[ISLAMABAD, 29th February, 2024] – In the wake of the recent heavy rainfall and consequential damages in Gwadar and other regions of Balochistan, Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, has announced comprehensive relief efforts aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the affected communities. Chairing an Emergency Response meeting attended by the Secretary General and the relevant departments, Chairman Laghari has given robust directives for urgent rescue and relief operations.
The PRCS National headquarters has already activated its operations room to monitor the situation closely. Collaborating with program heads and the Balochistan provincial branch, PRCS has devised a detailed action plan focused on providing timely assistance to those impacted by the adverse weather conditions. Rapid assessment teams have been mobilized at both district and provincial levels to evaluate the extent of the damage and execute critical rescue and relief efforts.
Chairman Laghari has instructed the mobilization of relief packages from warehouse stocks to meet the immediate needs of the affected individuals. The action plan prioritizes the provision of essential household non-food items, deployment of health teams, establishment of public health facilities, promotion of personal hygiene, and ensuring access to clean drinking water for those affected.
Maintaining open lines of communication, PRCS is in constant contact with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district administration to coordinate efforts effectively and optimize resources for maximum impact.
Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari underscored the urgency of coordinated action, stating, “Our priority is to swiftly address the needs of the affected individuals in Gwadar and other affected districts of Balochistan. We are working tirelessly to ensure that relief reaches those who need it most, and our teams are fully committed to providing assistance in every possible way.”
The heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Gwadar, Kech district, and other parts of Balochistan, disrupting normal life and traffic on the Coastal Highway and isolating Gwadar and Ormara from Karachi and other parts of the province. Officials reported incessant rainfall for 12 hours, causing urban flooding and significant damage to infrastructure.
