Ferozewala: Flooding worsens as breach in embankment cuts off communities

Rescue operations by Rescue 1122, Alkhidmat Foundation and welfare wing of Pakistan Markazi Muslim League are underway. The volunteers are evacuating women, children and elderly folks using boats. Relief teams are also distributing ready-made meals, dry rations, clean drinking water and other essentials.

A temporary relief and medical camp has also been set up to distribute free medicines, first aid, drinking water and food. The group claimed thus far it has moved some 2,000 people to safer locations.

Officials said they were employing drones to monitor the water situation but residents criticised officials for not giving them enough warning. The damage may have been far less if the seasonal drains were desilted earlier and encroachments eliminated, they claimed.

Locals also alleged no top government or administrative officials had visited the destroyed towns, and said relief operations had been primarily undertaken by charitable organisations and emergency agencies.

The Meteorological Department has predicted more monsoon rain and residents are afraid that the situation may develop further if the already flooded areas are again hit by a heavy spell of rain.