdul Aziz Uqaili thoroughly briefed the participants about the merciless floods and damages at the International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan on Monday. Addressing the donors from across the globe, the CS informed that flash floods unleashed by torrential rains claimed 336 human lives and injured 187 people in Balochistan, which covers 44 percent area of Pakistan.
Flooding rains have badly affected the entire province from Jewni to Rakhni, Taftan to Barkhan, Hub to Sherani and Chaman to Jhatpat due to which normal life in the entire province has been badly affected. Distraught, he said that the flood rains in Balochistan had broken the 30-year record of the monsoon season and badly affected the poor people and lands of Balochistan.
Floods damage 321,019 houses in Balochistan
The CS informed that 321,019 houses were washed away or severely damaged, 2165 km of roads and 20 bridges were swept away by the rains, 437 thousand cattle were killed and 476 acres of agricultural land was severely damaged due to which cultivable crops were also destroyed. The rains poured down Damage to communications and electricity infrastructure Balochistan consists of mostly mountainous areas which lack infrastructure and road connectivity.
The top civilian officer of the province acknowledged the assistance of UNFPA, WFP, IOM, UNICEF, UNHCR and international NGOs who have spared no effort in saving human lives and property. Food supplies and shelters have been set up, he informed the world donors. The Chief Secretary stressed that today the challenges of food insecurity in the affected districts, bridging gaps in medical services, and mitigating the risks of epidemics will be addressed.
There is an urgent need to rebuild the destroyed houses and other essential structures. There is an urgent need for collective efforts to save humanity in Balochistan. We will all work together, he expressed the hope that climate change badly affected Balochistan province. He said the province is currently waiting for the support of international organizations and we urgently need funds for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims we expect the international community and donor agencies to help the poor and underprivileged people of Balochistan. The affected people will be fully supported, the CS concluded.
