Flash floods played havoc in mountains of Pakistan
By Agha Iqrar Haroon
Rawalpindi, Pakistan:Flash floods played havoc with northern valleys of Pakistan, particularly Chitral valley where around 20,000 people have been displaced and Pakistan Army have started rescue and relief operations.
Climbers and mountaineers have also been struck in Skardu valley and Chitral and Pakistan Army rescued three groups last night (Monday night) from Skardu and Chitral. Domestic tourists are also trapped in many places of Chitral Valley because unexpected flash floods hit this Valley in mid of the domestic season. It may be mentioned that Chitral valley is out of range of monsoon rain system and heavy rain fall or sky bursting is unusual in the valley during July-August.
General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has directed all concerned in the Army to make all out efforts to help and extend all possible assistance to the people affected in the flood hit areas in Chitral and else where in the country.
It may also be mentioned here that all Corps Headquarters in their respective areas of responsibility are monitoring the flood situation and all preparations have been made to meet any eventuality arising due to expected floods. Field Commanders have been instructed to carryout reconnaissance of the area which could possibly be effected due to expected floods.
Chitral:;Meanwhile Pakistan Army continued rescue operations on the 6th consecutive day in the worst flood hit areas of Chitral where Army and Frontier Corps with the help of civil administration distributed 16 tons of ration. Meanwhile troops evacuated more than 73 stranded individuals from Garm Chashma, Koragh and Bomboreet to safer places. Pakistan Army has placed two dedicated MI-17 helicopters in Chitral for the relief and rescue operation.
Frontier Corps have donated 100 tons of ration and food items for the flood affectees of Chitral which is being despatched from Peshawar.
Earlier, this morning Corps Commander Lieutenant General Hidayat ur Rehman visited various parts of flood affected areas of district Chitral and witnessed on going rescue and relief operation. Sufficient Army Doctors and paramedical staff has been sent to establish medical camps in the flood affected areas.
