Appeals to the world community and friendly countries to assist Pakistan
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa said that the scale of devastation from floods is ‘massive’ especially in Sindh and urged international aid to overcome challenges in an aftermath of floods.
COAS Bajwa committed to repair houses for flood victims while visiting Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) alongside other army leaders, according to an Inter Services Public Relations statement (ISPR).
Flood
Women, children, and others were rescued by army aviation helicopters today from Swat’s Kalam and Kanju regions.
COAS met with evacuated civilians, who thanked the Pakistan Army for reaching out when they needed it the most and offering comfort not only to them but also to their family back home, who awaited their safe return.
COAS also conducted airborne survey of the degree of flood damage and Army troop relief efforts in several regions, including Kalam, Bahrain, Khwazakhela, and Matta areas of Swat.
The COAS praised the Peshawar Corps for its quick and effective response during the crisis, which saved many lives.
In an interview with the media, he stated that the National Flood Response Center will function similarly to the NCOC. The centre would collect data from throughout the country and organise rehabilitation efforts for those affected.
He stated that Sindh and Balochistan were the hardest hit by this year’s floods, and that tents were in short supply. The army leader stated that evacuation efforts in Kalam are in full swing.
Meanwhile, According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 82 helicopter sorties have been dispatched to flood-affected areas of the country for rescue and relief operations.
Over the last 24 hours, 27 helicopter operations have evacuated 316 stranded people and delivered 23.753 tonnes of rations and relief goods, according to the ISPR.
Furthermore, over the previous 24 hours, 3,540 ration packets and 250 tents have been handed to flood victims. According to the military’s media wing, 51 free medical camps have also been constructed, with 3,3025 patients treated.
The Army Flood Relief Coordination Center reports to the Army Air Defence Command and is tasked with coordinating rescue and relief efforts with army stakeholders.
To collect and distribute disaster goods, 217 flood relief contribution collection centres have been established across the country.
So far, 122.87 tons of food, 5.9 tons of sustenance items and 0.15 tons of medicines have been collected, along with other sustenance items including clothes, solar lights, sleeping bags etc.
According to the ISPR, seven Turkish military planes delivering relief supplies have landed in Karachi, and three UAE planes have landed at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Air Base. Tents, medicine, and food are among the relief commodities delivered by these planes.
According to the ISPR, two Chinese planes carrying 3,000 tents will arrive in Karachi. Tarpaulins and shelters from Japan are also expected to arrive in Karachi.
According to the ISPR, Canada has given $5 million in help, the UK has pledged £1.5 million, and Azerbaijan has pledged $2 million.
