Speaker National Assembly Pakistan Dr Fehmida Mirza has hailed US assistance and support to the country in times of tribulation. Talking about flood situation in Badin to a delegation led by Country Director, USAID Pakistan, Andrew Sisson and Acting US Council General Jason Kight on Tuesday, she said that 1.8 million people were affected by the rains that triggered flash floods in the district. Thousands of acres of land with standing crops were also devastated, she told the delegation . The National Assembly Speaker said the government was utilizing all its available resources for the rescue and relief of the flood victims. It will, however, take another four months for their rehabilitation., she said.
Dr Fehmida Mirza said 278 relief camps have been established in 45 union councils of Badin district and the inmates are being provided food ration as well as needed medical supplies. The affected people are also being provided medicines and vaccines to protect them against endemic disease, she said.
The National Assembly Speaker said disease are feared to have also spread to have also spread among the cattle and measures are being taken to vaccinate the livestock too. She said international assistance is also needed to help the affected people due to the scale and indensity of devastation and therefore President Asif Ali Zardari has appealed to the world community for support. This is essential for relief and optimum rehabilitation of the flood victims, said Dr Fehmida Mirza. The US Acting Consul General Jason Kight appreciated the relief efforts made by the government in the area and also assured of maximum possible assistance for the rehabilitation of victims. He said USA has always helped Pakistan in its hour of need and has already provided US dollars 600 million. Jason Kight said 500 affected families of the flood hit areas are also being assisted through distribution of food, drinking water and medical assistance. The people to people contact between the two countries is quite strong and we will try to further strengthen it, he said.
