GILGIT: Families of the victims of recent floods in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) received cheques worth Rs2 million each on Thursday.
In an official ceremony, Federal Minister Amir Muqam, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan and other provincial ministers handed over the compensation cheques to the bereaved relatives. Villagers cut off by blocked roads are facing shortages of food and essential supplies, especially in Ghizer district. The minister earlier visited Tali Das, the worst-hit area where a glacier outburst created a lake and caused widespread destruction. He inspected relief camps, met affected families, and assured them that the federal government stood firmly with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan during this difficult time.
According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), 85 flood-related incidents occurred in the region due to cloudbursts. Officials said a massive landslide in Rawshan Nullah was reported by a local shepherd, which allowed timely evacuation of residents, preventing casualties. However, the landslide and flooding damaged about one kilometre of the Gilgit-Shandur Road, cutting off Yasin, Phander, and Gupis sub-divisions from Gahkuch and Gilgit. Engr Muqam instructed the immediate restoration of road access and mobile network services in the affected areas. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed that no effort be spared to reach victims and restore normalcy. Former M Hafeezur Rehman, Federal Secretary for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Zafar Hasan, GBDMA Director General Zakir Hussain, senior provincial officials, Speaker GB Assembly Nazir Ahmed Advocate, Senior Minister for Tourism Ghulam Muhammad, and PML-N leaders accompanied the minister during the visit.
