Gen Bajwa announces conducting survey to assess flood damages

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Tuesday said that the Pak army will conduct a survey in cooperation with the district administrations and provincial governments to assess the large-scale damage caused by the flood.

According to the 24News HD TV channel, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Tuesday visited flood-hit areas of Swat and briefed media representatives about the flood situation and Pak army efforts.

During his visit, the COAS met women, children, elders and other people who were rescued by Army aviation helicopters from Kumrat / Kalam to Kanju.

COAS reached Swat. COAS will meet stranded local residents & tourists who were struck in Kumrat / Kalam due 2 rains /flash floods. Women, children, foreigners & other people are being evacuated through Army helicopters to Kanju Cantt. Being provided administrative & medical care. pic.twitter.com/30yKzRWhFy

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 30, 2022

COAS spent time with evacuated people who thanked Pakistan Army for reaching out once they needed it the most and bringing comfort not only to them but their families back home who eagerly awaited their safe return.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited flood hit areas of Swat. COAS met women, children, elders & other people who were rescued today by Army aviation helicopters from Kumrat / Kalam to Kanju. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/mRaYjabouQ

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 30, 2022

COAS also undertook aerial reconnaissance of the extent of damage caused by floods and relief efforts of Army troops at various locations including Kalam, Bahrain, Khwazakhela and Matta areas of Swat.

...damage caused by floods and relief efforts of Army troops at various locations including Kalam, Bahrain, Khwazakhela and Matta areas of Swat. COAS appreciated Peshawar Corps for effective and timely response during crisis and saving precious lives. (3/3) pic.twitter.com/TzasOnl6R2

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 30, 2022

COAS appreciated Peshawar Corps for effective and timely response during crisis and saving precious lives.

Talking to the media, General Bajwa said a lot of destruction has been done in Kalam as bridges and hotels are badly damaged like destruction happened here in the flood of 2000 and again negligence was shown by allowing to build in the same places. Legal action should be taken against those responsible, he added.

He said the most important thing at this time is the opening of Kalam Road which will be hopefully opened in the next 6 to 7 days. He said there is no crisis situation in Kalam now as people trapped here are being taken out.

Gen Bajwa said there is a very good response to the appeal for relief to the flood victims as various welfare organizations, political parties and Pakistan forces have opened their own relief centres.

The COAS said headquarters like National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has been set up where aid data will be gathered and the Minister of Planning will send assistance wherever needed.

COAS Bajwa said people's response is coming very well and tons of rations are being collected. He said they are trying to order tents from abroad as not the ration but the tents will be the problem. He said Sindh and Balochistan need more tents.

He said relief flights have started arriving from UAE, Turkey and China. He also said that the flights will also start arriving from Saudi Arabia and Qatar; funds will also come as friendly countries have never left Pakistan alone in trouble.

"The response from Pakistanis, especially overseas Pakistanis, is very good," he said adding that they will construct prefab houses for prefab-houses for the flood victims.

General Bajwa said the biggest problem is in Sindh where four feet of water are standing while Balochistan is also facing big problems where entire villages have been wiped out.