GILGIT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his heartfelt sympathy with those affected by the recent rains and floods during his visit to Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday.
Addressing a ceremony to distribute relief checks among the victims, the prime minister assured continued visits until the affected people are resettled in their homes and announced a return visit by the end of August.
The premier said that cloudbursts triggered heavy rainfall and flooding, causing significant loss of lives and property.
He also announced a Rs4 billion fund for the restoration of infrastructure and directed the Minister for Communications to immediately begin repair work.
He hoped that the federal and Gilgit-Baltistan governments will work together to manage natural disasters, calling for coordinated action from all relevant institutions.
Stressing the need for an advance warning system to prepare for such events in the future, the prime minister shared that a 100-megawatt solar power project will be completed within the current fiscal year. He said the project’s approval will also be sought from ECNEC, assuring that it will be his utmost effort to complete the project at the earliest.
The premier also announced that foundation stones for Danish Schools in Gilgit and Skardu will be laid in his next visit.
Pakistan among hardest-hit by climate change
The prime minister also shared the concern about Pakistan being ranked among the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries.
In 2022 as well, devastating rains and floods hit the country. Every year, Pakistan continues to suffer the consequences of climate change, impacting Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and other provinces.
PM Shehbaz said that all regions of the country are facing the consequences of climate change, highlighting the critical role of the Ministry of Climate Change in dealing with this challenge. He was appreciative of NDMA’s efforts for relief and rehabilitation in the flood-affected areas.
Earlier, the Prime Minister was received at Gilgit Airport by Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, Chief Secretary, IGP, and Force Commander. He was accompanied by Federal Ministers Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar, Engr. Amir Maqam, and Dr. Musadik Malik, along with Adviser Rana Sanaullah and Coordinator Shabbir Usmani.
GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are looking towards the federal government for support, as the devastating floods caused over Rs. 20 billion in damages.
He added that federal assistance is vital like oxygen for the region, and displaced families are awaiting relief and rehabilitation.
He welcomed the Prime Minister, calling the visit a positive and hopeful gesture for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Monsoon death toll rises
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported on Sunday that the death toll from monsoon-related incidents across Pakistan has climbed to 299, up from a previously reported 234.
The ongoing monsoon season, which began in late June, continues to bring widespread destruction.
According to updated NDMA data, at least 299 individuals have lost their lives due to torrential rains and flash floods, with 715 others sustaining injuries. Among the deceased are 140 children, 102 men, and 57 women. The injured include 239 children, 204 women, and 272 men.
The report further detailed that 1,676 houses have been damaged, of which 562 have been completely destroyed. Additionally, 428 livestock were lost due to the flooding.
Since June 26, NDMA teams have rescued and evacuated 2,880 people from affected areas. Relief operations are actively ongoing, with over 13,000 essential items distributed so far. These include nearly 2,000 tents, more than 1,100 food packs, over 1,200 kitchen kits, hundreds of blankets, mattresses, life jackets, hygiene kits, and de-watering pumps.
Read also: Low-lying areas flooded as heavy rain lashes Lahore
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), meanwhile, has issued a fresh alert for more rainfall across the country. Between August 4 and 7, northern and central regions are expected to receive rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with occasional heavy downpours.
Rainfall is forecast in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad during this period, while Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to receive rain beginning August 5. Balochistan will likely see hot and humid conditions, although northeastern and southern parts may receive showers on August 6. Sindh is predicted to experience similar weather, with light rain and cloudy skies along coastal areas.
