PESHAWAR
The provincial president of Awami National Party (ANP) Aimal Wali Khan has asked the government to declare rain-affected areas of the province as calamity-hit and announced special compensation packages.
In a statement issued from the Bacha Khan Markaz here on Friday, Amil Wali Khan said that rain had caused severe damage in southern districts, especially in the Dera-Ismail Khan and Tank.
He said that the flash floods had destroyed business centres in Mansehra and Hazara division and swept away roads and several bridges.
The floods also destroyed homes and orchards, he said, adding that several areas were cut off from the rest of the country as the rain disrupted the communication system.
ANP provincial president also criticized the provincial government for turning deaf ears towards the destruction caused by heavy rains in several districts of the province.
“The provincial government has been forgetting the people of the province even during natural calamities. So far, no pragmatic step has been taken for the relief of the people,” he added.
Amil Wali Khan demanded to declare the rain-affected areas as calamity-hit and said that standing crops have also been severely damaged due to rains across the province.
Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda and adjoining areas, the destruction of tobacco crops, vegetable and fruit gardens has put the farmers in financial troubles.
On the one hand, the prices of expensive seeds, fertilizers and other medicines are increasing, on the other hand, the government’s negligence was causing problems for the people, he added.
Aimal Wali asked the provincial government to immediately declare the rain-affected areas as calamity-hit throughout the province.
ANP leader said that financial assistance should be announced for the affected people after estimating the losses, adding that arrangements should be made to protect the affected residential populations from further hazards.
He further said that the rains in the entire province were continuing and the government and concerned departments and relief agencies must be alerted to deal with any emergency situation.
ANP provincial president Amil Wali Khan also advised the party officials and workers to ensure all possible help to the affected people.
