GILGIT: The federal government on Wednesday announced compensation of Rs2 million each for the families of seven volunteers who lost their lives while repairing a water channel damaged by floods in Gilgit’s Danyore town.
The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, who is currently on a three-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan to assess flood-related damages.
Meeting the families of the deceased, the minister offered condolences, prayed for the departed souls, and paid tribute to the volunteers, describing their sacrifice as “a symbol of courage and patriotism”.
“The people of Gilgit-Baltistan are the true guardians of our borders. Their sacrifices for the nation are a matter of pride,” Mr Muqam said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was personally monitoring the flood situation and had directed that compensation be disbursed without delay.
Read More: Millions at risk amid record Chenab flood
Memorial to honour volunteers
Muqam further announced that a memorial or centre would be established in honour of the seven men so that their bravery could be remembered by future generations. He assured that all available resources would be mobilised to provide medical care to the injured and to restore water access in the affected areas.
On July 22, a flood triggered by heavy downpour in the Danyore Nullah damaged at least 12 houses in Gilgit’s Chilmish area. The flash flood also destroyed four water channels, depriving nearly 50,000 residents of drinking and irrigation water.
The minister vowed that the federal government would stand by the affected communities and expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts as per the prime minister’s directives.
Officials brief minister on damages
During his visit, Mr Muqam was accompanied by Gilgit-Baltistan’s former chief minister Hafeezur Rehman and ex-legislator Dr Muhammad Iqbal, who briefed him on the scale of destruction caused by floods in Manogah Nullah.
Earlier, the minister visited the Provincial Emergency Control Room in Gilgit, where Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) Director General and Interior Secretary Ali Asghar presented details of the affected areas and ongoing relief operations.
Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza and other senior officials also submitted comprehensive reports on the flood situation. Mr Muqam lauded the administration’s efforts and directed that immediate relief be ensured for the affected population.
