Current floods more devastating than 2005 quake: Gilani

Updated at: 1936 PST,  Sunday, August 08, 2010  SUKKUR: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said here Sunday that the losses being caused by seasonal floods are beyond the country’s resources however the government will not leave the flood affected people alone. He said this while talking to the media during his visit to Sukkur Barrage. He said the unprecedented devastation caused by the current flood exceeds the destruction wreaked by the earthquake in 2005.The Prime Minister said all possible resources will be utilised for the rehabilitation of the flood affectees who will not be left alone. The government will seek assistance from the international community after detailed estimation of the losses once the flood is over, the Prime Minister said. Gilani appealed to the international community to stand by Pakistan in this hour of trial. Prime Minister Gilani also directed the government organisations and activists of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to fan out and zealously participate in rescue, rehabilitation and help of the flood affectees. Earlier at the office of Executive Engineer Sukkur Barrage the Prime Minister was given an elaborate briefing by Provincial Irrigation Secretary Shuja-uddin- Junejo about flood position, measures taken for the rescue and assistance of the flood affectees. Talking to the media the Prime Minister said it is believed that three districts of Sindh will be affected by the breach which occurred in a bund on Friday, as a result of which many more areas could submerge in water. Prime Minister Gilani said firstly the provinces of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Balochistan as well as Gilgit-Baltistan were badly affected by the flood. The government he said is striving its best to accelerate the rescue operation and not to spare any effort in their rehabilitation. The devastation and loss caused by the flood is irrecoverable and the country has been pushed back by many years, the Prime Minister said. He said he therefore appeals to the people of the world to extend their assistance to Pakistan. “There is no dearth of national enthusiasm,” he said adding “this government is your government, government of the people and its resources are national resources.” He said “Whatever we can do within our resources we are doing and will continue to do. However, the loss is far too stupendous.” Prime Minister Gilani informed that he had spoken to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and apprised her that the country has suffered a tremendous loss. It can not be estimated for the time being as the flow of flood water is continuing and more water is pouring in. The number of affectees could end up in millions. The Prime Minister said one of the reasons for losses occurred so far and the loss still expected is that the amount of water flow from behind is increasing in addition to increase in silt and rains. Besides, a second series of monsoon has also started. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank will be asked to make an estimate of losses once the flood subsides, the Prime Minister said adding the estimation will be shared with the world and the loss will be jointly surmounted. He said for expeditious rescue work directives have been issued to all relevant organisations including the army, navy, air force and Disaster Management Authority that no effort should be spared. Gilani said the immediate need is of food, water, medicines and camps for which the federal government will do everything possible. Arrangement will be made for food and tents will be dispatched, he added. The Prime Miister said he appeals to everyone to enthusiastically help their brothers, sisters and children in this hard time and not to leave them alone. Those present on the occasion were Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik, Federal Labour Minister Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Federal Sports Minister Ijaz Jakhrani, Provincial Irrigation Minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo, Sindh CM’s Advisor Jamil Ahmed Soomro, Rai Naz Bozdar MPA besides other prominent persons.