Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday said that 40 villages surrounding River Chenab had been flooded while 48, 000 people had been affected, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Talking to the media during his three-hour-long visit to Kharora Baqir and other areas of Jhang where he had gone to monitor the flood situation in River Chenab, he said that relief and medical camps had been set up for the flood victims. “The evacuation of people living in the surroundings of the river is necessary for their safety,” he emphasized.

He said it was his government’s endeavour that human life was lost. “Several villages are under three to four feet of water,” he said, adding, “Vaccine for the snake bite and other essential medicines are available at medical camps.”

He acknowledged that the issue of sewage existed in all small cities of Punjab, including Jhang. “We will try to resolve this issue,” he assured.  

The chief minister said that the provincial government planned to improve facilities at District Headquarters Hospital, Jhang. “It is heartening to note that despite limited resources doctors at government hospitals were performing quite well,” he added.

CM Naqvi admitted that keeping in view the rush of patients, it was the government’s responsibility to increase the number of beds at hospitals.

He informed that the Punjab government would set up more police checkposts in order to combat rising crime in the province.

He ordered the concerned officials to monitor situation in the Chenab River round the clock.

He ordered ensuring evacuation of the people living in the vicinity of the river so that human lives could be saved. 

He said that the irrigation department, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Rescue1122 had been alerted.

CM Naqvi said that he had monitored the situation during his visit to different villages that were under water, and had given instructions to the local administration to carry out relief and rescue activities.

Faisalabad division commissioner, on the occasion, briefed the chief minister about the provision of medical and other facilities to those affected by floods.

He was briefed on the inflow and outflow of water in the river on the occasion. 

Reporter: Ali Ramay