ISLAMABAD: A flood emergency control centre has been established at Karachi to assist flood victims.

In an update to the relief efforts being carried out by the Pakistan Army and other security personnel, the military's media wing announced on Thursday that a flood emergency control centre has been established.

"Medical camp established at [District] Centre Gulberg, Liaquatabad and New Karachi for providing necessary medical care," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in its update on relief and rescue operations in flood-hit areas of Karachi and Hyderabad.

"Dewatering of more than 36 sites in Karachi have been completed. Cooked meal [for] over 10,000 people distributed among flood victims in various areas.”

"Enhancement of bund along M9 near Northern Bypass to avoid flooding of M9 completed by Army Engineers. Pakistan Army Engineers placed 3 plant dets along with dewatering pumps to [K-Electric Grid Station], Saadi Town and Malir Cantt.”

"Army Engineers also constructed bund at these locations to save them from water flow. Army troops filled breach of Malir Nadi [stream] near Quaidabad," it added.

The ISPR further noted that Army's engineer boats were busy evacuating, shifting, and relocating people to safer places, whereas the Navy's emergency response teams, "along with Pakistan Navy Diverse recovered two dead bodies from Shah Faisal Town and Korangi crossing area".

A Navy helicopter conducted aerial reconnaissance of the Korangi crossing, Malir Nadi in Quaidabad, and Shafi Muhammad Goth.

"Relief and medical camp has also been established at Latifabad. Food provided to affected population. Army Engineers busy in dewatering various areas," the ISPR said.

"Army troops have been forwardly placed at Dadu for any eventuality and spillover at Nai Gaj Dam," it added.

"The banks of purain drain in Tehsil Jhudo District Mirpur Khas has been damaged due to heavy rain and water entered in nearest five villages, plugging the breach done with combined efforts of Army troops and civil administration to stop water flow to these areas," the statement added.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) prediction about light to moderate rain did not come true as heavy showers pounded the metropolis for hours on Thursday, leaving at least five dead while flooding roads and underpasses.

At least 14 people have died in rain-related accidents, including drowning and electrocution, since August 21, which marks the fifth monsoon rain spell of Karachi and sixth for Sindh.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020