Pak PM Sharif urges authorities to expedite rescue efforts in flood-hit areas

Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reportedly asked the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to reinforce relief and expedite rescue efforts in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other concerned departments in areas affected by the floods that hit Chitral.

Expressing grief over the loss of property due to floods, Prime Minister Sharif also directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to keep N-45 open so that Chitral remains linked to national road network, reported the Dawn.

He was expected to visit the flood-hit areas today but was unable to do so due to bad weather conditions in Lahore.

Flash floods triggered by heavy rain submerged large swathes of land in the country, washing away roads, bridges and water schemes. Over 100 villages in various districts of Punjab have been affected by the calamity, whereas about 200 villages along the River Indus have been evacuated.

No loss of life has been reported from these areas so far.