ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced Rs4 billion ($14 million) funds for mapping and rebuilding flood-hit infrastructure in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region.
At least 10 people have died and five others have sustained injuries in the region in rain- and flood-related incidents in GB, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Several people, including tourists, remain missing after deadly flash floods.
The region, home to thousands of glaciers and five out of 14 world peaks above the height of 8,000 meters, has suffered the highest infrastructure losses, with 347 houses destroyed and 196 partially damaged, and several roads and bridges damaged and blocked by raging floodwaters over the last few weeks.
Sharif arrived in Gilgit city on Monday to review the flood situation in the region and presided over a meeting, attended by senior officials and ministers of the regional and central governments, to take stock of the damages during the monsoon season.
“Today, I stand before you, alongside members of my cabinet, to express our heartfelt solidarity with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. I assure you, God willing, that I will remain present with you until you are fully settled in your homes once again,” he told affected people at a ceremony to distribute compensation cheques, urging regional and federal authorities to work relentlessly to prepare against climate disasters.
