Punjab accelerates flood relief efforts, sets up mobile app and dashboard

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a critical special meeting on flood relief operations. During the meeting, the provincial government announced a series of urgent decisions to support and compensate flood victims across the region.

These decisions come in the wake of widespread flooding that has devastated various parts of Punjab, impacting thousands of residents and communities. The chief minister shared that a rehabilitation operation is set to begin promptly, with the formation of specialised flood relief committees at the district and tehsil levels, ensuring a streamlined response at the grassroots level.

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During the meeting, CM Maryam also instructed authorities to devise the easiest and most efficient methods to assist the victims. In line with this, a comprehensive relief system has been put in place, including a survey form, a mobile app for real-time updates, and a monitoring dashboard to oversee assistance efforts.

The chief minister herself will personally monitor the assistance being provided to flood victims through the dashboard to ensure transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, she has also ordered the immediate restoration of critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and other vital structures, in flood-affected regions. The Revenue Department’s report highlighted the extent of the damage: 3,775 places across 27 districts and 64 tehsils in Punjab have been severely impacted, with over 300,000 kutcha (temporary) and 63,200 pucca (permanent) houses damaged.

A multi-agency survey team, comprising officials from the Urban Unit, Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, and representatives of the Pakistan Army, has been tasked with assessing the extent of the damage and identifying the most urgent needs for recovery.

In her statement, CM Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed the government’s pledge to fully support every affected individual. “We are committed to compensating the loss of every individual, and no one will be left behind in this crisis,” she said. “We need to ensure the relief reaches the victims directly. More camps and distribution points will be set up to expedite aid distribution.”

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The chief minister also spoke on the need for compassion, saying, “We should help the flood victims with an open heart. It is our duty to support those in need, and I assure you that we will leave no stone unturned in providing relief.”